Dry and oily dandruff: main differences and methods of combating

Adviсe

• Dry dandruff: causes
• Oily dandruff: causes
• Treatment of dry and oily dandruff
• Choosing an anti-dandruff shampoo
• Physiotherapy in the fight against dandruff
• Masks for treating dandruff at home

Dandruff is characterized by an increased rate of shedding of epidermal particles. White scales appear on the hair and scalp in combination with itching. In fact, this disease is not dangerous to human life and the general condition of the body. Rather, dandruff is an unpleasant phenomenon that prevents you from looking aesthetically attractive.

It is difficult to completely cure dandruff, but it is quite possible to control it. Television advertisements are full of offers for shampoos that supposedly get rid of dandruff. In reality, they only slow down its development. To combat dandruff, it is more advisable to use specific health-improving shampoos.

In addition to itching, white-yellow dandruff flakes are accompanied by dullness and lifelessness of the curls. Dandruff can indicate a number of diseases, as well as a lack of specific vitamins. Dandruff indicates psychological overstrain and excess stress in life. You need to know about the types and features of dandruff treatment, as it can cause hair loss.

Oily or dry?

The human body is covered with many sebaceous glands. They are found in large numbers on the neck, back, and face. But on the feet and palms they are completely absent. They are also present on the scalp and other parts of the body.

Dry dandruff is easily recognizable. The scales, as a rule, are small in size and easily separated, so the hair looks as if it is powdered. In most cases, they are located in the parietal and frontal areas of the head or over its entire surface, less often - in the form of separate foci. Dry seborrhea occurs mainly in men and women, who often act chemically on the hair. Hair becomes brittle, splits, and constantly falls out. The scalp becomes very flaky and as it becomes dirty, itching occurs, which subsides after washing the hair.

In the photo she looks like this.

At the same time, there is such a thing as the physiological manifestation of dry dandruff. It occurs approximately once a month for 1-2 days and is absolutely normal. This is how the process of epidermis renewal manifests itself.

Oily seborrhea often develops in women suffering from hormonal imbalance. Also observed in adolescents during puberty. It is characterized by an untidy appearance - the hair seems wet and sticky, and becomes dirty within a day. The strands stick together and look weighed down. The scales are large, saturated with sebaceous secretions. Women with oily dandruff often experience rashes in the form of rosacea on the face, as well as severe sweating with a pungent odor.

In the photo, oily seborrhea looks like this.

Mixed seborrhea also occurs. In this case, the hair becomes either too oily or too dry with a lot of flakes. Mixed seborrhea is characterized by dry seborrheic dermatitis in the head area and oily seborrheic dermatitis in the back area, or vice versa. Both problems cause discomfort.

Here's the difference between oily dandruff and dry dandruff: the first makes the hair wet and shiny, the second makes it dry and brittle.

Although, to accurately determine the type of seborrhea, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist or trichologist. Only a doctor can correctly determine the type of seborrhea.

A complication of the disease is baldness, which begins with increased hair loss. In this case, there are frequent cases of focal baldness, that is, the formation of bald spots.

How to understand whether dandruff is oily or dry? To understand, you should study the photo above. But it is better to seek advice from a specialist.

Who is susceptible to the disease

According to doctors, people in the following categories are more susceptible to seborrhea:

1. Over the age of 30. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in people aged 30 to 55 years with impaired local (nonspecific) immunity and the presence of chronic diseases.
2. Men. Damage to the scalp is most often diagnosed in men, because some of them have increased levels of sex hormones (androgens) in the blood. The skin of the face and scalp of the stronger sex is thicker than that of women and richer in sebaceous glands. Therefore, sebum production in these areas is significant.
3. With oily skin type. Increased fat content can contribute to the development of one of the forms of the disease.
4. Constantly under stressful conditions. A person’s psycho-emotional state is directly reflected in his skin and hair. People experiencing emotional stress are more likely to experience seborrhea.

Errors in choosing hair or skin care products also often cause problems with sebum production. The disease is encountered by people who do not have the habit of washing their hair regularly. Another reason may be the incorrect selection of shampoo (it should not contain alkalis).

Oily seborrhea. Forms

Having figured out how to determine whether dandruff is dry or oily, let's move on to the varieties of the latter. When it appears, the hair seems constantly wet and by the end of the day it sticks together in unkempt clumps, it has an unhealthy shine. Severe itching and increased hair loss are possible. In extreme cases, this can lead to baldness. In the absence of proper treatment, there is a risk of developing furunculosis and abscess. Sebaceous cysts also often appear on the skin, which look like white point formations.

With a thick form of oily seborrhea, there is an expansion of the mouths of the sebaceous glands, which is expressed in a grayish-brown tint of the scalp. In patients suffering from this form of the disease, the secretion of the sebaceous glands and exfoliating epidermal cells form oily, thick dandruff, which clogs the excretory glandular ducts and sticks to the hair. If you squeeze the mouth of the follicle, a viscous secretion is observed. It is also possible to form an atheroma - an epidermal cyst filled with a liquid of a pasty consistency. Atheromas can become inflamed and cause suppuration. This condition manifests itself in increased body temperature and hyperemia of the affected skin area. After opening the lesion, a scar remains.

A thick form of oily seborrhea often occurs in males during adolescence, but goes away by the age of 25-28. In most cases, it does not lead to baldness, but can cause the development of furunculosis.

Main differences with examples

To understand how to distinguish dry dandruff from oily dandruff, you should consider several examples.

Liquid dandruff. Distinctive features: increased skin greasiness, large horny scales adherent to the epidermis and hair shafts

The main distinguishing feature of liquid seborrhea is increased oiliness of the scalp. Even if against the background of greasy skin there are small scales that do not stick together and look like thick dandruff, this is not so. It’s just that the disease is not yet sufficiently advanced, and the lack of treatment will sooner or later lead to its characteristic appearance.

Thick dandruff: finely scaly flaking, normal greasiness, scales do not fit tightly to the epidermis

Advice: To avoid further development of the disease, you should consult a doctor even if the white scales do not cause severe discomfort. The disease at the beginning of its development is easiest to treat.

What are the reasons?

In women, dry type dandruff most often occurs due to frequent coloring, curling, and the use of curling irons. The main role in the development of dry seborrhea of ​​the scalp is played by the yeast-like fungi Malassezia Furfur/Pityrosporum Ovale, which are permanent inhabitants of the skin. With a decrease in immunity, their number increases, which leads to seborrhea. However, it can also be a consequence of:

• metabolic disorders;
• dermatosis;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• hormonal imbalance;
• lack of vitamins;
• taking antibiotics;
• stress, constant nervous tension.

The cause of dry dandruff can be the wrong choice of cosmetics - the wrong shampoo quickly dries out the scalp. Too hard water also causes dandruff.

Oily dandruff occurs due to the activation of the yeast-like fungus Pityrosporum ovale. Oily dandruff can also appear with the above-mentioned conditions and diseases. However, in addition to this, seborrhea of ​​this type occurs when:

• epilepsy and other diseases affecting the central nervous system;
• constant fatigue;
• cardiovascular dystonia;
• reduced immunity;
• excessive air humidity;
• insufficient hygiene;
• errors in nutrition;
• heredity.

The strongest trigger for the appearance of seborrhea is stress. It reduces the body's immune response, which causes active proliferation of yeast-like fungi.

The relationship between the consumption of sweets and dry dandruff and oily dandruff has also been proven. These are harmful carbohydrates that activate the sebaceous glands. With this diagnosis, it is generally important to avoid fried, fatty and salty foods. Avoid salts and seasonings. It is also recommended to give up alcohol.

Doctors say that both dry dandruff and oily dandruff are a reflection of the work of our body. If you lead a healthy lifestyle, eat regularly and don’t forget to take care of your skin, then you won’t have such a problem.

Reasons for appearance

Today, medicine does not know exactly the causes of the disease. It is believed that the disease is associated with a genetic predisposition and is more likely to affect people with oily skin. The main factors causing pathology include:

• Hormonal imbalance, change in the correct ratio of male and female hormones;
• Psychological shocks and stress that contribute to intense sebum production;
• Gastrointestinal diseases;
• Deficiency of vitamins “A” and “B”;
• Diet errors;
• Physical overexertion;
• Problems with the endocrine system;
• Paying insufficient attention to personal hygiene issues.

Clinical studies have confirmed that seborrhea of ​​the scalp is caused by a yeast-like fungus (pytyrosporus fungus, malacesia). Normally, it lives on the skin of a healthy person as a saprophyte. However, when favorable conditions are created for its reproduction, the body’s protective function decreases, and the immune system loses the ability to control the growth of opportunistic fungi, which leads to an increase in the number of fungal colonies and seborrhea.

How to quickly get rid of dry dandruff?

Olga Green, a dermatologist at the Saco chain of British salons, claims that the problem can be eliminated. To do this, after coloring your hair, she advises using anti-dandruff shampoo “Dixidox De Luxe” No. 2.1. In a duet with Antidandruff Lotion of the same brand, the shampoo will help eliminate fine dry dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis in record time. It is not cheap, but the results are amazing and very long lasting.

Peels are very effective. Salons offer several types of mechanical peelings based on acids and abrasive particles. However, you can carry out an equally effective procedure at home. Today, in many beauty salons you can purchase professional peelings based on AHA acids. Exfoliating products are available in the form of gels, mousses, and creams.

At home, you can prepare a scrub based on sea salt. It is mixed in equal proportions with warm water and enriched with a few drops of essential oils. An ideal choice for seborrhea would be eucalyptus and tea tree esters, which effectively act on the fungus that causes seborrhea. It is recommended to apply the composition to damp hair and gently massage the scalp in a circular motion for 15 minutes. Then rinse the composition with water and wash your hair with shampoo, in which a teaspoon of food water was previously mixed.

Diagnosis of the disease

A specialist can make a diagnosis of oily seborrhea based on diagnostic examination methods.

Diagnostic methods:

• Examination of the patient;
• Blood chemistry;
• Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland;
• Laboratory blood test for hormone levels.

When the first signs of oily seborrhea appear, you should visit the following doctors:

• Endocrinologist;
• Neurologist;
• Andrologist or gynecologist;
• Dermatologist.

Shampoos for dry seborrhea

When treating seborrhea, shampoos are one of the most popular. They contain antifungal and exfoliating ingredients. The treatment regimen is standard: they need to be used twice a week for a month, then the frequency of use is reduced to once every two weeks. This is maintenance therapy to prevent the reappearance of dry seborrhea.

Sebopirox-911 is a real panacea for those who want to get rid of seborrhea by suppressing the activity of the fungus that causes it. It has a moisturizing effect, exfoliates dead skin without disturbing the natural protective layer. It is worth noting that the reviews about it are positive, and the price is very affordable. Sold in pharmacies. Some women also used it for oily seborrhea.

Dercos from Vichy - shampoo against dry dandruff. The product restores the structure of intercellular cement, suppresses fungal activity, strengthens curls, making them smoother and shiny. Its cost is up to 1,000 rubles. However, it is worth considering that the product is not suitable for everyone.

"Friderm-tar" helps with atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, itching, lichen and psoriasis. It contains tar, which has an antifungal effect and removes a layer of keratinized epidermis and fat from the surface of the skin.

Drug treatment of seborrhea on the face

Very often, oily seborrhea of ​​the facial skin is treated with special antibacterial and antifungal ointments and creams. Such preparations may include vitamin complexes, antibiotics, and antifungal substances. A common cream against oily seborrhea is the drug Lamisil. It has antifungal and antibacterial effects. The product has a fast action against yeast fungi and pathogenic microorganisms: staphylococci, streptococci.

Lamisil cream should be applied up to 2 times a day in a thin layer to the affected areas. Very rarely, the product can provoke a mild allergic reaction. This happens due to individual intolerance to individual components of the drug. It is important to know that this cream is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and in children under 12 years of age.

Popular creams include:

1. Elidel cream. The cream is approved for use even by children from the age of three months. Used to treat dry, oily and mixed seborrhea. The cream relieves skin inflammation, itching and redness.
2. Flucinar gel (ointment). The course of treatment with this type of ointment is recommended for 2 weeks. Quickly eliminates the inflammatory process on the facial skin due to seborrhea. The drug should be applied twice a day.
3. Advantan ointment. Has high performance. Within a few minutes after application, itching and redness of the affected areas of the facial skin disappear. Long-term use of this ointment is prohibited, as it can cause skin pigmentation.
4. Nizoral ointment. It is famous for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. You only need to use the ointment once a day. The course of treatment is prescribed only by a doctor. It can last from 10 to 20 days. After the visible symptoms of seborrhea disappear, you need to use the ointment for another 3-4 days.

Oily dandruff. Treatment

Do you suffer from oily dandruff? What to do? In this case, doctors prescribe antifungal drugs such as Zincteral, Clotrimazole, zinc, salicylic and sulfur ointments.

In order to get rid of oily dandruff (temporarily) in record time, it is recommended to add lemon juice and warm water to sea salt, then thoroughly rub the mixture into the scalp until the salt crystals dissolve. Then wash your hair with shampoo. This will help quickly eliminate dandruff for a while.

In order to get rid of it completely, you will need to systematically use anti-dandruff shampoo and medications.

Shampoos and ointments

So, how to treat oily dandruff? It is somewhat more difficult to get rid of it than dry skin, but everything is possible if desired. The main thing is not to give up on what you have achieved.

"Ducre Squanorm" helps against oily dandruff. Normalizes sebum secretion, reduces irritation, stimulates exfoliation of dead cells. The shampoo contains kertiol, which has an antifungal effect and quickly eliminates the causes of oily dandruff, as well as redness and itching. Gives healthy shine and fullness to hair.

"Mikozoral" has a fungicidal effect and is effective against most fungi, staphylococci and streptococci. Adverse reactions may occur in the form of increased symptoms, which is a signal to discontinue the shampoo.

Sulsena produces three types of products for dandruff on the head: paste, peeling and shampoo. They normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and suppress pathogenic microflora.

At the first stage of oily seborrhea, it is also recommended to use Bifon lotion 2-3 times a week.

Among the medications you can use without a doctor's prescription:

• salicylic ointment destroys the fungus;
• zinc is used for healing, drying, and has an antiseptic effect; to avoid drying out the skin, it is recommended to combine it with essential oils;
• sulfur ointment is used in advanced cases;
• Soderm is used 2-3 times a week, applied to the affected areas.

Possible complications

Without proper treatment, the disease will progress, which will lead to complications in the future. Among the possible negative consequences of untreated oily seborrheic dermatitis, experts highlight:

• complete or partial baldness;
• dermatitis and eczema;
• chronic acne and furunculosis;
• the appearance of pigment spots on the skin;
• addition of a secondary infection;
• deterioration in the functioning of the glands that are responsible for the secretion of sebum.

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is easy to treat and does not pose a particular danger to human life, but it negatively affects its appearance and is perceived as a cosmetic defect.

To quickly get rid of the disease, immediately after identifying the first symptoms of the pathology, you should contact a dermatologist and follow his recommendations.

Traditional methods for treating oily dandruff

Our grandmothers also got rid of the problem with the following means:

1. Fresh citrus juice should be mixed with warm water in a 1:1 ratio, rubbed into the scalp and washed off after a quarter of an hour with shampoo.
2. You will need equal amounts of lemon, mayonnaise, honey, castor oil and aloe juice. Stir and add 1-2 chopped garlic cloves. The head should be insulated with a towel, and after 40 minutes the composition should be washed off with shampoo. The mask will also enhance hair growth.
3. Buy dried calendula flowers at the pharmacy. Pour a tablespoon of raw material with 2 cups of boiling water and leave to brew. Then apply the liquid to the scalp and warm with a towel. There is no need to wash off the infusion.
4. Vinegar is an excellent remedy for oily dandruff. Apple bite normalizes the pH of the scalp, removes residue from styling products, has an antifungal effect, prevents hair loss and improves its appearance. Many women also use regular 9% vinegar to rinse their hair (add a tablespoon to a bowl of water). However, it does slightly dry out the scalp.

Alternative treatment for oily seborrhea

Doctors often prescribe vitamin therapy. For dandruff on the head, it is important to maintain the required level of vitamins A, E, D and group B. Vitamin complexes are often prescribed that stimulate the immune system. For example, “Alphabet”, “Vitrum”, “Duovit” and others.

Those who are not afraid of injections can be prescribed mesotherapy. The injections contain vitamins and amino acids.

However, remember that if the reasons lie in hormonal imbalance, gastrointestinal diseases and other internal disorders, then these measures will only temporarily eliminate seborrhea. However, she will soon return again. Therefore, it is extremely important to determine the root causes of this disease.

Lotions for dry and oily seborrhea

Olga Green also recommends using lotions. Let's look at the most effective moisturizers that can quickly and effectively get rid of dry dandruff and oily dandruff.

Yves Rocher anti-seborrhea lotion contains pomegranate, which is very beneficial for the scalp. It eliminates itching and inflammation, helps normalize pH, and has a pronounced antiseptic effect. Consists mainly of plant extracts. Its average cost reaches 600 rubles.

Anti-Dandruff Lotion Subrina Professional anti-dandruff lotion is an effective remedy that helps fight itching and inflammation. It moisturizes the skin and normalizes its Ph. Octopirox not only fights dandruff, but also helps prevent its reappearance. Tea tree oil has a disinfecting effect.