What Are the Causes and Treatment Methods for Excessive Dandruff?

Having a lot of dandruff is a common issue in daily life, and it can be particularly troublesome for some people. Even after switching shampoo and trying various methods to manage it, there may still be no improvement. When dealing with dandruff, it is important to understand the underlying causes. Generally, these causes are related to metabolism, diet, and poor hair hygiene. Let's take a closer look at the reasons for excessive dandruff and some methods to address it.

There are two main forms of dandruff. One is caused by an excessive amount of sebum and dirt mixed together, which dries and forms into flakes. The other is caused by the shedding of dead skin cells on the surface of the scalp. The primary culprit is bacteria. Under normal conditions, naturally occurring dandruff is not easily noticeable. However, when the scalp's metabolism is too fast or the cell maturation process is incomplete, it can lead to a build-up of dead skin cells. At this point, Malassezia fungi, which feed on dead skin cells, proliferate and cause the shedding of dead skin, resulting in flaky dandruff.

Excessive oil production is also a factor. Many people are concerned about having oily skin and being bothered by excessive oil on their faces. However, the sebaceous glands on the scalp are more numerous and produce more oil than those on the face, making it a more significant concern. Sebum serves as a good medium for the growth of dandruff-causing bacteria. Dirty hair and excessive oil provide an ideal environment for the production of dandruff and are also breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi.

Itchy scalp can be very annoying. Dandruff, resembling snowflakes, can scatter on hair and shoulders, giving an unattractive and unclean appearance. This is a common and frustrating issue in our daily lives.

Firstly, maintain good scalp hygiene. Regularly wash your hair with warm water, usually once a week, and more frequently if necessary, such as every 3-4 days. Avoid using strongly alkaline soap when washing your hair as it can stimulate the keratinization of scalp epithelial cells, leading to the production of dandruff. Instead, use sulfur soap or shampoo.

Secondly, brush your hair regularly. Brushing your hair 2-3 times a day, especially in the morning and evening, can promote blood circulation in the scalp, increase hair nutrition, and facilitate hair growth while reducing the keratinization of scalp epithelial cells.

Lastly, quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and avoid spicy and fatty foods. When experiencing itching, avoid scratching vigorously or scraping with sharp objects.