Seborrhea.

Published 10/07/2009

22 Votes

What is seborrhea?

It is a hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands of the scalp, which excessively oils the hair and scalp, it is both a cosmetic and a dermatological problem.

In some cases it is closely linked to dandruff and in others, mainly when it becomes chronic, it can be an early symptom of a possible seborrheic alopecia.

It can present together with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, in which there is an inflammatory process with a fine scaling of waxy appearance.

Hair oiled by this sebaceous secretion becomes shiny, sticky, heavy, difficult to comb and easily accumulates dirt. Frequently, the sebum undergoes oxidative processes which generate bad smells.

The secretion of sebum is low during infancy, elevated during puberty, reaching its maximum level in adulthood, to then decrease with old age.

There are various internal and external causes which alter the natural mechanism of sebaceous secretions, leading to seborrhoea, these causes are:

Internal causes:

1. Hormonal factors: The production of sebum on the part of the sebaceous glands has a strong dependence on hormones, with androgens being the main hormones responsible. The most important is testosterone, which prior to reaching the pilosebaceous follicle and stimulating the sebaceous secretion must transform into the active form of the hormone which is 5-dihydrotestosterone, due to the action of the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. ACTH also influences the sebaceous gland.
2. Imbalance of the nervous system.
3. Unbalanced diet: diet too rich in lipids and carbohydrates.
4. Certain pharmacological treatments: to reduce cholesterol, antibiotics and diuretics.

External causes:

1. Excessively degreasing shampoos: the use of these shampoos either due to the active principles they present or the tensioactive agents incorporated therein or a combination thereof, may generate a rebound effect which increases sebaceous secretion on the scalp.
2. Energetic manipulations: Their daily effect on the hair (friction using the fingers, brushing, combing) is responsible for the sebum unattractively oiling the whole hair.
3. Environmental contamination and pollution.

Solution for seborrhoea:

To cure seborrhoea, the hair must be kept clean. The hair must be washed frequently and with a shampoo which is suitable for each individual.  In cases of oily hair accompanied by hair thinning, daily washing is recommended, to reduce the sebum on the surface of the scalp as this contains elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone and testosterone (masculine hormones) which could be reabsorbed and affect the hair follicle.

We have our own technology and dermatological products that will solve your seborrheic problem.

© Medios Especializados

Rise