Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) is a very common disease, which is characterized by premature death of the scalp cells and the subsequent formation of the so-called snow (white scales) and constant itching. This problem can occur in both women and men, but to a greater extent the disease affects a strong half of humanity. What are the causes of dandruff in men? You can find answers to this and many other questions in this article.
Causes of seborrheic dermatitis
They can be very diverse. However, the most common cause of dandruff in men is damage to the scalp by pathogens - fungi. Their distribution leads to disruption of the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for the production of sebum, which provides reliable protection of the skin.
When a fungus appears on the skin, the intensity of the sebaceous glands increases, which begin to produce a specific secret, which is a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms. This is where dandruff appears.
It is not recommended to fight dermatitis on your own - most attempts lead to a zero or temporary result. Only a qualified dermatologist can choose a special anti-dandruff medicine.
Interesting Facts
Before finding out the causes of dandruff in men, it is worth getting acquainted with several interesting facts.
- According to statistics, seborrheic dermatitis is most often found in young people aged 14 to 25 years.
- The anatomist and histologist Louis Charles Malassé from France in 1874, using a microscope, found a fungus in the composition of white scales, which caused one of the causes of dandruff in men and women.
- 90% of people who have dandruff have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
- Every second person in the world at least once in a life has personally experienced seborrheic dermatitis.
What causes dandruff? To understand the nature of its origin, it is worth getting to know the functions of the scalp and its features.
The functions of the skin
The skin serves as a barrier that protects the body from the penetration of pathogens from the outside. Its main functions are:
- thermoregulation - heat is generated and absorbed;
- protection - skin integument reliably protects the human body from destructive environmental factors;
- metabolism - sweat, sebum and other decay products are released through the skin;
- breathing - using the same skin, carbon dioxide is released and oxygen is absorbed.
In addition, the skin can absorb various medicinal and cosmetic preparations (resorption function), as well as produce T-lymphocytes to fight infection that has entered the body (immune function of the skin).
What causes dandruff?
There may be several reasons:
- hormonal failure in the body - this provokes the intensive work of the sebaceous glands, which, in turn, entails the appearance of dandruff;
- frequent consumption of too hot food - hot food provokes a rush of blood to the stomach, which also affects the intensity of the sebaceous glands;
- heavy food - everything spicy, fried, smoked and hot contributes to the intensive production of sebum;
- stress - paradoxical as it may seem, but nervous shocks also increase the productivity of the sebaceous glands.
These and some other factors contribute to the intensive production of sebum, which is a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms, that is, for seborrheic dermatitis. There are many effective remedies for dandruff, but only a dermatologist can choose the best option.
Hormonal imbalance
The scalp consists of sebaceous and sweat glands, hair follicles. The glands produce the so-called lubricant (sebum), which contributes to the natural exfoliation of dead skin particles. An increase in the group of hormones produced by the ovaries and testes (androgens) leads to intensive production of sebum. These violations lead to the fact that this secret becomes more viscous.
As a result, keratinized particles of the skin stick together, but do not fall off. Subsequently, they exfoliate whole layers, which is dandruff. In turn, this can lead to the development of a more serious disease - seborrhea, the symptoms of which are:
- itching of the scalp;
- unaesthetic rashes on the skin of red color, which can be connected together and covered with dry scales;
- hair loss;
- purulent formations on the scalp.
Other reasons for the development of seborrhea can be: stressful situations, endocrine system diseases, the presence of chronic diseases, gastrointestinal problems, etc.
Fungal skin lesions
Whatever the most effective anti-dandruff remedy, its effect will not bring a positive result if the cause of dandruff is not eliminated. The most common cause is damage to the scalp due to fungal infections. It is because of their appearance that a protective reaction begins - the intensive production of sebum. This starts the rejection process. This process makes it difficult to exfoliate the scales from the surface of the skin, which leads to the formation of dandruff.
Many are interested in what helps with dandruff. Several recipes of traditional medicine will be considered a little later, but for now we will continue to deal with the mechanism of formation of seborrheic dermatitis.
As a rule, fungi live on the surface of the scalp (normally 45% of the fungal flora). However, in case of disruption of the sebaceous glands, this figure may increase to 70%. When certain conditions appear, the fungi begin to multiply intensively. Then they are covered with sebum and dead skin flakes, which leads to the formation of plaques, which, in turn, cause severe itching and an increase in the amount of dandruff.
What helps with dandruff?
As already mentioned, self-treatment is unlikely to lead to a positive result. Even if it does, it will only be a short-term effect. To date, the beauty industry is ready to offer a wide range of drugs against seborrheic dermatitis. You can endlessly choose shampoos, masks, serums and sprays, but it is best to contact a qualified specialist who will help not only get rid of flakes, but also determine the cause of the disease.
Contrary to popular belief and advertisers, the best dandruff shampoo for men is far from always up to the task. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis should be comprehensive.
- The use of systemic drugs for oral administration.
- The use of medical and cosmetic products.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures.
Many people mistakenly believe that ignoring the problem is not so scary. This is actually not the case. Dandruff must be treated. Currently, there are many shampoos, masks, balms, serums and other drugs for men who regularly find dandruff on their shoulders. One of them is Heden Sholders Dandruff for Men. Reviews indicate that this series of cosmetic products effectively fights symptoms, but does not relieve the causes of seborrheic dermatitis.
Treatment
How to cure dandruff on the head in men? This question is asked by everyone who is tired of struggling with an obvious problem. First of all, it is necessary to determine the cause of the development of skin disease. A qualified dermatologist can do this. Treatment can only be complex: the use of antifungal or antihistamines, as well as the use of cosmetics.
Ointments, sprays and shampoos against dandruff can be purchased at pharmacies in the city. What should I look for when choosing a drug? On their composition. Effective tools should include:
- one of the antifungal components (it can be zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole);
- keratolytics (the same lactic or salicylic acid);
- ichthyol, sulfur or tar (these components have antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects).
You can not get rid of dandruff right away. As a rule, the use of special shampoos for several months leads to a positive result. In folk medicine, there are many tips. So, for example, apple cider vinegar for dandruff. Recipes and reviews are for informational purposes only. You can only find out how effective apple cider vinegar is in a practical way. Here's a real recipe for a drug from the people: mix 200 ml of boiled water and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, apply the mask to clean hair and leave for 30 minutes, then rinse.
A good hair mask, which includes burdock oil and apple cider vinegar. It is not difficult to prepare it: mix 200 ml of boiled water and equal parts (2 tablespoons) of the above components. The mixture is applied to the scalp and left for 40 minutes.
General recommendations
Everyone knows that any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Dandruff is no exception. To maintain hygiene of the scalp, some recommendations should be followed.
- Have your own comb, hair towel. Do not give anyone their hats and, accordingly, do not try on other people's hats.
- Keep clean all those things that touch the skin of the head.
- Select medical and cosmetic preparations in accordance with the type of hair.
- Wash your hair with water at room temperature.
- From time to time, use drugs that have a prophylactic effect.
High-quality and balanced nutrition plays an important role in the prevention of many skin diseases, including dandruff.
Preventive actions
Strengthening immunity is the most important tip that will help prevent the development of many diseases. Poor functioning of the immune system in combination with stressful situations can lead to intensive work of the sebaceous glands, which, in turn, leads to the formation of dandruff.
Therefore, it is worth more often to relax, go to the sea and eat right. Of course, no one cancels the observance of basic hygiene rules. In addition to the causes of dandruff, there are certain risk factors.
- The cold season. Fungal microorganisms multiply well in a humid environment that forms under the headgear.
- Oily skin.
- Mature age. Statistics indicate that most often dandruff appears in men aged 30 to 35 years.
It is scientifically proven that people leading a healthy lifestyle are much less likely to experience dandruff. And this means that proper nutrition, rejection of bad habits and regular hygiene are the key to healthy skin and beautiful hair.