Oily Dandruff Explained: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

General
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Oily dandruff (also called seborrheic dermatitis when it’s more severe) happens when excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells, creating yellowish , greasy flakes that stick to the scalp and hair. It often comes with itching, irritation, and sometimes redness.

Causes of Oily Dandruff

  • Excess sebum production → makes flakes stick instead of falling off.

  • Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast → thrives in oily scalp, triggering inflammation.

  • Hormonal imbalance (commonly in teens and young adults).

  • Stress, poor diet, or weakened immunity can worsen it.

  • Improper hair care (infrequent washing, harsh products).

Symptoms

  • Greasy, yellowish-white flakes.

  • Scalp itching and irritation.

  • Redness or soreness (in severe cases).

  • May spread to eyebrows, beard, or sides of the nose.

Management & Treatment

:white_check_mark: Medicated shampoos (used 2–3 times per week)

  • Zinc pyrithione (anti-yeast, anti-bacterial)

  • Ketoconazole (anti-fungal)

  • Selenium sulfide (reduces yeast + slows skin turnover)

  • Salicylic acid (removes scales)

  • Coal tar (slows skin cell production)

:white_check_mark: Lifestyle & Care Tips

  • Wash hair regularly with a mild shampoo.

  • Avoid excessive oiling (worsens oily dandruff).

  • Manage stress and sleep properly.

  • Eat a balanced diet (rich in zinc, B vitamins, omega-3).

  • Avoid scratching scalp (can cause infection)

MBH/PS

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Informative..

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An interesting topic to discuss, as many women and men suffer from this condition. It is not harmful, but it can cause acne on the face. This information is true.

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This is a great way to summarise it. Also for some people dandruff comes and goes in cycles. So, it is also important to change and use the hair products according to that.

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Thank you for sharing! currently i am facing dandruff and i can totally relate to this topic.

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