Do we really have more dandruff during confinement?
Containment does not spare our scalp. Fatigue, stress and anxiety are all factors that can promote the appearance of dandruff.
Containment could have been a boon for the health of our hair, less exposed to outdoor pollution. And yet. We sometimes see the resurgence of dandruff, these small whitish particles that sometimes detach from our scalp to adorn on our shoulders. Stress, sebum treatments, chronic pathologies… How to explain this phenomenon? We take stock with @weeklywoo, dermatologist.
There are two kinds of dandruff
Dandruff, or dander, is the result of natural scaling of the scalp. "But they become pathological in some cases, when they proliferate excessively," says the dermatologist. These scalp fragments appear at the level of the roots affect all types of hair. There are, however, two kinds: dry dandruff (most common), which often fall off on their own, and oily, yellowish dandruff that sticks to the scalp. Without apparent gravity, they can become unsightly and uncomfortable, as they are accompanied by itching or scalp irritation.
Seborrheic dermatitis: the most common cause of dandruff
Most often, the abnormal multiplication of dandruff is the consequence of skin conditions: dermatoses. The most common being seborrheic dermatitis (observed in 2% to 5% of the population), linked to the proliferation of yeasts from the Malassezia family. These microorganisms naturally present on our skin feed on sebum and develop "at the level of the scalp, but also of the face and the upper part of the body", recalls @weeklywoo.
In the case of seborrheic dermatitis, we find the presence of red plaques covered with more or less oily dandruff on the scalp, but also on the top of the forehead, the wings of the nose, the eyebrows, the eyelashes or the back of the ears. They manifest themselves chronically, with relapses interspersed with periods of remission. The anxiety-provoking climate and the fatigue accumulated in recent weeks do not help matters.
Why sebum treatment is not a good idea
"Containment change our habits and our lifestyle. We may tend to wash their hair less frequently. But in fact, the sebum builds up on the scalp and promotes the growth of yeasts that thrive in a hot environment, wet and oily, "insists @weeklywoo.
Consequently, "the sebum cures to which some lend invigorating virtues are likely to cause more dander. Dead cells and sebum lead above all to the proliferation of microorganisms and dandruff", notes the dermatologist who recalls that seborrheic dermatitis are mainly located in the sebum-rich areas on the upper part of the body.
Reminder: "Washing your hair does not cause premature hair loss. In reality, washing only removes dead hair that would fall out anyway due to the hair cycle."
Stress, fatigue and anxiety lead to an overproduction of sebum
Hygiene is not the only factor multiplying dandruff: " Fatigue, stress, anxiety or overwork can lead to an overproduction of sebum, which causes seborrheic dermatitis, but also acne breakouts", specifies the dermatologist. These factors are not directly responsible for the appearance of dandruff, but they can weaken our immune defenses and sometimes lead to inflammation of the scalp which accentuates their formation.
How to get rid of dandruff?
Depending on your hair type, space the shampoos more or less and make sure to rinse your hair well after washing;
Limit brushing, coloring or the use of a hair dryer at too high a temperature, which attack the scalp;
Limit the use of styling gels, sprays or hairspray;
Limit sebum treatments which will only aggravate the phenomenon;
Use shampoo or dandruff treatments, available commercially.
However, if the dandruff persists or multiplies, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist to agree on an appropriate treatment. In case of proven seborrheic dermatitis, @weeklywoo recommends the use of specific antifungal medicated shampoos, available on medical prescription in the form of sachets or bottles. "These shampoos will regulate excess sebum and slow down the proliferation of yeasts, but it is not possible to make them disappear completely in the long term," insists the dermatologist.