BTN News: Headaches, digestive issues and sleep disturbances are common physical manifestations of global mental health concerns such as anxiety and stress that impacts millions. But one commonly overlooked effect is that they can actually affect scalp health. Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis) disease involving the scalp, causing scaliness, scouring, and intermittent redness of the skin and, from time to time, of the hair-exports as well, can happen in light of proliferation of the yeast-like organism Pityrosporum Ovale. Dr. Renu Jadhav (Dermatologist consultant with Resolute Clinic )infers “Mood disorders have often being co-related to solid[to severe] dandruff, bringing to light the important link between mental and scalp care.
The Stress-Scalp Connection
Dr. Rashmi Aderao, a dermatologist, says, As such, anxiety and stress can trigger dandruff as they are linked to both as neurological factors so dandruff just provides another reason to manage stress and anxiety. Hormonal changes in the body occur as a result of stress and anxiety, especially increased cortisol levels. Consultant psychologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Rucha Divekar, says, Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, disrupts balance of bodily systems including the skin. The scalp (which is skin in the end) also gets affected.
This vicious cycle of anxiety-induced dandruff leads to more stress, which again is the cause of dandruff in the first place. As Dr Aderao explains, “Most of these patients must be stressed or anxious from inside if they have scalp conditions. Hence, to provide holistic care, one will often have to refer patients to psychologists.
Psychological and Physio-science Mechanisms
Anxiety and dandruff are also challenging to address because they work on both psychological and physiological levels. Divekar added, “Mental health and physical health are two sides of the same coin.” Uncontrolled cortisol encourages increased skin issues, which include OCD and psoriasis.
The body’s inflammatory response is critical at a physiological level. Dr Jadhav says dandruff usually starts at puberty and peaks between the ages of 20 and 30, when a person is under a lot of stress remarked by aggravated levels of sebum. This is only natural as heat buildup and sweating, which are symptoms of anxiety and stress, are perfect conditions for dandruff development and scalp infections.
Solutions and Management
It is essential that anxiety and stress are able to cause the same negative effects on our scalps, as in one is often always coupled with the other one, hence understanding this relationship will helps in management. Divekar explains the principle psycho-dermatology, which endures the unity between mind and skin. They also provide personalized mental health based on a holistic approach which helps them to manage their mental health and scalp related issues much more effectively.
For the treatment perspective, Dr. Jadhav suggests shampooing methodology in which shampooing alternated between mild shampoos and medicated shampoos thrice a week. It is one of the few on my list that contains key ingredients, one of which you should look for 2% ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide. For extreme dandruff, consult with a dermatologist.
