What Causes an Oily Scalp, and How Do I Treat It?
What Causes an Oily Scalp, and How Do I Treat It?
Everyone’s scalp can get a little oily sometimes. But a little oil is OK! Oil (sebum) helps protect and support healthy hair.
But an abnormally oily scalp can feel like a problem if it makes your hair feel greasy or dirty all the time. And an oily scalp can also sometimes happen along with other symptoms that may be signs of a skin disorder.
Let’s get into what can cause an oily scalp and some of its accompanying symptoms, how to treat these causes at home, and what to do if none of your home remedies are working.
Here are some of the most common causes of an oily scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that irritates and inflames your skin. Pink, scaly areas of skin develop in areas with a lot of oil glands, including the scalp. It’s also known as dandruff.
It can result from an allergic reaction or be a symptom of an autoimmune condition. It’s not a serious condition. Home treatments can often treat or manage it.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches to appear on your scalp.
Both of these conditions are disorders related to immune dysfunction.
Forehead acne
Forehead acne develops when oil and skin cell substances get trapped inside the pores. It can also lead to specific acne bacteria to build up and cause acne bumps.
Excessive oil production is often the cause of acne.
Genetics
Your genes may contribute to how much oil your glands produce and how thick your hair is.
What causes oily scalp alongside dry hair?
Here are some of the possible causes of dry hair with an oily scalp: