Nervous Dandruff: What It Is And How To Treat It

Stress can cause dandruff that irritates the scalp. Although it usually clears up with special products, it’s important to practice relaxation techniques.

Each person’s body reacts differently to stress. When we’re in tense situations, our bodies feel stiff and on edge, which can cause headaches, stomach upset, and even dandruff, according to experts.

Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on your scalp to flake , according to the Mayo Clinic website. This condition isn’t contagious or serious, but it can be difficult to treat.“ Pityriasis capitis, the scientific name for dandruff, is known as excessive flaking of the scalp, causing small pieces of dry skin, mostly white, to shed,” explains dermatologist Claudia Gutiérrez. These flakes often remain in the hair or fall to the shoulders, making them more visible.

Dandruff is called Pityriasis because it contains the spores of Pitirosporum ovale, a very common scalp fungus that often causes itchy, greasy hair.

Types of dandruff

The most common types of dandruff are two:

Pityriasis simplex (or dry dandruff): This is the most visible form of dandruff, as it causes flaking of the scalp. It produces small white flakes of skin that easily flake off. With this type of dandruff, hair often appears rough and dry.
Pityriasis steatoides (or oily dandruff): This type of dandruff is characterized by thicker, yellowish, greasy, and sticky flakes of skin. They even adhere more to the scalp and hair. They usually appear mainly on the forehead and neck, areas where the most oil is produced.

Does stress cause dandruff?

Several factors influence the appearance of dandruff, such as irritated and oily skin, dry skin, sensitivity to hair care products, and fungus, among others. Stress can also influence its appearance,” says Gustavo Quinteros, dermatologist.

Let’s remember that one of the most common ways stress manifests itself is on our skin, causing acne, dryness, rashes, or excess oil. Although these signs are most visible on our face, they also occur on the scalp.

To treat nervous dandruff, it’s recommended to combat stress with breathing techniques that help with relaxation. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Stress can compromise the scalp’s skin barrier and cause irritation, which can lead to itching, burning, and dryness. It can also cause the common fungus that lives in this area to become unbalanced, leading to the onset of dandruff.

According to experts, in addition to stress, the development of dandruff is influenced by prolonged periods of neglect, product buildup, sweat, and irritation from sunburn, among other factors.

“Dandruff caused by stress causes excessive flaking of the scalp, intense itching, redness, and inflammation of the area, and sometimes burning,” Quinteros adds.

How to treat nervous dandruff

To combat nervous dandruff, you must first address the root cause: stress. To do this, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises are recommended to help the mind focus on the present.

It’s also helpful to exercise, play a sport you enjoy, and get outside for recreation. Getting adequate rest and eating a balanced diet are factors that help reduce stress levels.

It’s also important to use a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo that helps reduce oiliness. It’s recommended to wash your hair with this product every day until the problem disappears.

If dandruff doesn’t clear up in four to six weeks, it’s advisable to change products. If shampoo and relaxation techniques don’t solve the problem, you should consult a dermatologist.