Pathogenesis (disease development)
There is an overproduction of horny cells triggered by minor inflammation of the scalp.
Etiology (Causes)
Biographic causes
- Hormonal factors – hormonal imbalances can alter scalp pH (puberty, menopause/menopause in women).
Behavioral causes
- Nutrition
- Sugar or high fat foods
- Consumption of stimulants
- Alcohol
- Psycho-social situation
- Stress
- Inappropriate hair care products
- Too frequent washing of the hair
- Too hot blow dry the wet hair
- Rubbing the wet hair too dry
Causes due to disease
- Atopic eczema (neurodermatitis) – skin disease with scaly, weeping skin and severe pruritus (itching).
- Fungal diseases of the scalp
- Psoriasis (psoriasis)
- Seborrheic eczema – rash with scaling and oily scalp.
Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).
- Climatic influences: hot temperatures and dry climate.
