Is there a Link Between Dandruff and Mental health?

Living a stressful life has become a topic of discussion for almost everyone. Work stress, relationship stress, family stress, physical stress, and general tiredness stress have all found their way into our lives. We’ve all heard the phrase “stress is bad for us,” but no one imagines that stress can exacerbate a dandruff problem. And this, in and of itself, can be a source of stress. Many people think dandruff can affect the mental health of an individual. However, at a point, it might be true because people feel stressed and irritated because of dandruff and hence this might be one of the reasons for affecting mental health. 

What Happens When You’re Under Stress?

When you are under stress, your body goes into overdrive and releases hormones that can help you. Assume you are attacked by a wild animal. To deal with this stress,’ your body automatically releases hormones such as Cortisol. It controls your circulatory and cardiovascular systems to prepare you for the ‘fight or flight response. It is a normal reaction, and the proper operation of this mechanism could save your life.

However, if the body is not allowed to return to normal levels and stress levels stay high, this cortisol can have serious consequences for your health. Headaches, insomnia, heartburn, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, stomach problems, reproductive issues, and finally muscle fatigue are all possible consequences. It’s not a pretty picture, which is why it’s critical to maintain control over it.

Stress and Dandruff

So you may be wondering if stress causes dandruff. Fortunately, stress is not a direct cause of dandruff. Malassezia Globosa, an ever-present microbe on your scalp, is the true culprit. However, dandruff and stress are not completely unrelated, as stress symptoms have been shown to exacerbate a dandruff problem.

A weakened immune system is one of the most common associations with stress. When this is combined with a disruption in your blood circulation, you become vulnerable to yeast and bacterial growth. The normal body systems that would control this growth are suppressed, exposing your body to further harm. There are numerous symptoms associated with stress, and some of them can have a knock-on effect that makes dandruff appear worse:

Firstly, Excessive heat and stress-related sweating can create an ideal environment for dandruff-causing Malassezia to thrive. Sweat pores are closely linked to sebum pores, and it leaves behind a mixture of minerals and oil that must be removed.

The second point to note is the hormonal changes. Malassezia Globosa degrades the oils or sebum on your scalp, kicking off the cycle that results in skin cells flaking off as dandruff. Because sebum production is controlled by hormones, stress can cause changes in the hormonal balance, increasing sebum production. This provides more oil for the fungus on your scalp to feed on, resulting in increased flaking and itching.

When we are stressed, we often scratch our heads in confusion and play with our hair. This invariably transfers dirt and oils from your hands to your hair and scalp, exacerbating the problem. And, if you have a pre-existing condition, such as Eczema, stress may aggravate your dandruff.

A few Tips to Keep Stress in Control

If your dandruff is caused by stress, you must eliminate the stress. It’s a simple answer that can be investigated using a variety of methods:

• Meditation and mindfulness can help you stay calm in stressful situations.
• Take a walk to relieve the stress of the situation.
• Keep a gratitude journal and write down everything you’re thankful for.
• Play soothing music.
• Exercise. It has been shown to reduce stress levels significantly.

The Bottom Line

You’re not going to magically wake up the next day stress-free. It is a time-consuming process. The goal should be to practise stress-reduction techniques daily. And, in the meantime, find ways to avoid flaking no matter how stressful things get. Worrying about dandruff will flare up stress which will lead to anxiety, so make sure to rule it out – use an anti-dandruff shampoo regularly to get rid of the flakes and prevent them from returning. If you feel this solution is not working then consult a doctor and get a personalized treatment solution for your dandruff. Also, try to adopt a healthy lifestyle including a nutritious diet and practising yoga which will help you fight against stress and dandruff simultaneously. 

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