22.4 Lesson 4: Seborrhea Oleosa (Scalp Oiliness)
- Seborrhea oleosa (also called just “seborrhea”) is characterized by an excessive oiliness of the skin; especially, in the area of the forehead and the nose.
- Sebum is a normal product of sebaceous glands. However, Seborrhea oleosa is due to an excessive secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands.
- Because sebum is a fatty material, it can cause a strong odor if the hair and scalp are not shampooed frequently.
- Seborrhea oleosa may occur as a disease by itself (called primary seborrhea), such as developing large or numerous sebaceous glands.
- Or Seborrhea oleosa may occur as a result from an underlying disease (called secondary seborrhea), such hormonal issues.
- While secondary seborrhea oleosa often clears up when the underlying disease is cured, primary seborrhea is a chronic disease that may be controlled but not cured.