Q My seborrhoeic scalp condition flares up every change of season. Is stress also related?
A During seasonal transitions, the rhythm of sebum secretion is disrupted and stress hormones (cortisol) stimulate the sebaceous glands, creating an environment for Malassezia overgrowth. Temperature and humidity changes weaken the skin barrier, and when sleep deprivation is added, immune regulatory function drops and flare-ups become more frequent.
Detailed Answer
When stress rises, the adrenal glands secrete excess cortisol, which stimulates androgen receptors in the sebaceous glands and increases sebum secretion. In autumn and spring, the air becomes dry, reducing moisture in the stratum corneum and lowering skin defence function, making it easier for Malassezia to proliferate. Regular sleep and stress management are just as important as treatment.
Korean Medicine Perspective
In Korean medicine, Liver-qi Stagnation (肝氣鬱結) caused by stress transforms into Fire, which promotes Lung-channel Wind-Heat (肺經風熱). At Dongjedang, we combine Bupleurum (Chai-hu)- and Gardenia (Zhi-zi)-based prescriptions that unblock the Liver with acupuncture at the Four Gates (四關穴) to simultaneously relieve both psychological and cutaneous tension.
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