Many people do not realize that a dry and itchy scalp is not merely a problem of the outer skin layer. Even from a modern medical perspective, the concept of body fluids in Donguibogam holds remarkably scientific insights. Body fluids encompass both hydration and nutrients within our body; interpreted modernly, this directly correlates with skin barrier function, intra- and extracellular fluid balance, blood circulation, and the overall health of the neuro-endocrine-immune system.
Like skin elsewhere on our body, the scalp has an essential defensive shield known as the skin barrier. In this barrier, keratinocytes tightly interlock with a lipid layer composed of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, protecting the scalp from external stimuli and preventing internal moisture evaporation. However, stress, irregular eating habits, sleep deprivation, excessive drinking or smoking, and even heavy caffeine intake disrupt our autonomic nervous system and hormonal balance. These disturbances cause dysfunction of the sebaceous glands, breaking the oil-water balance of the scalp and ultimately weakening skin barrier function. Once the barrier weakens, the scalp becomes more vulnerable to external environments, dries out easily, and activates inflammatory pathways that cause excessive secretion of substances like histamine, which trigger pruritus.
Furthermore, microvascular circulation in the scalp is critical. In Donguibogam, blood represents not just physical blood, but vital energy carrying life-sustaining nutrients. When this circulation is impeded, the supply of essential nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles drops, and metabolic waste removal falters, reducing the regenerative capacity of scalp cells. This creates a vicious cycle that can lead to scalp dryness, keratin flaking, and in severe cases, alopecia.
In particular, the chronic inflammation driving pruritus is closely tied to an imbalance in the scalp microbiome. When certain harmful bacteria overproliferate or the population of beneficial bacteria declines, the scalp immune response becomes hypersensitive, exacerbating dryness and pruritus. This holistic internal imbalance ultimately manifests as visible scalp dryness. Rather than blaming dry shampoos or environmental conditions alone, consider this an important signal that your body fluids, or your overall physiological balance, are compromised. Please remember that only when you restore health from deep within, rather than merely treating the surface, can your scalp truly become moist and healthy.
