Inactive sebaceous glands are generally the cause of which scalp condition?

• A. Dry hair and scalp
• B. Oily scalp
• C. Dandruff
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (A)

Sebaceous glands normally secrete sebum to keep hair and the scalp moisturized. When these glands are inactive, sebum production drops and the scalp becomes dry, leading to dry-looking hair and a dry, sometimes flaky scalp. This makes dry hair and scalp the most likely outcome from underactive sebaceous glands. An oily scalp comes from ongoing, not reduced, sebum production. Dandruff can occur with different scalp conditions and isn’t caused directly by inactivity of the glands. Hair loss involves the hair follicles and other factors more than sebum activity.