Can dandruff cause hair loss? Nearly everyone has experienced the annoying condition of dandruff. A flaking scalp is most noticeable on dark clothes, especially around the collar or the shoulders. Some is more severe than others and actually requires medical treatment. No matter the cause, it’s embarrassing and unsightly. What causes dandruff, and when can it lead to hair loss?
What Causes Dandruff?
There are several causes of dandruff[1], including:
Seborrheic dermatitis creates red, scaly, oily, and extremely itchy patches on the skin, including the scalp.
Dry skin, the most common cause of dandruff, is usually easy to treat.
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to ingredients in a shampoo or hair dye that creates an itching red scalp.
Yeast dermatitis (Malassezia) can occur when this common fungus becomes overgrown on the scalp.
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that can create silvery, flaking plaques on the scalp and the hairline. This demands immediate medical attention.
Treating Dandruff
There are different types of dandruff shampoo on the market[2], some requiring a physician’s prescription. They include:
Pyrithione zinc shampoos contain a powerful antifungal and antibacterial agent.
Tar-based shampoos slow the process of skin cells flaking off.
Shampoos with salicylic acid help eliminate scale.
Selenium sulfide shampoos contain an antifungal.
Ketoconazole shampoos kill off the fungi that can cause flakes.
Some dermatologists swear by moisturizing a dry scalp with either a conditioner or coconut oil massaged into the scalp and then rinsed out. Others recommend daily shampooing, but this can further dry out the scalp and disrupt its microbiome. Others recommend spending a few minutes in the sun every day, reducing stress, adding vitamin and mineral supplements, using Tea Tree oil, or changing food choices.
Dandruff and Hair Loss
If flakes still occur after two weeks of treatment, it’s time to be concerned, especially if hair loss is becoming noticeable. Any type of dandruff-causing extreme itching can lead to hair loss[3]. As a result, frequent scratching can injure the hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss or thinning.
Men and women with Androgenetic Alopecia, otherwise known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, can experience a worsening of their hair loss with dandruff added to the mix. The autoimmune condition Alopecia Areata can cause patches of hair loss, so, it’s completely possible to have dandruff in the remaining hair. As a result, hair loss can speed up.
What Can I Do About Hair Loss?
Sure, you can hide hair loss under a hat or a scarf, but if you want to look your best (who doesn’t?) you need to check out Custom Hair Tampa Bay for our solutions for men and women. With three locations to serve you, you can find us in Tampa, Brandon, and Clearwater. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the results you deserve.
Photo Credit: JerzyGorecki Via Pixabay
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00326.x
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353854
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926