Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that affects many people on their face and other areas of the body, but usually the scalp area. The main symptom that typically occurs with the disorder is an itchy rash that can result in flaking — similar to dandruff. It can also cause redness on the skin, yellow or white patchy scales, or even sores — if you scratch too vigorously. A rare side effect that can result from seborrheic dermatitis is temporary hair loss. Below we will address ways to lessen the hair loss and to treat the condition.
What Causes the Hair Loss?
Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by a yeast that feeds on the sebum oil released from the sebaceous glands on your body. The disorder causes itching which results in the person rubbing or scratching the scalp. This can result in hair loss if the scratching and itching are severe.
Treatment for the Hair Loss
One of the simplest ways to stop the temporary hair loss is to treat the disorder by using an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. By using the product consistently your seborrheic dermatitis should greatly improve and then go away within a few weeks. Once the scalp is no longer irritated, your hair loss will end and the hair will eventually grow back.
If the disorder doesn’t improve greatly with the OTC shampoo, then your doctor can prescribe a shampoo, cream, gel, ointment, or medication that contains ingredients that can help heal your scalp. These ingredients help control inflammation or have antifungal properties.
Seborrheic dermatitis often comes back, therefore it’s important to use the OTC dandruff shampoo occasionally — such as once a week — to prevent it from coming back.
Don’t despair if your hair growth seems to take a while. Your age, overall health, and other medical conditions all affect the speed at which your hair grows, but typically it’s about 1/2 inch per month or 6 inches a year. With occasional treatment, the disorder should stay under control and soon you will have a head full of healthy hair again.
If hair loss continues and you’re looking for a customized solution Custom Hair Tampa Bay can help. To schedule a free consultation at one of our three locations click here.
Photo Credit: AdoreBeautyNZ Via Pixabay
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327257#is-hair-loss-permanent
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/grow-hair-faster