Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDandruff and Hair LossStopping Hair LossRegrowing HairSigns It’s Not Improving
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Dandruff and Hair Loss
Stopping Hair Loss
Regrowing Hair
Signs It’s Not Improving
Scalp health problems associated with conditions such as dandruff andseborrheic dermatitismay lead to hair shedding.
Dandruffis a common inflammatory condition that causes white to yellowish flaky scales on the scalp. On average, 50% of the population will get dandruff.The incidence of dandruff decreases with age.
The scalp contains many species of microbes, including a naturally occurring yeast calledMalassezia. An imbalance ofMalasseziacan lead to conditions such asseborrheic dermatitisand dandruff (which is considered a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis).
This article will discuss the link between dandruff and hair loss, how to stop hair loss related to dandruff, how to regrow hair where dandruff was, and how to tell if dandruff and hair loss are not improving.
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Dandruff, Dry Scalp, and Hair Loss: An Indirect Relationship
Dandruff is a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis.
An inflammatory reaction to an overgrowth ofMalasseziayeast may trigger seborrheic dermatitis. An overreaction of the immune system to the excessMalassezialeads to a fungal infection that causes skin changes.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
Hair thinning andhair losscan occur with seborrheic dermatitis. This can happen when irritation and inflammation from the increased sebum production cause itchiness, prompting scratching that can damage hair follicles. The damage to the follicles can obstruct natural hair growth and lead to hair loss.
Overproduction ofMalasseziais also associated with hair loss. A 2014 study suggested thatMalasseziamay weaken the hair root and lead to hair shedding.
A 2018 study found that oxidative stress (when the body is unable to counteract sources of oxidative damage) may play a role in premature hair loss and thatMalasseziais a source of oxidative damage. The study also states that dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis show clear signs of oxidative stress.
A 2015 study found that irritation due to pollution can cause excess sebum production, oily scalp, scaling, and inflammation, which could lead to hair loss.
What Causes Dandruff and Hair Loss?Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition associated with both dandruff and hair loss. A directcause of seborrheic dermatitisisn’t known, and it can affect anyone. Factors that may increase the chances of developing it include:GeneticsHaving a weakened immune systemCertain medicationsHaving certain conditions such aspsoriasis, acne,rosacea,human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), depression, alcohol use disorder,Parkinson’s disease, eating disorders, or recovery from a stroke or heart attackChronic stress
What Causes Dandruff and Hair Loss?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition associated with both dandruff and hair loss. A directcause of seborrheic dermatitisisn’t known, and it can affect anyone. Factors that may increase the chances of developing it include:GeneticsHaving a weakened immune systemCertain medicationsHaving certain conditions such aspsoriasis, acne,rosacea,human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), depression, alcohol use disorder,Parkinson’s disease, eating disorders, or recovery from a stroke or heart attackChronic stress
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition associated with both dandruff and hair loss. A directcause of seborrheic dermatitisisn’t known, and it can affect anyone. Factors that may increase the chances of developing it include:
Stopping Hair Loss Related to Dandruff
Stopping hair loss related to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis starts with treating the underlying condition.
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are commonly treated with scalp care products such asmedicated shampoos, particularly ones that controlMalassezialevels.
Dandruff can typically be controlled with over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos that contains active ingredients such as:
Use these shampoos as directed, and check the label for potential side effects. If you don’t notice an improvement after four to six weeks, try a shampoo with a different active ingredient or see a healthcare provider.
Take the following precautions regarding tar-based shampoos:
Seborrheic dermatitis can often be treated with OTC medicated anti-dandruff shampoos.It may also be treated with topicalcorticosteroids(usually creams and ointments).
Can Hair Medications Cause Dandruff or Hair Loss?
Telogen effluviumis when a large amount of hair follicles on the scalp go into the resting phase of the growth cycle, but the stage in which hair regrows doesn’t start. This means hair falls out and isn’t replaced as usual.
Certain medications can cause this type of hair loss as well, including:
How to Regrow Hair Where Dandruff Had Been
If yoursymptoms from dandruffor seborrheic dermatitis subside but your hair doesn’t start to regrow, talk to a healthcare provider before trying other hair growth measures.
Signs of Dandruff and Hair Loss Not Improving
See a healthcare provider if:
Summary
Dandruff is a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis.Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitisare scalp conditions that cause symptoms such as flaking and itching. They are often related to an overgrowth of a yeast calledMalassezia.
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are typically treated with OTC medicated shampoos containing active ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide,ketoconazole, tar-based, or salicylic acid. Topical corticosteroids may also be used for seborrheic dermatitis.
Hair loss from dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis usually grows back on its own after the underlying symptoms are treated. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Trueb R, Henry J, Davis M, Schwartz J.Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress.Int J Trichol. 2018;10(6):262. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18
Rudramurthy SM, Honnavar P, Dogra S, Yegneswaran PP, Handa S, Chakrabarti A.Association of Malassezia species with dandruff.Indian J Med Res. 2014;139(3):431-437.
Nemours TeensHealth.Dandruff.
University of Central Florida.Seborrheic dermatitis and the link to hair loss.
National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.
Rajput R.Understanding hair loss due to air pollution and the approach to management.Hair Ther Transplant.2015;05(01). doi:10.4172/2167-0951.1000133
NYU Langone Health.Types of hair loss.
National Health Service.Dandruff.
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