Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms of Seborrheic DermatitisHow Does It Cause Hair Loss?TreatmentPrognosisSummary
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
How Does It Cause Hair Loss?
Treatment
Prognosis
Summary
While rare, there exists a link between hair loss andseborrheic dermatitis.Heightened oil production associated with seborrheic dermatitis can create irritation on the scalp, consequently creating intense itchiness.
As a result, when a person scratches their scalp, they can damage their hair follicles—obstructing hair growth and causing hair loss.Thankfully, it is usually reversible with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription treatments.
This article will discuss the correlation between hair loss and seborrheic dermatitis.
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Also called seborrheic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis can occur with or without reddened skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle cap in infants. Seborrheic dermatitis primarily affects the scalp, but it also can develop on other parts of the body.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be confused with other conditions, especially in young children. It is commonly mistaken for diaper rash and eczema.
It often forms where the skin is oily or greasy. Common areas include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, lips, behind the ears, in the outer ear, and in the middle of the chest.
In general, symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
Common Skin Conditions and Disease
Hair loss is associated with seborrheic dermatitis because increased oil production can create irritation and inflammation on the scalp, leading to intense itchiness. Scratching the scalp can damage the hair follicles, which obstructs natural hair growth and causes your hair to fall out.
Hair loss from seborrheic dermatitis, though, is rare and usually reversible. It may occur, however, due to the growth of Malassezia yeast.This type of yeast can cause inflammation and further damage to hair follicles if a lot is produced and left untreated. Just like increased oil production, increased Malassezia production can cause hair loss.
When to See a DoctorIf you notice symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in yourself or your child, contact your doctor for evaluation and possible referral to a dermatologist.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in yourself or your child, contact your doctor for evaluation and possible referral to a dermatologist.
Treatment is not always needed with seborrheic dermatitis. Sometimes the condition clears up on its own. However, it can also be chronic.
Treatments will depend on the location and severity of the seborrheic dermatitis and the age of the person. Your healthcare provider will prepare a treatment plan for you or your child based on these factors, but usually treatment starts with over-the-counter medications and home remedies.
Treatment for Infants
If OTC treatments aren’t relieving symptoms, a prescription may be required. While uncommon, infants may need a prescription to treat cradle cap. Usually, this is an antifungal cream prescription. Zoryve (roflumilast) topical foam is approved for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis for people ages 9 and older.
Treatment for Adults
For adults, mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis may also clear up on their own. If treatment is required, OTC dandruff shampoo or other OTC medications can be used to treat it.
Treatment for adults may include:
Prescription medications such as Zoryve (roflumilast) topical foam may be recommended for adults.
The 7 Best Dandruff Shampoos for Soothing Itchy Scalps, Tested and Reviewed
Seborrheic dermatitis isn’t associated with serious conditions or known to lead to severe symptoms. In the rare times when hair loss happens as a result of seborrheic dermatitis, the hair loss is temporary.
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Losing your hair is no fun, but it is reversible in the case of seborrheic dermatitis. You can treat it with an over-the-counter shampoo, cream, or ointment. If these remedies fail to work, talk to your doctor. Prescriptions may be able to help.
The appearance offlakes on your scalpor your child’s can be alarming. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you may find it troubling and embarrassing. This is even more true if it’s causing your hair to fall out.
While seborrheic dermatitis can lead to hair loss in some cases, the outlook is optimistic, and treatments are available to help. If you are experiencing symptoms of skin disease, contact your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
2 SourcesVerywell 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.Trüeb RM, Henry JP, Davis MG, Schwartz JR.Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress.Int J Trichology. 2018;10(6):262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
2 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.Trüeb RM, Henry JP, Davis MG, Schwartz JR.Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress.Int J Trichology. 2018;10(6):262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
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.
Trüeb RM, Henry JP, Davis MG, Schwartz JR.Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress.Int J Trichology. 2018;10(6):262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
Trüeb RM, Henry JP, Davis MG, Schwartz JR.Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress.Int J Trichology. 2018;10(6):262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18
MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
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