Is There a Connection Between Hair Loss and Dandruff?

Although hair loss is not a direct result of dandruff, the two may be related. This is due to the fact that various illnesses and infections can result in both dandruff and hair loss.

Dandruff is fairly widespread. People who have dandruff or symptoms similar to it may have hair loss, particularly if the dandruff is severe.

The dandruff alone is not the reason for the hair loss. Instead, the dandruff’s origin is what also causes hair loss.

However, severe dandruff can harm the scalp or hair follicles, which can lead to hair thinning or stopping to develop.

To make sure that the issue is not anything else, anyone who believes that dandruff is causing hair loss should visit a dermatologist.

The relationship between dandruff and hair loss, preventative methods, and when to visit a doctor are all covered in this article.

Does Dandruff Result in Hair Loss?

The term “dandruff” refers to the flakes of dry, itchy skin that appear on the scalp. It is a symptom rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Dandruff can be brought on by many things, including dry skin, a poor diet, stress, and various shampoos and hair treatments.

Dandruff does not by itself result in hair loss. But extremely bad dandruff can make someone scratch their scalp so forcefully that they damage it.

Recurrent inflammation in the hair follicles can harm and scar tissue, which can impede or stop hair growth. This may result in thinning or weak hair. This kind of hair loss may become worse if you twist your hair, brush it roughly, or scratch your scalp.

Some medical problems, such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, scalp psoriasis, and scalp ringworm, can also result in dandruff or flaky skin on the scalp. Hair loss is a complication of some of these illnesses.

What May Result in Both Hair Loss and Dandruff?

Dandruff can be brought on by any condition that makes the skin dry or causes the skin’s outer layer to shed quickly.

These illnesses may also harm the scalp and result in hair loss if a person does not seek treatment.

Dandruff and hair loss can both be brought on by the following conditions:

• Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm, is a fungal infection that can cause severe scalp itching. Along with the hair loss, some people may have dry flakes or blisters and blisters. The signs of dandruff and hair loss can also be brought on by several other fungal illnesses. Antifungal medications can aid in the treatment of certain ailments.
• Psoriasis that affects the scalp can manifest as scaly, itchy patches. Psoriasis is a type of autoimmune disease. Although it is not dandruff, it has symptoms that resemble dandruff. Where the scaly patches appear, bald spots may be visible.
• Folliculitis decalvans: Hair follicles are destroyed by this uncommon inflammatory disorder. On the scalp, it also results in the development of itchy, red areas. The itching that this illness creates may lead a person to believe that they have dandruff.
• Lichen planopilaris: This condition, which is more prevalent in women, results in a dry, flaky rash on the scalp. It may also result in clumps of hair falling out. Although the symptoms are similar, dandruff remedies do not work for this ailment.
• Any portion of the body can be impacted by seborrheic dermatitis. It frequently affects the scalp, where it may result in oily patches, a reddish or grey scaly rash, and itching. The hair follicles could become damaged if it is not addressed. Scratching the area firmly could make the harm worse.

When a person scrapes their scalp or twists their hair, any condition that makes the scalp itch or burn could result in hair loss. Children in particular may pull their hair out in response to scalp pain.

Other Factors

There is no certainty that dandruff and hair loss are related in persons who have both. Some people may have both dandruff, maybe brought on by dry skin, and a disorder that results in hair loss, like:

• Telogen effluvium, a kind of hair loss brought on by infection, injury, or stress, and male pattern baldness, a hormonal type of hair loss that both men and women can develop
• Unhealthy autoimmune disorder alopecia areata
• Scalp inflammation or scarring
• Scalp maladies

Preventive Advice

Even after effectively treating their previous cases of dandruff, those with a history of it may occasionally develop flare-ups.

The following techniques help stop hair loss brought on by dandruff:

• If your dandruff does not go away after using dandruff shampoo or another treatment, consult a dermatologist or other healthcare professional.
• Consult a doctor if the hair is coming out in clumps as this may indicate a problem with the scalp or hair.
• Wash your hair frequently. Dandruff risk may rise with infrequent washing. African Americans should only wash their hair once a week, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, whereas Caucasians and Asians should wash their hair daily.
• Pay close attention to the directions on the dandruff shampoo bottle. For some shampoos to work, the scalp may need to be left on for many minutes.
• Avoid vigorously massaging or rubbing the scalp or vigorously brushing or twisting the hair. Ask a healthcare professional about anti-itching medication if the itching is excruciating.
• Keep your hairstyles loose. These could harm the hair follicles and scalp, inhibiting the formation of new hair. Additionally, tight haircuts can damage hair.
• Don’t wait to get treatment for dandruff. When dandruff initially appears, use a dandruff shampoo, and if it doesn’t go away in a week or two, consult a doctor.

Some individuals may discover that the hair becomes dry or lifeless after using a dandruff shampoo. Damaged, dry hair might fall out and break more easily. Use a top-notch conditioner following dandruff therapy.

Try switching between dandruff shampoo and another shampoo if the damage persists.

Summary

Dandruff is fairly prevalent, and the majority of people can treat the symptoms at home.

It is unlikely that dandruff sufferers would experience hair loss. However, dandruff that is left untreated may be to blame for hair loss. Dandruff may harm the scalp and hasten hair loss from other causes, even when it is not the main culprit.

The signs of dandruff might be mistaken for many different illnesses. Consult a dermatologist if the itching becomes excessive, the dandruff does not improve with home remedies, or if the hair loss persists.