If treatment does not work, it may be because something else is causing the hair loss.Â, Dandruff is just one potential cause of hair loss, but itâs not the only cause. If dandruff does not get better with home treatment, if the itching becomes intolerable, or if the hair continues to fall out, see a dermatologist. Shampoo the hair regularly. If a person does not seek treatment, these conditions may also damage the scalp and cause hair loss. Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis) 6. Hair falls out and the follicle is replaced with scar tissue. Fortunately, there are lots of products that are effective in getting rid of dandruff and preventing further flaking. Dandruff refers to the dry, itchy flakes of skin that develop on the scalp. Some suffer from it in the form of a dry, flaky scalp, which is quite manageable. Treatments work best when you initiate a treatment plan early on.Â. What can cause both dandruff and hair loss? That said, severe dandruff may damage the scalp or hair follicles, causing hair to thin or stop growing. The cause of hair loss is not dandruff itself, but it is an indirect causing hair loss. Dandruff may have several causes, including: 1. And the itchiness can lead to scratching, affecting the scalp or hair follicles, and leading to some hair loss. The conditions can appear on and spread to any part of the body. See a dermatologist or other healthcare provider for dandruff that does not respond to dandruff shampoo or other treatments. Use a high quality conditioner after dandruff treatment. Dandruff is very common, and most people are able to manage the symptoms with home treatment. However, untreated dandruff may be a culprit in hair loss. © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. Have you had dandruff hair loss? The inflammation may damage hair follicles over time which can prematurely push the hair from the growth phase into telogen, which is the phase where hair follicles rest and the hair falls out.Â, Prompt treatment of dandruff may help. Fixing your dandruff problem may even alleviate hair loss, so ⦠Since there are multiple different types of hair loss and causes, itâs important to seek proper care for your specific condition. Many factors can cause dandruff, such as dry skin, diet, stress, and some shampoos and hair products. When you are suffering severe dandruff, it is itching and uncomfortable. However, severe dandruff can cause a person to scratch their scalp so hard that they injure it. Others struggle with the advanced version called seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes itchy rashes and scaly scalp. Dandruff can sometimes cause hair loss, but prompt treatment could prevent further damage to your scalp and hair. It causes hair loss mainly through the weakening of hair roots due to constant scratching of the flaky scalp. Dandruff is a common hair woe. Cicatricial alopecia is a group of conditions that causes irreversible hair loss through scarring. Dandruff actually does not cause hair loss. Use a dandruff shampoo at the first sign of dandruff and seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve within a week or two. The short answer is it can, but not in the way you might think. Dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by the reaction to yeast on the scalp. Once you learn the cause of your dandruff (whether on your own or with your dermatologistâs help), hair loss should resolve quickly. Twisting the hair, aggressively brushing it, or scratching the scalp may make this type of hair loss worse. There are a variety of underlying issues that can cause dandruff, which we will cover thoroughly in just a minute, but generally, it is thought to be caused by dead skin cells on the scalp shedding at Some medical conditions can also cause dandruff or flaky skin on the scalp, including seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, scalp psoriasis, and scalp ringworm. Although it is…, Diabetes can cause hair thinning or noticeable hair loss in some people. Dandruff itself does not cause hair loss, but the two may be linked. But the main cause of ⦠It can result in itchiness, flaking, dryness, and most times even hair loss because of the trauma hair follicles undergoes from excess itching. Most types of hair loss are treatable, and some are even reversible. A flaky or itchy scalp can be a sign of dandruff, an unpleasant skin condition which affects at least one in two people at some point in their life. Prompt treatment may prevent further damage to your hair. That's because dandruff either dries out the scalp or produces excess sebum, making it extremely oily. Some factors, such as dry skin, diet, stress and some shampoos and hair products, can cause dandruff. That means the cause of hair loss is not dandruff. Anyone who suspects that dandruff is causing hair loss should see a dermatologist to ensure that the problem is not something else. Repeated inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage and scarring, slowing or stopping hair growth. The following are some strategies that can prevent dandruff-related hair loss: Some people may find that their dandruff shampoo leaves the hair dull or dry. Even when dandruff is not the primary cause, it may damage the scalp and accelerate hair loss due to other causes. Instead, those who suffer from dandruff may experience hair thinning and excessive shedding due to the constant scratching of the scalp. Described below are some recognized remedies of dandruff. People with dandruff are unlikely to lose their hair. Dandruff can increase hair loss, and, we will go over some possible treatments and natural home remedies for the condition. A 2015. This common condition is known to cause the skin on the scalp to flake. #dandruff #causesofdandruff #hairloss #reequilDid you suspect that dandruff is the main culprit behind your increasing hair loss problem? This can cause weak or thinning hair. A clean and invigorated scalp is less prone to irritation and dandruff. But if left unchecked, it can become so itchy and inflamed that it causes temporary hair loss. And dry scalp is the chance for the occurrence of flaking buildup or dandruff. A hot oil treatment is one of the DIY remedies I ⦠Dandruff is a common scalp condition that a lot of adults suffer from. A scalp thatâs unhealthy tends to produce unhealthy hair, which is weaker and more prone to breakage. All rights reserved. These can cause scaling, which can be confused with dandruff. Curing dandruff for hair loss prevention can be as easy as knowing what causes dandruff, talking to your doctor, and maintaining a clean and healthy scalp. In people with both dandruff and hair loss, there is no guarantee that the two are linked. Dandruff is a common skin condition that causes white or grey flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair. Even so, both may be related because some infections and medical conditions can cause dandruff and hair loss at once. Even though a person has dandruff, itâs often the case that something else is going on that may better explain the loss of hair.Â, According to a 2017 American Family Physician article entitled "Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment," some of the most common causes of hair loss include:Â, Since there are multiple different types of hair loss and causes, itâs important to seek proper care for your specific condition. This continuous scratching can cause injury and damage to their hair follicles and give rise to redness and inflammation. This is because some infections and medical conditions can cause both dandruff and hair loss. It's not serious, it's not contagious, and it won't lead to other health problems. Dandruff Hair Loss: Causes and Cures Because scratching means pulling or breaking your hair, which contributes to the case of hair loss. Dry skin 5. Dandruff isnât itself causing hair loss. Using an oil treatment will make dandruff better. So what causes dandruff? In the event you have flakes that you believe to be dandruff and experience itchiness for a prolonged period, even after using dandruff shampoos and ketoconazole shampoos, you should consult your health expert for a deeper examination. Numerous conditions can mimic the symptoms of dandruff. If the damage persists, try alternating dandruff shampoo with another shampoo. Most types of hair loss are treatable, and some are even reversible. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. As your scalp becomes irritated by dandruff, it not only causes skin cells to flake off but can also cause your scalp to itch. Scalp health is important to help prevent hair loss. Dandruff is not a direct cause of hair loss. Dandruff itself does not cause hair loss. The following conditions can cause both dandruff and hair loss: Any condition that causes the scalp to itch or burn may cause hair loss when a person scratches their scalp or twists their hair. Itâs not a specific diagnosis but a symptom. While the two are not directly related, dandruff can often lead to hair loss. This condition is an inflammatory skin disorder generally caused by a type of yeast called Malassezia.Â, âIt can flare with stress, changes in the environment, and with medical problems,â says Hussain. In this article, we look at the causes of each of these issues, the links between them…, © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Dandruff is a common source of itching. Some shampoos may need to remain on the scalp for several minutes to be effective. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. So, your dandruff wonât cause hair loss, but it could cause the itching that resulted in you inadvertently pulling out your own hair. While irritating and occasionally upsetting, dandruff is in no way contagious and rarely means anything worse for you. A 2015 Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology article entitled "Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review" estimates that 50 million American adults have dandruff.Â, Itâs important to remember that dandruff is a problem with the scalp, not the hair. Because the hair is brittle, it will break easily, which could cause thinning. Dandruff is what Green calls a "cosmetic disease." However, maintaining good blood sugar control may help reverse the effects of…, An itchy scalp links to hair loss in several different ways. This is because frequent rubbing of the scalp can dislodge hair, especially in individuals who are already susceptible to hair fall. However, using it for beards and in women is not necessarily safe or effective. All rights reserved. Instead, it is the cause of the dandruff that also leads to hair loss. Dandruff is very common. Any condition that causes skin flakiness or makes the outer layer of skin shed at an unusually fast rate may cause dandruff. People with dandruff and dandruff-like symptoms might lose hair, especially if the dandruff is severe. A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults 4. Some people may have dandruff, perhaps due to dry skin, as well as a condition that causes hair loss, such as: People with a history of dandruff may experience occasional flares of dandruff, even after successfully treating it. It is a symptom, not a specific diagnosis. This can disturb the growth of the hair and cause temporary hair loss," adds Wong. 4 Hair Loss Prevention Tips From Experts Who Know, Natural Remedies for Hair Loss and Thinning, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. If the itching is unbearable, ask a healthcare provider about medication to help with itching. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? Hard itchiness always requires terrible scratch which can make hair fall out from your head. Moreover, dandruff and dry scalps combined cause itch and irritation. But, firstly you need to know the possible causes behind the onset of dandruff. In most cases, dandruff doesnât directly cause hair loss. On the contrary, it is precisely the cause of dandruff that also causes hair loss. As a result, your scalp gets inflamed and itchy. The cause of the hair loss is not the dandruff itself. Â, According to Zain Hussain, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey, untreated dandruff may also trigger hair loss.Â, Dermatologists consider Seborrheic dermatitis as the usual cause of dandruff. Irritated, oily skin 2. Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema Carefully follow the instructions on the bottle of dandruff shampoo. Dandruff is a scalp condition where your scalp become excessively dry and white flakes of dead skin begin to shed from your scalp. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. However, the itchiness it causes can lead to scratching. If the hair comes out in clumps, see a doctor, as this may signal another scalp or hair issue. Infrequent washing may increase the risk of dandruff. Sometimes, temporary hair loss may occur because of damaged hair follicles as a result of aggressive scratching on your head. Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss? However, severe dandruff can cause a person to scratch their scalp so hard that they injure it. Dandruff is a reference to the rough, itchy skin flakes that grow on the scalp. Dandruff is not the cause of baldness. Last medically reviewed on November 11, 2019, Saw palmetto is a popular remedy for hair loss. Dandruff can cause hair loss, but itâs not the only cause. The condition is characterised by white or grey flakes of skin shedding from the scalp and that can often be seen on the affected individuals hair, hairbrush and clothes. Children in particular may respond to scalp pain by pulling the hair. This article looks at the link between dandruff and hair loss, prevention, and when to see a doctor. Avoid aggressively brushing or twisting the hair and massaging or scratching the scalp. On the flip side, hair regrowing medication like minoxidil may cause you to get dandruff in the first place. Dandruff itself does not cause hair loss. This article will discuss the research on saw palmetto as a treatment for hair loss, as well as how to…, Rogaine may help slow hair loss and promote hair growth. Although dandruff leads to hair fall, it is not the root cause of it. Some of these conditions are also associated with hair loss. Doctors do not fully understand what causes it, but they do know that stress, weather changes, an overgrowth of natural yeast on the skin, and an imbalanced immune system may all contribute to the redness, itching, and overproduction of scale and flaking. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. "Dandruff is not a serious condition but if left untreated for a long period of time, thick layers of scale can be stuck on to the surface of the scalp, a condition called pityriasis amiantacea. Not shampooing enough 3. Dry, damaged hair breaks more easily and may fall out. For added relief and to soothe itchy scalp, try a topical serum or elixir with menthol for a tingling, invigorated scalp. The. Do not delay dandruff treatment. Thatâs why we deliver luxurious, bespoke hair care treatments. Finally, in particularly severe cases of dandruff, typically caused by conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, there can indeed be hair loss directly triggered by the âdandruff.â For most people, dandruff is the annoying but harmless white flakes from your scalp that accumulate on clothing and sometimes on furniture. Additionally, scalp itch due to dandruff can cause you to scratch, which can also cause further physical damage and more hair breakage. Learn more…, Adderall is a combination drug for the short-term treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. In addition to being itchy and a visible annoyance, you may have heard that dandruff can cause hair loss, but that isn't entirely true. This particular condition isnât life threatening but it has the capability to cause emotional issues due to the fact that dandruff is extremely visible within dark colored hair and it is an extremely annoying condition. Dandruff is not a cause of hair loss, but the two conditions are linked. First off, the hair that grows in on a scalp covered in dandruff is more brittle, and it grows in already damaged. Untreated dandruff and an itchy scalp could indirectly be causing your hair loss. So, to fix hair loss due to dandruff, you must get the dandruff problem fixed first. "In most cases, dandruff itselfâthat dry, itchy, flaky skin of the scalpâdoes not directly cause hair loss," says Chambers-Harris. If you suffer from an itchy scalp, you could also be at risk of increased hair fall as scratching too much can damage the hair strands, causing them to break or fall out more easily. A simple explanation as to how dandruff causes hair fall would be when a person gets dandruff they naturally tend to scratch their head most of the time. For most people, dandruff is the annoying but harmless white flakes from your scalp that accumulate on clothing and sometimes on furniture. Dandruff causes hair loss indirectly. Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, COVID-19 live updates: Total number of cases passes 86.4 million, COVID-19 vaccine allergic reactions: Experts offer reassurance, Health threat of plastics outlined in authoritative report. Further flaking that it causes hair loss answer is it can, but itâs not the cause. Condition that causes skin flakiness or makes the outer layer of skin to appear on spread. 'S not serious, it may damage the scalp that accumulate on clothing and sometimes furniture... And accelerate hair loss, but itâs not the root cause of hair loss, and most people are to... Respond to scalp pain by pulling the hair comes out in clumps, see a doctor, as may! But it is itching and uncomfortable slowing or stopping hair growth moreover, dandruff can cause injury damage! 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