Is Dandruff Associated with Hair Loss?

Dandruff is extremely common. People with dandruff or dandruff-like symptoms may have hair loss, especially if the dandruff is severe. Dandruff alone is not the cause of hair loss. Instead, it is the underlying cause of dandruff that causes hair loss. 

However, severe dandruff can cause scalp or hair follicle damage, leading hair to shrink or stop growing. Anyone who feels dandruff is causing hair loss should consult a dermatologist to rule out other causes. 

This article discusses the connection between dandruff and hair loss, as well as preventive and when to contact a doctor. 

Is Dandruff Capable of Causing Hair Loss?

Dandruff refers to the dry, itchy skin flakes on the scalp. It is merely a symptom, not a definitive diagnosis. Dandruff can be caused by a variety of factors, including dry skin, nutrition, stress, and certain shampoos and hair treatments. 

Dandruff is not only the reason to cause hair loss on its own. Severe dandruff, on the other hand, can lead a person to scratch their scalp so hard that they hurt it. 

Repeated inflammation in the hair follicles can result in scarring and damage, reducing or preventing hair growth. As a result, it can cause brittle or thinning hair. Twisting the hair, brushing it vigorously, or scratching the scalp may aggravate this type of hair loss. 

Some medical diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, scalp psoriasis, and scalp ringworm, can also cause dandruff or flaky skin on the scalp. Some of these disorders are linked to hair loss.

What causes Dandruff and Hair Loss? 

Dandruff can be caused by any ailment that causes skin flakiness or causes the outer layer of skin to slough at an exceptionally high pace. 

If these disorders are not treated, they can harm the scalp and cause hair loss. 

Dandruff and hair loss can be caused by the following conditions: 

1. Infections Caused by Fungi 

Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm, can cause severe itching on the scalp. Some people notice dry flakes or blisters on their skin, and their hair may fall out in clumps. Other fungal diseases can produce dandruff symptoms and hair loss as well. These problems can be helped by antifungal therapy. 

2. Psoriasis of the Scalp 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune illness that can affect the scalp, resulting in itchy, scaly patches. Although it is not dandruff, it creates symptoms that are similar to dandruff. Bald patches may appear where the scaly patches develop. 

3. Folliculitis Decalvans 

Folliculitis decalvans is an uncommon illness that causes chronic inflammation of the hair follicles and scalp. Hair falls off and scarring develops over time. The disorder results in permanent hair loss and scarring. 

Folliculitis decalvans usually affect only your scalp, causing round or oval bald patches. Hair loss in other areas is uncommon. It can cause problems in your armpits, genitals, face, legs, and arms. Some people have no symptoms until they start losing their hair. The scalp may become tense or unpleasant. Pustules are most typically found on the back of the head, but they can arise anywhere on the scalp. After the pustules ooze and create scabs, you may notice scaly skin or crusts. 

Folliculitis decalvans cause tufts of hair to grow. Like the bristles on a toothbrush, several strands of hair sprout from the same follicle. As a result, the disorder is also known as tufted folliculitis. When a follicle dies, hair tufts fall out, creating a scar and bald patch.

4. Lichen Planopilaris 

The scalp and hair are affected by Lichen planopilaris (LPP). It is a kind of lichen planus, inflammatory skin, and mucous membrane disorder. Scaly skin and redness around hair follicles, bald patches, and soreness, burning, or itching on the scalp are all symptoms. Around hair clusters, little red pimples (papules) may form. Scarring from LLP might result in lifelong hair loss (cicatricial alopecia). LPP is classified into three types based on the pattern and location of symptoms: basic LPP, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and Lassueur Graham-Little Piccardi syndrome. LPP has no recognised cause. It is assumed to be an auto-immune hair follicle condition.

5. Seborrheic Dermatitis 

Seborrheic dermatitis can occur everywhere on the body. It most usually affects the scalp, causing a red or grey scaly rash that itches and greasy areas. If left untreated, it might cause hair follicle damage. Scratching the area aggressively may aggravate the damage.

Suggestions for Prevention

Even after effectively treating dandruff, people with a history of it may develop flare-ups. 

Some techniques for avoiding dandruff-related hair loss include

• If dandruff does not react to dandruff shampoo or other treatments, consult a dermatologist or other healthcare specialist. 
• Consult a dermatologist if your hair is falling out in clumps, as this could indicate another scalp or hair problem. 
• Follow the instructions mentioned on the bottle of dandruff shampoo carefully and then apply. Some shampoos may require several minutes on the scalp to be effective. 
• Avoid vigorously combing or twisting your hair, as well as massaging or scratching your scalp. If the itching becomes unbearable, consult your doctor about itching medication. 
• Avoid extremely tight haircuts. These may cause scalp and hair follicle damage, inhibiting hair growth. Tight hairstyles can also be a key reason for hair breakage. 
• Do not put off dandruff treatment. At the first indication of dandruff, use dandruff shampoo and seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve after a week or two.

Summary 

Dandruff is fairly common, and most people can manage their symptoms at home. People who suffer from dandruff are unlikely to lose their hair. Untreated dandruff, on the other hand, may be a cause of hair loss. Even if dandruff is not the major reason, it can harm the scalp and hasten hair loss from other causes. A variety of illnesses can cause symptoms similar to dandruff. If dandruff does not improve with home treatment, the itching becomes unbearable, or the hair continues to fall out, consult a dermatologist.