Dandruff and Hair Loss

By Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

The itchiness and flaking skin are bad enough, but does dandruff cause hair loss, too? Otherwise known as seborrheic dermatitis (SD), dandruff is not known to directly cause baldness, though it may indirectly cause hair loss when itchiness leads to constant scratching that can damage hair follicles. Dandruff can also be associated with baldness due to both conditions being caused by the same underlying factors.

Can dandruff cause baldness?

Hair loss isn’t a direct symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. However, it isn’t uncommon to experience dandruff and hair loss simultaneously. This is due to the fact that if you suffer from dandruff, your hair follicles may be damaged and brittle, making it very easy for the hair to break off altogether. Pair this with a constant urge to scratch, and you may start finding a lot of loose hairs with those white flakes. In this instance, the best thing you can do for your hair loss is to use dandruff shampoo products to tackle the underlying causes of your dandruff.

On the other hand, if the bald patches came before the dry, itchy scalp, you should probably be more worried about your medicated hair loss shampoo causing your dandruff. In a recent study, scientists found that patients using minoxidil to treat hair loss were more likely to be left scratching their scalps than those using an alternative treatment option. Alcohol and other harsh ingredients can often cause adverse reactions that may trigger dandruff or other uncomfortable skin conditions. Switching treatment plans and adding an anti dandruff shampoo to your hair care routine can help to reverse the flaking and itching.

Will hair loss from dandruff grow back?

For those who suffer from flaky, itchy scalps, it’s not easy to find an upside to dandruff, but here’s one of them: any hair loss caused by dandruff is almost always reversible. This is because loose hairs are usually the result of follicles that have been weakened and damaged by constant scratching. Once the symptoms of dandruff are managed, and your head-scratching ceases, your hair can go back to its normal, healthy growth routine.

The best way to soothe dandruff is by using specially-formulated shampoo and body wash for dandruff. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo is specially formulated for children but equally effective for adults who want an all-natural dandruff solution without potential irritants like synthetic dyes and fragrances, BPAs, parabens, sulfates, and alcohol. Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo contains pyrithione zinc, which is scientifically proven to relieve the symptoms of dandruff.

Keep in mind that it can take time, sometimes months, for hair to properly grow back after dandruff symptoms have resided. Be patient throughout the process and continue using a daily product that manages your dandruff condition while still being gentle on the scalp and hair follicles. In time, your hair will return to its original fullness.

If your hair continues to fall out, or you haven’t seen noticeable results after managing your dandruff symptoms, you may be suffering from another common condition, male- or female-pattern hair loss. If this is the case, you may want to speak to your dermatologist about medicated hair growth treatments you can pair with your anti-dandruff shampoo.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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