Can Eczema Cause Hair Loss?

Can eczema cause hair loss? But first, let’s delve deeper into what we are referring to when we say Eczema. Eczema is a broad category of irritated skin. Two of the most common types of eczema that people encounter are atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Understanding the Term Eczema

When most people and doctors say “Eczema,” they are referring to atopic dermatitis, the dry, itchy, scaly rashes that occur on the cheeks, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, and neck. This kind of eczema rarely occurs on the scalp.

Scalp Eczema (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Seborrheic dermatitis is a form of eczema that causes greasy yellow scales on the scalps of infants and adults. It also causes itchiness and flaking in the eyebrows, behind the ears, and redness in the fold between the nose and the cheeks.

Dandruff which entails mild flaking and itching on the scalp only, we should note, is extremely common and is a less intense version of seborrheic dermatitis.

Does Eczema Cause Hair Loss?

When I think of hair loss, the first location on my body I think about is on the top of my head.

But as we know, we have hair all over our body. And oh, cruel world, in the places we would like to have less of it sometimes there is too much and in the places we would wish for more we many times are lacking.

Generally, eczema (the broad term) leads to inflammation and itchiness, which can prevent hair growth and cause existing hair to fall out.

How Can Eczema Cause Hair Loss?

All hair on the body grows out of hair follicles in the skin, and this growth can be interrupted by common eczema symptoms like irritation and itchiness.

• It is difficult for hair to grow when the scalp and skin are irritated from eczema as the inflammation can hamper a healthy environment for hair follicles leading to less hair production, causing alterations in the hair shaft, and may allow hair to fall out prematurely.
• These stressors can lead to thinning hair as the hair that regularly falls out isn’t replaced. 
• The friction associated with scratching and picking at an eczema rash on the scalp can cause hair to fall out and even damage the hair follicles.

Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Hair Loss?

It is important to note that the most common form of scalp eczema is seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap in babies), and a more common subtype is the flaking-only version called dandruff. It is theorized that the yeast Malassezia is the root cause of both of these skin conditions.

The hair follicles in the scalp and the rest of the skin don’t just grow hair. They also secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps protect and hydrate the skin.

It turns out that this culprit (Malassezia yeast), mentioned above, likes to eat the sebum which creates a cascade of events that leads to scalp inflammation in the first place.

The crusting, scaling, and flaking caused by this scenario lead to itching and scratching, which can cause temporary hair loss.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Luckily, hair loss from any kind of scalp or skin condition is usually temporary, and the hair will grow back once the rash is cleared. However, if you are experiencing hair loss in large quantities or as bald spots on different areas of the scalp it is best to consult a doctor, as you may be experiencing some other skin condition. A doctor will accurately diagnose your condition and provide a treatment plan.

Treating Hair Loss From Eczema

What can you do if you suffer from hair loss because of eczema?

Well, it depends on where your hair loss is. Managing eczema all over the face and body involves a careful regimen of proper skin care, including daily use of a 

Eczema Shampoo

• Cleanse your skin and scalp with an eczema shampoo and body wash daily.
• Make sure to rinse off properly to prevent residue buildup.
• Do not rub your hair with a towel to dry them. 
• Use a gentle shampoo specially formulated to soothe eczema symptoms.

Shampoos for eczema like Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo and Body Wash is a gentle products that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and is a non-soap cleanser with a low pH, making it ideal for soothing eczema symptoms. 

It also contains licorice root extract, oatmeal extract, and aloe vera to soothe redness and provitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to moisturize hair and skin.

Eczema Cream

The next step in the eczema skincare regime is moisturizing.

• Moisturize your skin with an eczema cream at least twice daily.
• Moisturize after taking a bath the skin absorbs more moisture at that time. 
• Try keeping your skin moisturized at all times, especially at night. 
• Choose a moisturizer or cream for eczema that is free from harsh chemicals like fragrance, parabens, sulfate, and dyes.

Managing Seborrheic Dermatitis

Managing scalp eczema (seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff) involves using an anti-dandruff and anti-seborrheic dermatitis shampoo and body wash that can tackle the source of the problem, the yeast Malassezia.

Reach for a gentle, irritant-free seborrheic dermatitis shampoo like Dr. Eddie’s Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash which can help eliminate scalp and skin scaling, redness, flaking, itching, and irritation associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

• Wash your hair daily with a medicated shampoo when the symptoms are intense.
• Once symptoms are under control tapered to only 2-3 times per week.
• Consider using a cradle cap brush while shampooing to brush away the loose scales and flakes gently.
• Never pick at the scales.
• You can use Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo and Body Wash on other days when there are no signs of symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

Conclusion

Can eczema cause hair loss? The answer is yes. Even though hair loss is not directly related to eczema, it can cause temporary hair loss. The most common type of scalp eczema is seborrheic dermatitis and it’s a milder version of dandruff.

Seborrheic dermatitis causes thick yellow scales and flakes to form on the scalp. It also causes itching, irritation, and inflammation. The inflammation can hinder hair growth and cause hair loss. 

Scratching and picking at scales can also lead to hair loss, so try not to scratch or pick at them. To get rid of seborrheic dermatitis use a medicated shampoo or seborrheic dermatitis shampoo daily. When the scaling and flaking are reduced, you can switch to a gentle daily shampoo and use the medicated shampoo 2 to 3 times a week for maintenance.  

Try the  Happy Cappy Shampoo Bundle to soothe eczema, and eliminate the flaking associated with seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. See you later cradle cap!

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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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