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Seborrheic dermatitis can cause uncomfortable, scaly patches on the scalp that lead to hair loss if scratched excessively. The condition is not infectious and is caused by an oil-producing yeast. Treatment includes controlling oil production and using antifungal ointments and topical corticosteroids. Proper care is necessary to prevent recurrence and permanent hair loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis and hair loss may be related to each other in some patients suffering from this skin condition. Uncomfortable, scaly, dry patches on the scalp are a direct result of seborrheic dermatitis and can cause a person tremendous discomfort. As a result, the sufferer is tempted to scratch these places, usually where hair is also present. Constant scratching can cause the hair to pull out or even stop the follicles from producing new hairs. The hair loss is often temporary and can usually be reversed with treatment of the seborrheic dermatitis.
Although infectious skin conditions are sometimes linked to severe hair loss, seborrheic dermatitis is not infectious in nature. It cannot be spread among people no matter how much a person scratches. The most common cause of seborrheic dermatitis is malassezia, an oil-producing yeast. Climate change, as well as extreme fatigue and anxiety, can make pre-existing seborrheic dermatitis worse.
Seborrheic dermatitis and hair loss are related, depending on where the patches are. Red, oily and yellowish scales are symptoms characterized by this type of dermatitis. The scalp is one of the most common places for the patches to develop, although seborrheic dermatitis is known to develop almost anywhere on the body. This includes the area behind the ears, as well as the face and chest.
Sebum is an oily substance produced by the pores of the skin. An increase in sebum production is thought to be related to malassezia, and an overall increase in skin oiliness. Sebum can trap hair follicles in the skin, causing the resulting scaly patches of seborrheic dermatitis, which may prevent new hair from growing.
Itchy and aggravated skin is characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis. The scales are uncomfortable and patients scratch their skin repeatedly. When a patient scratches their scalp or other hairy areas, the hair follicles may be temporarily destroyed. As a result, any existing hairs may break from their follicles causing temporary hair loss.
Young children are especially prone to these patches. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap. Oil in the skin tends to increase in babies, especially on the scalp, eyebrow area, and ears, among others. At the same time, a baby may naturally lose hair loss within the first few weeks of life. Hair loss can be further aggravated in children with dermatitis on the scalp. Other times in life, such as puberty, can also lead to seborrheic dermatitis due to increased hormone levels.
There are several ways to help prevent and treat seborrheic dermatitis and hair loss. The first step is to control oil production. If a patient is prone to seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, she may want to wash her hair every day to control oiliness with an anti-dandruff shampoo. Antifungal ointments and topical corticosteroids are other medications a doctor might recommend for seborrheic dermatitis.
Patients might consider constant vigilance when dealing with seborrheic dermatitis and hair loss. The hair will likely grow back once the skin condition is treated, but there is a risk of the seborrheic dermatitis returning if the skin is not properly cared for. As a result, temporary hair loss may recur and eventually become permanent if the cycle keeps repeating itself.
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