Does Dandruff Cause Hair Loss: The Truth
Dandruff is a very common scalp condition affecting millions of people worldwide.
It is characterized by the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.
This shedding can lead to flakes and itchy skin all over the head.
While dandruff does not directly cause hair loss, persistent scratching may lead to hair loss over time.
When the scalp is scratched constantly due to itching, it can damage hair follicles.
Some medical conditions can cause dandruff as well as hair loss.
As per the PubMed study, 50% of the world’s population faces dandruff problems.
Continue reading this article to know does dandruff cause hair loss.
The myth about anti-dandruff shampoo
Many people say that anti-dandruff shampoos cause hair loss.
But this is not true. Shampoos can help in reducing dandruff and flakes on the scalp.
These conditions can be due to fungal or bacterial infections on the scalp.
However, some people may experience hair damage or breakage due to the use of chemical shampoos.
Some shampoos contain harsh chemicals and have higher levels of active ingredients.
Choosing a shampoo that is gentle on the scalp and hair is important. Always follow the manufacturerâs instructions for use.
In rare cases, allergic reactions to shampoo ingredients can cause temporary hair loss.
If you experience unusual hair loss, consult your doctor immediately.
Hair loss due to itchy dandruff
Itchy dandruff can be a symptom of various bacterial and fungal scalp infections.
These common scalp conditions can lead to hair loss if left untreated.
This can make the scalp itchy and inflamed and can cause hair to get brittle and break from the roots.
Moreover, constant scratching can loosen the hair follicles and cause hair loss.
To prevent hair loss due to itchy dandruff, treating the underlying cause is the only option.
Over-the-counter anti-fungal shampoos having Ketoconazole or Zinc can be effective.
If these shampoos don’t help, consult your doctor immediately.
Fungal dandruff causes hair loss!
Fungal dandruff may be a sign of Seborrheic dermatitis. It is a condition causing dead skin flakes to appear on the scalp.
Fungal dandruff is caused due to overgrowth of yeast on the scalp.
It can be treated with anti-fungal shampoos, topical creams, or oral medications.
If left untreated, it can lead to inflammation and scalp irritation, causing hair loss.
However, it is important to see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.
They may recommend a combination of treatments to help manage symptoms and prevent hair loss.
How to treat dandruff?
There are various scalp products available, both medicated and non-medicated.
These are available in the form of foams, gels, oils, sprays, and ointments.
Sometimes you may need to try multiple products to find the best for you.
Some of the anti-dandruff shampoos are as follows, divided as per the medication they contain:
Salicylic acid shampoos
Shampoos containing salicylic acid help in eliminating scaling.
Some shampoos with this as the main ingredient are Jason dandruff relief shampoo and Baker P&S.
Tar-based shampoos
Coal tar helps slow the growth and death of skin cells on the scalp.
If you have light-colored hair, this shampoo may cause some discoloration.
These can also make your scalp more sensitive to sunlight.
Some shampoos having tar are Neutrogena T/Gel and Scalp 18 Coal Tar shampoo.
Pyrithione zinc shampoos
Zinc pyrithione is an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
This helps in inhibiting the growth of scalp fungus by increasing the presence of copper.
Shampoos like DermaZinc and Head & Shoulders contain pyrithione zinc.
Ketoconazole shampoos
This shampoo helps by killing the fungi causing dandruff on the scalp.
Moreover, Ketoconazole 2% shampoo is used to treat fungal infections causing lightening or darkening of the skin of the neck, chest, or legs.
Shampoo having Ketoconazole as an active ingredient is a Nizral shampoo.
Takeaway
Dandruff is a common scalp condition. It can cause itching and flaking of the scalp.
This can be very annoying and uncomfortable.
There is no such evidence that dandruff can directly cause hair loss.
But, if dandruff is left untreated, it can lead to infections and inflammation.
This can cause hair follicles to get damaged, and you may face hair loss.
To prevent this, you can use anti-dandruff shampoos to get relief from dandruff.
It is better to consult your dermatologist if you are facing hair loss in addition to dandruff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hair fall due to dandruff growing back?
If you are facing hair loss due to dandruff, it is not permanent. Once you treat dandruff, your hair follicles will be restored. The hairs will start growing naturally.
How can I stop dandruff and hair loss?
A good oil massage on your scalp maintains moisture and can open up hair follicles. Massaging can also make you feel very relaxed. Olive oil and almond oil are good for massage. But in case of severe hair loss consult your dermatologist. They may suggest you proper treatment.
Is dandruff harmful to hair?
Dandruff is a very common skin condition. It affects millions of people every year. It is not harmful and you can easily get relief from it. Massaging and using ant-dandruff shampoos can greatly help.
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