Is Dandruff a Sign of Male Pattern Baldness? Know the Truth
Dandruff and Male Pattern Baldness are two distinct conditions that can happen independently.
Dandruff is a very common scalp condition. According to NCBI, around 50 million people in the United States suffer from dandruff.
White, greasy skin flakes distinguish it, while Male Pattern Baldness is a permanent form of hair loss.
Dandruff does not cause hair loss directly, but the two may be connected.
Continue reading the article to learn about the link between dandruff and Male Pattern Baldness.
The Link between dandruff and Male Pattern Baldness
Dandruff is a common condition where small pieces of dry skin fall off the scalp.
It does not directly contribute to hair loss in the majority of cases.
The irritation that it creates, on the other hand, can lead to scratching.
This can affect the hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning or partial hair loss, but it will not cause complete Baldness.
However, dandruff may accelerate hair loss in individuals with Male Pattern Baldness.
This can happen as dandruff might prematurely cause Telogen Effluvium.
Some of the other conditions that can lead to hair loss and dandruff include:
Folliculitis decalvans
Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is an uncommon, chronic cicatricial (scarring) alopecia often manifests as an increasing patch of alopecia with peripheral pustules on the scalp.
Malassezia
Malassezia is a fungus that is commonly seen on people’s scalps. However, it might occasionally irritate your scalp and trigger the formation of additional skin cells. Dandruff can develop when these skin cells die.
Scalp Psoriasis
This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system fights its systems. The result is an excess of cells on the head.
Psoriasis causes signs like red, raised, flaky spots of skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
It is a skin disease that causes red, flaky spots, mostly on the head.
It can also happen on the face, upper chest, and back, which are all sticky places.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause rough spots, red skin, and dandruff that won’t go away.
It can also cause temporary hair loss.
How to treat dandruff?
Dandruff can be treated with both medicated and non-medicated treatments.
Some treatments for dandruff include:
Ketoconazole shampoos
The antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of Ketoconazole make it an effective treatment for dandruff.
Extina, Nizoral A-D, and Xolegel are some shampoos containing Ketoconazole.
Pyrithione zinc shampoos
Also known as zinc, pyrithione is an effective substance against bacteria and fungi.
Because there is more copper present, this aids in reducing the formation of scalp fungus.
Tar based shampoos
Coal tar is a type of keratoplastic drug.
The growth and death of skin cells on the scalp are slowed down by coal tar.
Salicylic Acid Shampoos
It helps remove dry skin and dandruff.
It can also moisturize the scalp.
It might be due to some underlying condition.
Takeaway
Dandruff is a widespread scalp condition.
It can be disturbing and uncomfortable.
It can also lead to hair thinning due to excessive itching.
But it does not directly cause hair loss like Male Pattern Baldness.
However, it may accelerate the process of hair loss in males with Pattern Baldness.
Treatments like Ketoconazole, Pyrithione zinc, and Salicylic Acid shampoos can help eliminate dandruff.
Consult an expert if you are experiencing dandruff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dandruff cause what looks like Male Pattern Baldness?
It is highly unlikely that dandruff is the sole factor responsible for male pattern baldness. pattern baldness in men is a genetic condition characterized by a receding hairline and gradual hair loss on the top of the head. Other symptoms of male pattern baldness include thinner hair on the back and the sides of the head.
Why do I have dandruff and I’m bald?
Dandruff can happen even when bald due to a dry scalp. Dandruff is a condition where the dry skin flakes off, so since the scalp is a part of the skin, even though it is thicker, it can still flake off when dry.
Will hair loss due to dandruff grow back?
Dandruff-related hair loss is not permanent. Shampoos containing antifungal agents can help treat dandruff, and once it is treated, the hair fall will stop, and the hairs will start going as before.
Does removing dandruff stop hair fall?
Dandruff does not directly cause hair loss but might lead to thinning hair. Treating dandruff can help in stopping hair fall. But getting a proper diagnosis from an expert is essential because hair loss can result from other underlying conditions.
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