Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly, itchy, and oily patches on various body locations. It is prevalent in people of all ages, including infancy, adolescence, and adulthood. However, this condition is not only limited to the skin. It can manifest as flaky dandruff on the hairline and part of the scalp, causing Seborrheic Dermatitis hair loss.

Seborrheic Dermatitis is common, and approximately three to ten out of a hundred people have this condition. However, hair loss from Seborrheic Dermatitis is uncommon, and effective strategies are needed to reduce its severity. 

This article will explore SD hair loss, its symptoms, causes, and effective treatments. Read it thoroughly to gain complete insight into effective strategies to improve the quality of hair and scalp health and promote hair regrowth.

Can Seborrheic Dermatitis cause hair loss?

Seborrheic Dermatitis does not directly cause hair loss, as they do not primarily coexist. However, in some instances, Seborrheic Dermatitis and hair loss can occur together. In these cases, SD can affect the hair follicles and scalp health, predominantly leading to hair fall and difficulty in hair regrowth.

It happens because SD increases sebum production in the scalp region, causing the appearance of flaky dandruff. It can result in irritation and inflammation of the scalp, which leads to itching. Scratching the scalp can damage the hair follicles, causing hair fall and hindering hair growth.

Furthermore, excessive sebum production is also linked with the imbalance of Malassezia growth on the skin. Malassezia is a yeast that causes inflammation. If it increases and is left untreated, it can damage the hair follicles and result in hair loss. 

Did you know?
Seborrheic Dermatitis is more common in men as compared to women.

Symptoms of SD hair loss

Some common symptoms of hair loss from Seborrheic Dermatitis are as follows:

  • Itchiness in scalp
  • Excessive flakiness
  • Redness in scalp
  • Scalp pain
  • Thick sebum production
  • Excessive greasy dandruff
  • Rash on the scalp
  • Hair fall
  • Hair thinning
Warning
If you observe any symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis on your scalp, consult your healthcare practitioner promptly to alleviate the symptoms and manage them before they cause scalp damage and hair loss

Is Seborrheic Dermatitis hair loss reversible?

According to the American Hair Loss Association, hair loss from Dermatitis is reversible when the right treatment options are taken to reduce inflammation. In typical ways, when the root cause of hair loss, i.e., inflammation of the scalp, is treated, hair loss can be prevented. 

Therefore, it is crucial to seek the right treatment at the right time to reduce its severity. The effective medications to treat SD hair loss are discussed in the following section of this article. Before administering the medications, consult a healthcare practitioner to discuss your medical history and dietary routine. It will help your doctor make an informed decision by preventing the risks of side effects or interactions.

Seborrheic Dermatitis hair loss treatment options

A woman taking medicine
A woman taking medicine

Once an individual is diagnosed with SD, a healthcare practitioner may prescribe Seborrheic Dermatitis treatment, depending on the severity of the condition. With the help of over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and natural treatments, individuals can revert their SD and get healthy and luscious hair. 

Here are some of the most effective ways to reduce scalp damage and promote hair regrowth.

Over-the-counter SD medications

The over-the-counter medications, such as shampoo, topical creams, and ointments, help alleviate the symptoms of SD and keep them under control. These medications have the following ingredients to treat the yeast infection from the scalp:

  • Ketoconazole: It is an antifungal agent and ceases yeast multiplication. Nizral Shampoo 2% is one of the recommended shampoos for fast recovery
  • Pyrithione Zinc: It is one of the widely used antifungal drugs in medicated shampoo curated for treating dandruff and SD
  • Selenium Sulphide: Selenium Sulphide in strengths 1% and 2.5% controls the symptoms of SD and reduce dandruff
  • Azoles: Azoles, or antifungal agents, are primarily recognized as the mainstay of Antiseborrheic therapy and inhibit fungal growth or reproduction
  • Corticosteroids: Some prescription-based Corticosteroids are also prescribed by your healthcare practitioner to manage inflammation on the scalp 
  • Antifungal creams: These antifungal creams combat and inhibit fungal growth on the scalp

Prescription medications

In addition to over-the-counter treatment, you should consult a medical expert and seek prescription medications. These medicines are mostly recommended to people who experience frequent flare-ups and need immediate medical assistance.

Some prescription medications include oral antifungal medications, stronger Corticosteroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors to reduce inflammation and treat SD.

Combat Dermatitis discomfort with Flucort 0.025

Natural treatment

Some herbal sources of antifungal properties, such as tea tree oil, also serve as beneficial natural treatments to reduce inflammation and protect hair. Furthermore, coal tar is present in some shampoo and topical ointments, which can also treat SD hair fall.

Choose Bio Margosa (anti-dandruff shampoo) to combat dandruff with its unique formulation of Margosa, Reetha, and Bhringraj. It has antifungal properties, is suitable for all hair types, and strengthens hair.

Seborrheic Dermatitis hair loss recovery time

Seborrheic Dermatitis usually clears up itself in infants and does not need treatment. However, in adults, SD tends to be chronic.  If left untreated, it may flare up throughout life. Furthermore, if you observe significant hair loss, you should consult your doctor, as other conditions, such as Alopecia, may be causing it.

A 2023 study in Skin Appendage Disorders found a close association between SD and the potential trigger of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). Chronic SD can contribute to exacerbating CCCA.

Hair loss caused by Seborrheic Dermatitis can be challenging if not diagnosed and treated early. In addition to managing SD, some individuals have found success in supporting hair regrowth with treatments like Finasteride, commonly known as Finpecia. While primarily used for male pattern baldness, Finpecia may also be considered in certain cases to help address hair thinning associated with SD. It’s always best to discuss such options with your healthcare provider.

Finally, it is recommended not to neglect your body’s signs in case of SD and seek prompt treatment to control hair loss.

Conclusion

Seborrheic Dermatitis hair loss is uncommon as there are very few chances of them to occur together. However, excessive sebum production, inflammation, itching, and scratching can damage the hair follicles, causing temporary hair loss. It may show some symptoms, such as flaky dandruff, itching, pain, and hair thinning.

Fortunately, hair loss caused by SD is reversible. You can consult a healthcare practitioner and seek over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions, and natural treatments for prompt recovery and fast results. Further, it is recommended that you stay updated on your scalp condition with regular visits to the dermatologist to detect and prevent SD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will hair loss from Seborrheic Dermatitis grow back?

Yes, hair loss from Seborrheic Dermatitis can grow back if the root cause, inflammation, is treated on the scalp. You can take some over-the-counter medications, including anti-dandruff shampoo. Further, if you experience frequent flare-ups, visit a doctor for prescription medications, such as stronger corticosteroids and antifungal drugs.

Is Seborrheic Dermatitis hair loss permanent, or can I regrow my hair?

Seborrheic Dermatitis causes temporary hair loss. It happens when excessive sebum production in the scalp causes inflammation and itching. Scratching the scalp can damage the hair follicles, causing hair loss and hindering growth. Fortunately, hair regrowth is possible by controlling the inflammation on the scalp.

Should I wash my hair more if I have Seborrheic Dermatitis?

If you have mild to moderate Seborrheic Dermatitis, you should wash your hair once daily or twice a week. When the flare-up clears, you can use the medicated shampoo once a week under a doctor’s prescription. For best results, use Nizral Shampoo 2%, which has antifungal properties that stop yeast growth.

Can Seborrheic Dermatitis cause baldness?

Seborrheic Dermatitis causes temporary hair loss, but it may not cause baldness. The hair loss is reversible with effective medicated shampoos, topical creams, ointments, oral medications, and natural treatment methods.

Can Seborrheic Dermatitis cause Alopecia?

A 2023 study in Skin Appendage Disorders found a close association between SD and the potential trigger of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). Chronic SD can contribute to exacerbating CCCA. However, more evidence is needed to conclude the intricate relationship between them.

Citations:
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