How Dandruff Could Be Affecting Your Hair Health

Dandruff does not directly cause hair loss. However, this can sometimes contribute to it. Flaking often leads to an itchy scalp, and frequent scratching can damage hair follicles (the base of the hair strand) or cause breakage. Some underlying conditions that cause dandruff can also cause inflammation of the scalp, disrupting hair growth, and increasing the risk of hair loss.

Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on your scalp to flake. It does not directly cause hair loss. However, dandruff can contribute to this in several ways. Your scalp may feel itchy and irritated as the skin flakes due to dandruff. This can making you scratch or scratch your scalp in an attempt to find relief, which can damage hair follicles and lead to hair thinning or breakage.

One of the main causes of dandruff is a type of yeast called Malassezia. This yeast lives naturally on the scalp and can grow out of control, especially when there is a lot of sebum (oil) on the skin.

Other factors that can contribute to dandruff include:

• Hormonal changes
• Certain hair products or styling habits
• Stress
• Cold and dry weather
• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly zinc and B vitamins

Several conditions can cause dandruff and also lead to hair loss. The causes often involve inflammation, infection or irritation of the scalp. This can lead to temporary or, in some cases, permanent thinning.

1. Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic (long-term) skin condition that affects very oily areas, including the scalp. This causes:

• Scaly patches
• White or yellow flaking skin
• Scalp redness
• Itch

Irritation and frequent scratching can lead to hair breakage or loss. In more severe cases, inflammation caused by seborrheic dermatitis can weaken hair follicles, contributing to thinning hair.

2. Scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that accelerates the growth of skin cells, leading to the appearance of thick, scaly skin patches (plaques). On the scalp, these may appear as raised patches and scabs or as thin, flaky areas.

The buildup and inflammation can cause temporary hair loss. Some medicated shampoos used to treat scalp psoriasis can dry out hair, making it more likely to break.

3. Ringworm of the scalp

Ringworm (tinea capitis) is a fungal infection that affects the scalp. It often starts as a circular, red, itchy rash and can cause hair loss in the affected area. Without treatment, the infection can spread and create larger bald spots.

4. Yeast overgrowth

A proliferation of Malasseziaa yeast that lives naturally on the scalp can cause dandruff. When this happens, it can also lead to inflammation and irritation that affects the scalp’s ability to support healthy hair growth.

Another type of yeast, Candida, can also affect the scalp. The two types of yeast overgrowth can disrupt the scalp environment, leading to increased flaking, itching, and possible thinning of the hair.

5. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. It most often develops due to a bacterial, fungal, parasitic or viral infection that affects the scalp. Folliculitis may appear as small pimples or bumps around the hair follicles and may be tender or itchy. In some cases, folliculitis can lead to scarring of the scalp, which can damage hair follicles and cause patchy, permanent hair loss.

Dandruff is usually manageable at home. Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos are usually the first line of treatment and can help relieve itching, reduce flaking, and soothe an itchy scalp.

Try using medicated shampoos containing any of these active ingredients:

• Zinc pyrithione
• Ketoconazole
• Selenium sulfide
• Coal tar
• Salicylic acid

Always follow label directions. Many anti-dandruff shampoos work best when left on the scalp for five to ten minutes before rinsing. Use them regularly to get the best results.

If your scalp is still irritated, applying a small amount of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to itchy areas can help relieve discomfort. Use it sparingly and only for short periods of time unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

When over-the-counter options aren’t enough, a dermatologist can help. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the hair, skin and nails. They may prescribe stronger treatments, including antifungal shampoos or topical medications (applied to the skin), to manage inflammation and reduce scaling more effectively.

Good hair care habits can help prevent the hair loss that sometimes accompanies dandruff. These habits can keep your scalp healthy and reduce the risk of hair loss:

• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo regularly: Even when flakes improve, continue using a medicated shampoo once or twice a week to prevent future breakouts. Otherwise, wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo to remove dead skin cells and excess oil.
• Avoid scratching: Scratching the skin on your scalp can damage hair follicles, leading to hair thinning or breakage.
• Keep your scalp hydrated: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic scalp oil or conditioner to help prevent dryness.
• Limit tight hairstyles: Styles that pull on the scalp, like braids, buns, or ponytails, can increase hair tension and the risk of breakage. Choose loose styles that don’t put pressure on your scalp or hair follicles.
• Protect your scalp from the sun: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can irritate the skin and worsen dandruff symptoms. Wear a wide-brimmed hat outside to protect your scalp from sun damage, and consider using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent skin damage.
• Eat a balanced diet: It’s important to make sure you’re getting nutrients like biotin, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain healthy hair and scalp.

Consider consulting a dermatologist if you you have dandruff that is not getting better after a few weeks of home treatment or if you have dandruff accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Scaly patches of skin on your scalp that won’t go away
• Swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck or scalp
• Painful, swollen, or oozing areas on the scalp
• Pimple-like bumps or pimples along the hairline
• Significant or continuous hair loss or thinning

Dermatologists can examine your scalp to determine the cause of dandruff and hair loss, such as a fungal infection or underlying skin condition, and recommend effective treatments.

Dandruff can cause irritation and inflammation which can lead to hair breakage or thinning. In some cases, an underlying skin condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, can cause both dandruff and hair loss.

Using medicated anti-dandruff shampoos, avoiding scratching, and taking care of your scalp can help reduce dandruff and protect your hair. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, a dermatologist may recommend treatment.