Having dry and flaky skin on your scalp can be an annoying problem, especially when dead skin gets constantly caught in your hair. But beyond being an annoying condition requiring special shampoo, can dandruff actually be harmful? Does dandruff cause hair loss?
Our patients often wonder if dandruff can contribute to hair loss. While the condition itself doesn’t lead to hair loss, symptoms from the condition, such as an itchy scalp, can lead to the development of habits that ultimately cause you to lose your hair. Each case is different, which is why there is a wide range of hair loss treatments available.
Why Does Dandruff Cause an Itchy Scalp?
Dandruff causes dead skin flakes to come off of your scalp and fall into your hair. During this process, your scalp can become rather itchy. Since these skin flakes are constantly touching the hair follicles, you may feel a constant itch beneath your hair. It may be hard to resist…but you must.
An excess of scratching can damage your hair follicles altogether, making it more and more difficult for hair to continue growing. This is definitely a factor that can contribute to hair loss, although it rarely causes complete balding.
What are the Underlying Problems of Dandruff?
Why exactly does dandruff occur? And why are some people more prone to it than others? This condition is a constant source of frustration in those who have to deal with the uncomfortable and unsightly skin flakes. In most cases, patients diagnosed with dandruff have an underlying issue with the scalp. These issues can include:
Red Flaky Scalp Skin
Any red, flaky skin is a sure sign of contact dermatitis. According to Healthline, contact dermatitis is caused by a sensitivity to chemicals and ingredients that are in some shampoos and other hair care products. Switching to a new product may help get rid of this problem.
Dry Skin
You may just have really dry skin. You’ll know if this is the cause of your dandruff if the skin flakes do not come with any redness or swelling. There are several treatments for dry skin that can help moisturize your scalp to prevent dandruff.
Malassezia
This is a type of fungus that can be found on the scalp. While it is not inherently harmful, it does tend to cause an excess of skin growth on the scalp, causing it to die and flake off faster.
Preventing Hair Loss with Dandruff Symptoms
If you are worried that your dandruff symptoms are going to cause you to lose your hair, there are several preemptive treatments you can invest in. At Denver Hair Surgery, we offer several non-surgical hair loss prevention options.
For example, you may be prescribed with a certain medicated shampoo. There are products designed specifically to help treat dandruff. This is especially true of products containing selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or pyrinthione zinc.
Adding more moisture to the scalp can prevent skin dryness and keep dead skin from flaking off into your hair. Certain scalp conditioners offer treatments that nurture not just your hair, but the follicles underneath.
Make sure to get rid of products containing offending chemicals, and manage your health regimen by knowing exactly what you are putting on your body. In most cases, you will not have to worry about losing your hair from dandruff, but an excess of symptoms can make dealing with it unbearable all the same.
Get Proper Hair Treatment Today!
At Denver Hair Surgery, we review all options with our patients when it comes to recovery from hair loss. If you’re having a bit of a dandruff issue, talk to one of our experts today. While dandruff doesn’t directly cause hair loss, acting on its symptoms might. Stay informed by contacting us online or by giving us a call at (720) 759-2124.
