Can dandruff cause hair loss? Dandruff is a common condition in both men and women, and people with dandruff may or may not experience hair loss. In itself, dandruff doesn’t cause hair loss, but some infections that cause the condition may also result in hair loss. As such, it is vital to get a professional diagnosis from a licensed dermatologist to help you get rid of the condition. Some people who have dandruff go on to develop hair loss, so you might wonder if it is the reason you are losing hair. Here’s a quick overview of dandruff and its relationship with hair loss in men and women.
What is Dandruff?
Before we explore the question of can dandruff cause hair loss, it is vital to define what it is. Dandruff is a disorder that leads into a scaly skin on your scalp. The loose skin often falls off, leaving white flakes and residue on your shoulder when you comb your hair. There are many known causes of dandruff, ranging from hair-washing habits to dry skin and underlying conditions. Some of the most profound causes include:
Dry Skin: A dry scalp may result in small flakes that fall off as dandruff. You might not realize you have dandruff until you comb your hair, as dry skin doesn’t have any other symptoms. The condition doesn’t cause inflammation or redness.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Refers to a condition that causes rashes on the scalp. The rashes are red, scaly, and oily, leaving white or yellow flakes when they dry up.
Contact Dermatitis: Some people are sensitive to specific ingredients and products, including hair shampoos, dies, and oils. These ingredients can irritate the scalp, causing red, flaky skin and dandruff.
Malassezia: Most people have the Malassezia fungus on their scalps, and it is generally nothing to worry about. However, the fungus may irritate your scalp causing extra skin cells to grow. When the skin cells die, they can result in dandruff.
Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?
The question of can dandruff cause hair loss is common among those experiencing androgenic alopecia accompanied by increased dandruff. Most people are worried that the dandruff is causing them to lose hair, which is often not the case. Dandruff does not lead to hair loss, but the two are mutual. Dandruff tends to be itchy, and if you scratch your scalp, you might end up injuring your follicles and experiencing some hair loss. Nonetheless, dandruff won’t result in balding.
Some infections that cause dandruff may also cause hair loss, so having dandruff should be a concern, especially if it is accompanied by rashes, itchiness, redness, blisters, and other unusual symptoms. However, it is essential to get a diagnosis to determine if there’s an underlying infection or reason to worry. This is a better solution than looking up results from your ‘can dandruff cause hair loss’ web search.
Summary
Still wondering how can dandruff cause hair loss? The answer is dandruff won’t cause baldness or significant hair loss. You might lose a few follicles from the constant scratching and combing. However, dandruff could be a symptom of an underlying scalp or skin infection that might result in hair loss, so it is crucial to seek the help of a licensed dermatologist.