Can seborrhea cause hair loss
Can seborrheic dermatitis cause hair loss?
In rare situations some people can experience temporary hair loss with seborrheic dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes an itchy, flaky rash to develop on the scalp, face, or other parts of the body. Many people call it dandruff.
In this article, find out more about seborrheic dermatitis and how it may cause hair loss.
We also outline the treatment options available for this condition.
Although seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp does not tend to cause hair loss, the American Hair Loss Association note that it can sometimes lead to temporary hair loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs as a result of a particular yeast on the skin. The sebaceous glands produce a type of oil called sebum, which the yeast thrives on.
Several factors may give rise to an overgrowth of this yeast, such as excess sebum on the scalp. The result is inflammation, which manifests as flaking, itching, and some redness on the skin.
Hair loss is not common in seborrheic dermatitis. If it does occur, it is likely from scratching and rubbing the scalp, as it can be very itchy.
In very rare cases, inflammation may also affect the hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss. In these situations, the hair loss is not permanent and will eventually grow back if the person takes steps to control the inflammation.
Researchers have also identified a potential link between seborrheic dermatitis and health conditions including Parkinsons disease and HIV.
Certain factors can trigger a flare-up. These include:
- sun
- heat
- aggressive topical therapy
Seborrheic dermatitis is not infectious, so people cannot catch it from another person.
Any hair loss that occurs as a result of seborrheic dermatitis is usually reversible.
Typically, the hair will grow back once a person has received treatment for the inflammation that triggered the hair loss and stopped scratching or rubbing the scalp.
When there is significant or scarring hair loss, it may not be due to the seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can co-exist with other scalp conditions, many of which such as androgenic alopecia can cause hair loss.
In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up by itself without treatment. In adults, it tends to be a chronic condition. This means that people may have flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis throughout their life.
However, there are certain treatments that can help reduce symptoms during a flare-up. The sections below discuss the treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis.
Although treatment will not completely cure seborrheic dermatitis, it can help alleviate some of the symptoms.
People may be able to treat mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis using natural home remedies, such as aloe vera and tea tree oil. However, these options should not replace conventional treatments, many of which are over available over the counter.
A person who experiences frequent or severe flare-ups may require prescription treatments from their doctor.
Natural treatments
One older study from 1999 used a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effects of aloe vera on seborrheic dermatitis.
Over the course of 46 weeks, 44 adults with seborrheic dermatitis applied one of two treatments to their scalp twice per day. One group applied an aloe vera ointment, while the other applied a placebo.
Those applying the aloe vera ointment reported a 62% improvement in symptoms, whereas those in the placebo group reported a 25% improvement. The researchers concluded that aloe vera extract is successful in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
The following natural treatments may also help alleviate dandruff and other symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis:
Over-the-counter treatments
The following over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help alleviate seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups as well as keep the condition under control. Some of the treatments outlined below are suitable for infants, while others are suitable for adolescents and adults.
For infants
People can buy baby shampoos formulated to treat scalp conditions in infants. These may contain mineral oil.
To treat seborrheic dermatitis in infants, the American Academy of Dermatology suggest:
- using baby shampoo on the scalp daily
- gently brushing away scaly skin as it becomes softer
- applying OTC seborrheic dermatitis medication to the scalp
For adolescents and adults
Certain shampoos contain specific formulas to help treat seborrheic dermatitis in adolescents and adults. These include shampoos for treating dandruff, as well as shampoos containing the following ingredients:
- selenium sulfide
- pyrithione zinc
- salicylic acid
- sulfur
- coal tar
People can also buy OTC shampoos containing a class of antifungal drug called azoles. One example of this is ketoconazole (Nizoral). A person should ask their pharmacist for advice on how and when to use the shampoo.
In some cases, a pharmacist may advise a person to alternate between the treatment shampoo and their regular shampoo. People may eventually be able to reduce their use of the treatment shampoo to once or twice per week.
Prescription medications
Some people may experience severe or frequent flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis that do not respond to OTC treatments.
In such cases, a person should see their doctor or dermatologist. They may recommend a corticosteroid solution to help reduce scalp inflammation or a stronger, prescription-strength shampoo.
In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up by itself by the time they are 612 months old. In some cases, the condition may return in puberty. This may be due to hormonal changes.
Some adults may also find that their seborrheic dermatitis clears up without treatment. However, most adults with the condition will experience flare-ups for many years. Using preventive treatments such as antidandruff shampoos can help prevent and treat flare-ups.
In very rare and severe cases, seborrheic dermatitis may result in some hair loss. This tends to be reversible.
However, hair loss is not common in seborrheic dermatitis. If there is significant hair loss, it may be due to another cause that might require medical treatment.
There are many effective treatment options that can relieve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and treat the inflammation it causes.
Using OTC antidandruff or medicated shampoos can help treat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. People with severe or persistent seborrheic dermatitis should see their doctor to discuss other treatment options.
Seborrheic Dermatitis and the Link to Hair Loss
Seborrheic dermatitis, also called seborrheic eczema, is a chronic skin condition that predominantly affects the scalp, damages the hair follicles and hinders hair growth. Seborrheic dermatitis is a fungal disease, and its among the many different dermatitis skin conditions.
Seborrhea characterizes chronic inflammatory conditions that cause scaly skin and oily skin due to excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands.
Hair loss is closely associated with seborrheic dermatitis because increased sebum production can create irritation and inflammation on the scalp, which can cause intense itchiness. Scratching the scalp can damage hair follicles, which obstructs natural hair growth, causing hair to fall out.
Excess sebum production can also cause an imbalance in Malassezia on the skin. Malassezia is a type of naturally-occurring yeast that can cause inflammation and further damage to hair follicles if produced in excess and left untreated. Just like increased sebum production, increased Malassezia production can cause hair loss.
Cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis
There is no direct cause of seborrheic dermatitis, as this condition often develops in people who are otherwise healthy. Although, there are a few risk factors that may increase a persons chances of developing this chronic condition:
- Weakened immune system
- Various medications
- Chronic stress
- Genetics
- Pre-existing conditions, including psoriasis, HIV, acne, rosacea, Parkinson disease, depression, alcoholism, eating disorders, recovery from stroke or heart attack
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis has a direct impact on the scalp and the hair follicles ability to produce hair naturally. Because this condition causes the sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum than usual, the symptoms are each a byproduct of excessive oil on the skin and within the hair follicles.
Common symptoms include:
- Scaly skin (sometimes referred to as a cradle cap when present in infants)
- Flaking skin
- Greasy patches of skin on the head
- Dandruff
- Itchy scalp
- Rash on the scalp
- Redness on the skin
- Inflammation on the skin
- Thinning hair
- Hair loss
How is Seborrheic Dermatitis Treated?
To effectively treat the unpleasant symptoms of this skin condition, the condition itself has to be treated. Treating hair loss, hair thinning and flaking skin without treating the source of these symptoms (the fungal infection) can exacerbate this condition and make the symptoms worse.
There are a number of available treatment options to cure seborrheic dermatitis, including over-the-counter antifungal medications, natural treatment methods, and prescription medications.
Over-the-Counter & Natural Treatments
Pyrithione zinc can be an effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. This ingredient has antifungal, antibacterial properties. Pyrithione zinc is often infused into shampoos to treat dandruff by eliminating the fungi that cause itchy, flaky skin. Its also available in creams and face washes, depending on the location of the irritated skin.
The potential side effects of pyrithione zinc include a stinging or burning sensation on the scalp and skin peeling.
Selenium Sulfide, another antifungal agent, can treat seborrheic dermatitis by eliminating Malassezia yeast and reducing skin inflammation. This treatment is also available in medicated shampoos, creams, face washes, and body washes.
The potential side effects of selenium sulfide include skin irritation, oiliness, dryness, and increased hair loss.
Ketoconazole is a highly-effective agent used to treat fungal infections on the skin. This ingredient is a considerably strong antifungal medication that stops and prevents the growth of fungi, specifically the ones that cause seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.
The potential side effects of ketoconazole include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, headaches, and skin rash.
Salicylic acid can soften the scales on the head caused by irregular sebum production. Salicylic acid is an ingredient found in many dandruff shampoos. Although there isnt much data to support salicylic acid as a treatment for seborrheic dermatitis on its own, its often combined with other ingredients in medicated shampoos to treat scaly scalp.
The potential side effects of using salicylic acid topically include burning or itching sensation on the skin, and peeling skin.
Medicated shampoo is the predominant treatment method for seborrheic dermatitis. Because this skin condition mainly affects the scalp, applying a medicated shampoo directly on the area can treat the infection and alleviate the symptoms. Medicated shampoos that include selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole or salicylic acid have proven effective for reducing dandruff, healing redness and inflammation, and relieving itching.
The potential side effects of medicated shampoo with antifungal agents (specifically ketoconazole) include skin itching or irritation, oiliness, and dryness on the scalp, abnormal hair texture, skin rash, and headache.
Topical corticosteroids have also proven highly effective for treating seborrheic dermatitis. These medications reduce inflammation, relieve erythema (red patches on the skin) and relieve itchy skin. Some corticosteroids have shown anti-inflammatory effects and antifungal properties. Topical corticosteroids typically come in creams and ointment solutions.
The potential side effects of topical corticosteroids, specifically hydrocortisone, include skin redness and skin peeling, nausea, blistering skin, headache, dizziness, increased sweating, acne, and insomnia.
Calcineurin inhibitor creams are immunomodulating agents known to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Immunomodulating means this treatment acts directly on the immune system to reduce skin inflammation. Calcineurin inhibitors block the chemicals that trigger inflammation and cause redness and itchiness. (These medications have not been approved by the FDA.)
The potential side effects of calcineurin inhibitor creams include skin irritation, facial acne, skin redness, rosacea, and flushing of the face.
What triggers a seborrheic dermatitis flare-up?
When seborrheic dermatitis flares up, it can cause increased redness, flaky rashes, and intense itchiness. Seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups can be rather hard to manage. These symptoms are uncomfortable and unpleasant for anyone experiencing them.
Flare-ups may be triggered by:
- Increased stress
- Cold weather
- Dry weather
- Hormonal changes
- Harsh ingredients (especially in detergent or soap)
Is seborrheic dermatitis treatable?
The condition itself is not treatable. Because seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic disease, it is likely to persist as a lifelong condition. Flare-ups may occur seasonally, or when a person experiences periods of stress.
Although, the symptoms of this condition are treatable and hair can grow back. Over-the-counter medications and topical medications are available to cure the fungal infection on the skin to effectively treat the symptoms (like hair loss) caused by the infection.
Hair will grow back once the source of this symptom (inflammation) is treated, by way of antifungal medications and anti-inflammatory treatments.
The right treatment for each patient will depend on the patients lifestyle preferences, specific symptoms, and the severity of their condition. Its important to consider the potential risks and side effects of each treatment method before deciding on a treatment option.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, our dermatologists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that treats the source of your condition to effectively alleviate the associated symptoms.
Throughout all of our UCF Health Services, its our goal to help you achieve your greatest quality of life. You shouldnt have to live with irritated, flaking skin. Our Orlando dermatologists are here to help you weigh your options and decide on a treatment that reverses hair loss and cures the source of the condition.
