Dandruff and Hair Loss are two very common problems related to hair and/or scalp. Usually, people would misunderstand dandruff as a leading factor to hair loss. However, there is more to dandruff than being one of the causes of hair loss. And hair loss, in its own right, a very different phenomenon compared to the latter. Here’s why.
There are three types of dandruff, (1) the one that manifests on the scalp, causing the production of white scales or flakes on the surface. It is called Pityriasis simplex capillitii. This is the most common dandruff. When the skin cells renew themselves faster than normal, more deadskin is shed because the old (dead) skin is pushed to the surface out from the scalp. Thus, dandruff is more obvious. Exposure to extreme temperatures also causes this type of dandruff. An effective solution is a mild anti-dandruff shampoo.
The second type is caused by excessive oil production on the scalp as a result of irritation from hair products or heavy scalp perspiration. A person experiencing this kind of flaking on the scalp due to too much oil or sebum production on the scalp should see a dermatologist at once to properly diagnose the condition and give the best treatment.
The third and most severe is Seborrheic dermatitis, or also known as “cradle cap”, which is common to people aged between 30-70 years of age, although babies can have it, too. Usually, it is the result of the combination of too much sebum and irritation by a yeast called malessizia.
Dandruff and Hair Loss Symptoms
However, it’s also hereditary, and some factors like stress, fatigue, weather extremes, skin disorders, or even obesity may increase the risk of getting it. Seborrheic dermatitis’ manifestations are significant oiliness of the scalp and hair, yellowish flakes and intense itching. Sometimes, in more severe cases, the infection could spread to the face (on the eyebrows, cheeks and folds of the nose). Due to its extreme itchiness, the person with this kind of infection would tend to scratch the infected part harder than normal, which could lead to a secondary infection through bacteria, yeasts or another type of fungi. The treatment for this infection depends on its severity. For mild cases, shampooing with these active ingredients, salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium would resolve the issue. However, in more severe cases, one should seek medical help from an experienced dermatologist.
None of the conditions mentioned above could lead to hair loss so dandruff and hair loss is just a myth. A lot of factors can lead to hair loss but dandruff is not one of them. Generally, the most of hair loss cases are not associated to any systemic or internal disease. Even nutritional deficiency is not a common factor. Instead, it is just a result of predetermined genetic factors. People who are sensitive to DHT hormones are most likely prone to hair loss. DHT hormones is a by-product of testosterone that mingles with the hair follicles that eventually thins the follicles out, leading to hair loss. This thinning of hair would usually start between ages 30 – 40. Some risk factors like stress, variation of diet, hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopause) may cause hair loss, too.
Avoiding Dandruff and Hair Loss
Hair loss treatments vary depending on the cause. If it is caused by a certain type of medicine, then a licensed health practitioner can prescribe a different one. Correcting hormonal imbalance, especially for women, could also help prevent hair loss. In other cases, minoxidil can stop the development of common baldness. It is a topical medicine that is applied on the scalp for both men and women to use. Another is finasteride, which can be available through a prescription, and comes in pills. It is only for men and the treatment could take up to 6 months. Artificial hair replacement is also available if hair loss still persists after adequate treatment has been done. Dandruff and hair loss are two seperate problems and just because you have dandruff it is not going to cause hair loss but it is always better to get treatment for dandruff and hair fall once the symptoms begin.