Can seborrheic dermatitis cause dandruff and hair loss?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 34-year-old male experiencing persistent dandruff and hair loss, which I suspect might be due to seborrheic dermatitis. Over the past few months, I have noticed increased flaking and redness on my scalp, accompanied by significant hair shedding. This condition has been affecting my confidence and overall well-being. Could you please advise on the best treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis and how to manage the associated hair loss? Are there specific shampoos, medications, or lifestyle changes that could help improve my scalp health and reduce hair loss? Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a scalp condition that is common and may be associated with hair fall. They appear due to changes in climate and seasons, exposure to extremely hot and cold climates, due to wearing helmets or caps frequently, genetic susceptibility, hormonal fluctuations, and changes in location and diet, including consuming more oily, fried, and fast food and sweets. Although seborrheic dermatitis may be managed and controlled with medications, it, unfortunately, cannot be completely cured as it may reappear due to the changes mentioned above. The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include moderate-to-severe itching and sometimes occasional flakes on scalp, which may be powdery in case of dry dandruff and thick yellow to white scales in case of wet or oily dandruff. Due to the constant presence of seborrheic dermatitis, it may cause the hair to fall off due to the weakening of hair roots and fungal infections. Therefore, using antifungal-containing shampoos is important based on the type of seborrheic dermatitis. Ways to prevent seborrheic dermatitis:

1. Avoid stagnation of sweat, and moisture on the scalp may dabbing off excess sweat whenever they do occur.

2. Make sure to avoid oily and fried food, sweets, red meat, milk, and fast food.

3. Make sure to keep the scalp clean from time to time.

4. Avoid keeping oily after washing on the scalp.

5. Avoid the sharing of helmets or caps.

6. Avoid frequent and long-term usage of helmets.

7. Stress management and sleep regularization is advised.

My suggestions:

1. Scalpe plus (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate) expert shampoo: Use by diluting two to three drops of this shampoo in one-third cup of normal temperature water. Apply on the scalp, leave for five minutes, and wash off. Use it once every three days.

2. Noskurf (Liquid paraffin and Propylene glycol) daily scalp cream: This cream is an anti-fungal moisturizer for the scalp. Make sure to use this daily once in the morning on the scalp.

3. Capsule Itraconazole 200 mg: Consume one capsule daily after dinner for two weeks.

4. Tablet Follihair (Multivitamins): Consume this tablet for hair growth after dinner for three months.

Hair fall is temporary which is associated with seborrheic dermatitis but will recover and grow back with clearance of the same after using these medications. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.