Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Hair Loss?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause scaly, itchy patches on your skin. It's common in newborns, but it can occur at any age. In adults, it's most often found on the scalp, face, chest, and back. It can also cause hair loss.
The good news is that seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious. The bad news is that it's not curable. But there are treatments that can help control it.
Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that normally lives on your skin. This overgrowth can be triggered by several things, including:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Oily skin
- Dry skin
- Certain medical conditions (such as Parkinson's disease, HIV/AIDS, and psoriasis)
While seborrheic dermatitis itself doesn't directly cause hair loss, the itchiness and scaling can lead to hair loss if you scratch or pick at your skin. In addition, the inflammation from seborrheic dermatitis can damage your hair follicles, leading to thinning hair or bald spots.
If you're dealing with seborrheic dermatitis, there are a few things you can do to help control it and minimize hair loss:
- Keep your skin clean and free of irritants. Use a gentle soap or shampoo and avoid scrubbing or irritating your skin.
- Apply a Corticosteroid cream or ointment to reduce inflammation.
- Use an anti-fungal shampoo or cream to control the overgrowth of yeast.
- Talk to your doctor about other options if these home remedies don't work for you.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. However, it is thought to be related to an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. Yeast is a type of fungus that is normally found on the skin. However, when the skin produces too much oil, this can lead to an overgrowth of yeast. This can cause the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis is more common in people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis, or HIV/AIDS. It is also more common in people who are obese or who have a weakened immune system. Seborrheic dermatitis is also more common in men than in women.
There is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis. However, the symptoms can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you should avoid things that can trigger your symptoms, such as stress, harsh detergents, and cold weather.
You should also talk to your doctor about medications that can help control your symptoms. Medications that are used to treat seborrheic dermatitis include antifungal creams, corticosteroid creams, and shampoos. In severe cases, oral medications may also be necessary.
If you are experiencing hair loss due to seborrheic dermatitis, there are treatments that can help. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a medication that is applied to the scalp to promote hair growth. Other options include hair transplants and laser therapy.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that can cause hair loss. However, there are treatments available that can help control the symptoms and promote hair growth.