Is Hair Loss Due To Dandruff Temporary Or Permanent?

Dandruff is a condition of the scalp that causes flaking and often mild itchiness. The cause is normally too much oil that results in skin cells building up and then shedding. Dandruff itself isn’t harmful or contagious – but it can be difficult to get rid of and unpleasant whilst it lasts.

Dandruff isn’t caused by poor hygiene. And cold weather and stress may make it worse. Scalp problems that are the consequence of scratching and inflammation may cause hair thinning and shedding.

Is hair loss due to dandruff temporary or permanent? Find out more here…

Dandruff Details

Can dandruff cause hair loss? It can – but it will only be temporary. Dandruff left untreated can lead to your scalp becoming unhealthy. An irritated and inflamed scalp can cause damage to the hair – resulting in cuticle and protein impairment that can cause hair to fall out.

Infection of the hair follicle known as folliculitis is caused by an allergic reaction to oleic acid due to excessive sebum or hair oil. When this happens the hair follicles become blocked and possible hair fall may occur due to this skin condition.

As the scalp becomes more sensitive it gets itchier – and scratching dislodges hair follicles. Continuous scratching can lead to temporary hair loss.

Know Your Scalp

The health and condition of your scalp can indicate underlying problems – or confirm that your dandruff has simply been caused by over or under washing.

Chronic scalp conditions include:

  • Contact dermatitis – sensitivity to ingredients in hair products or colours that cause red, flaky skin.
  • Malassezia – this fungus found on most scalps may cause the growth of extra skin cells through irritation and dead cells may cause dandruff.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis – a red, scaly, oily rash is caused by this condition and skin flakes are white or yellow.

Small flakes that aren’t accompanied by inflammation or redness are normally due to dry skin.

Treatment for Dandruff

Dandruff is very treatable and improvements should be seen within weeks. How to get rid of dandruff can be achieved by:

Using a medicated shampoo designed specifically for dandruff – the ingredients in products are:

  • Ketoconazole
  • Pyrinthione zinc
  • Salicylic acid
  • Selenium Sulphide

 

For mild cases, you’ll probably only need to use medicated shampoo for a few weeks. If the condition persists you may need to seek medical advice.

Hydration is very important and anti-dandruff shampoos can be very drying. Massaging the scalp with coconut oil infuses the skin with antifungal properties – rinse out thoroughly as extra oil can sometimes worsen conditions.

Avoid preservatives and fragrances that can potentially irritate your scalp. Bleach, detergents, and formaldehyde can all aggravate and inflame sensitive areas.

Sunlight is also good for dandruff – just five minutes a day two or three times a week will boost vitamin D and help heal skin conditions.

Prolonged Hair Loss

If dandruff isn’t your hair loss diagnosis then hair replacement systems may be your solution. Visit Cochrane & Co’s hair salon and have a chat with a specialist. You’ll get all the advice and support you need. And benefit from a system that lets you sleep, shower, swim, and exercise for up to 13 weeks of continuous wear. You’ll feel and look great!