Seborrhoeic Dermatitis: Can It Cause Hair Loss?

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a skin condition that creates red areas of skin that are covered with yellow greasy scales. The condition can emerge diffusely over the scalp, and can also extend to other areas of the head and body, in particular behind the ears and at the posterior of the neck.

The cause of this condition is unknown, but it seems possible that genetic factors are implicated. It's also true that androgen production plays a part, which establishes sebaceous activity in puberty. The condition is associated with oiliness of the skin.

Oiliness = Dry Scalp

This oiliness is caused when sebum is acted upon by the yeast, pityrosporum ovale, which is found in the skin. This results in itching, scaling and redness; it's also worth remembering that the scaly or dry scalp described by most people with this condition can be caused by oiliness, though many people assume an oily scalp cannot be dry.

We often see the condition in our London clinics, and many patients are concerned with regards to whether or not their hair loss is due to seborrhoeic dermatitis. Whilst it is not always the case, the condition can cause hair loss, and traction alopecia can also result if the area is scratched repeatedly. Belgravia has successfully treated many cases of traction alopecia using a treatment plan including high strength minoxidil. This topical medication is currently only MHRA licensed and FDA approved for the treatment of genetic hair loss, but is understood to have wider applications for other hair loss conditions.

Treating Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Treatment of the condition can help to relieve the itching by reducing the scaly skin and the inflammation itself. It's important to shampoo your hair daily: the amount of time that the medicated shampoo stays on the scalp is less important than the frequency it is used. At Belgravia we also offer clinical treatment therapy, where specialist creams and lotions are applied to the scalp to treat the condition.

It's also important to remember that the severity of seborrhoeic dermatitis can vary from person to person, and stress and dietary factors can cause the condition to worsen. If your case of seborrhoeic dermatitus isn't overly severe, and you are losing hair from parts of the scalp unaffected by the condition, it may be that you're experiencing the onset of pattern hair loss. Male pattern hair loss is a genetic condition that can be treated via a medically proven hair loss treatment plan from Belgravia, which can halt the rate of loss and regrow thinning hair.