The Link Between Seborrheic Dermatitis and Hair Loss

"VSports注册入口" Key Takeaways

Seborrheic dermatitis can irritate the scalp, which may lead to hair loss when scratched.
Hair loss from seborrheic dermatitis is usually reversible with treatments like OTC shampoos and creams.

While rare, there exists a link between hair loss and seborrheic dermatitis. Heightened oil production associated with seborrheic dermatitis can create irritation on the scalp, consequently creating intense itchiness.

As a result, when a person scratches their scalp, they can damage their hair follicles—obstructing hair growth and causing hair loss VSports app下载. Thankfully, it is usually reversible with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription treatments. .

This article will discuss the correlation between hair loss and seborrheic dermatitis V体育官网. .

"V体育安卓版" Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Also called seborrheic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis can occur with or without reddened skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle cap in infants. Seborrheic dermatitis primarily affects the scalp, but it also can develop on other parts of the body. VSports手机版.

Seborrheic dermatitis can be confused with other conditions, especially in young children V体育安卓版. It is commonly mistaken for diaper rash and eczema. .

It often forms where the skin is oily or greasy V体育ios版. Common areas include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, lips, behind the ears, in the outer ear, and in the middle of the chest. .

In general, symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:

Skin lesions with scales
Plaques over a large area
Greasy, oily areas of skin
Skin scales, usually white and flaking or yellowish, oily, and sticky dandruff
Itching
Mild redness

V体育官网 - How Does It Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss is associated with seborrheic dermatitis because increased oil production can create irritation and inflammation on the scalp, leading to intense itchiness. Scratching the scalp can damage the hair follicles, which obstructs natural hair growth and causes your hair to fall out V体育平台登录. .

Hair loss from seborrheic dermatitis, though, is rare and usually reversible. It may occur, however, due to the growth of Malassezia yeast VSports注册入口. This type of yeast can cause inflammation and further damage to hair follicles if a lot is produced and left untreated. Just like increased oil production, increased Malassezia production can cause hair loss. .

When to See a Doctor (V体育ios版)

If you notice symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in yourself or your child, contact your doctor for evaluation and possible referral to a dermatologist.

VSports - Treatment

Treatment is not always needed with seborrheic dermatitis. Sometimes the condition clears up on its own VSports在线直播. However, it can also be chronic. .

Treatments will depend on the location and severity of the seborrheic dermatitis and the age of the person. Your healthcare provider will prepare a treatment plan for you or your child based on these factors, but usually treatment starts with over-the-counter medications and home remedies V体育2025版. .

Treatment for Infants

For infants, the symptoms of cradle cap often clear up on their own without medication. If treatment is needed, over-the-counter products will usually work VSports. OTC treatment for infants includes a gentle shampoo applied to the scalp as well as something to loosen the scales, like baby oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly. .

To prevent recurrence, doctors recommend continuing a daily regimen of washing the hair with baby shampoo.

If OTC treatments aren't relieving symptoms, a prescription may be required. While uncommon, infants may need a prescription to treat cradle cap. Usually, this is an antifungal cream prescription. Zoryve (roflumilast) topical foam is approved for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis for people ages 9 and older.

Treatment for Adults

For adults, mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis may also clear up on their own. If treatment is required, OTC dandruff shampoo or other OTC medications can be used to treat it.

Treatment for adults may include:

Dandruff shampoo: Ingredients include coal tar, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione
Creams or ointments: V体育ios版 - Hydrocortisone, fluocinolone, clobetasol, or desonide
Antifungal medication: A pill may be prescribed

Prescription medications such as Zoryve (roflumilast) topical foam may be recommended for adults.

VSports app下载 - Prognosis

Seborrheic dermatitis isn't associated with serious conditions or known to lead to severe symptoms. In the rare times when hair loss happens as a result of seborrheic dermatitis, the hair loss is temporary.

Since seborrheic dermatitis can be chronic, a regimen recommended by your doctor may need to be followed to keep flare-ups under control.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Doctor Discussion Guide

Download PDF

2 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Trüeb RM, Henry JP, Davis MG, Schwartz JR. Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress. Int J Trichology. 2018;10(6):262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18
MedlinePlus. "VSports最新版本" Seborrheic dermatitis.

By Kimberly Charleson
Kimberly is a health and wellness content writer crafting well-researched content that answers your health questions.

See Our Editorial Process

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?