What Conditions Can Cause Both Dandruff And Hair Loss?
First things first, get a diagnosis of your scalp condition. Is your dandruff due to improper washing or is there an underlying medical condition? Talk to your dermatologist to understand the cause of your dandruff.
Dandruff and hair loss both can be caused by one of the following:
1. Scalp Psoriasis
This is an autoimmune disorder [4] in which the body's immune system attacks its own system. What follows is an overgrowth of cells on the scalp. Psoriasis [5] causes symptoms like red, raised skin patches with silvery flakes.
2. Ringworm
Ringworm [6] or tinea capitis is a fungal infection that causes itchiness, dry flakes and hair fall.
3. Folliculitis Decalvans
[7] It causes itchy, red patches. People often confuse it with dandruff due to the itchy flakes. This is an inflammatory skin condition that destroys hair follicles.
4. Lichen Planopilaris
[8] This causes dry and flaky rash on the scalp and can make hair to fall off in clumps. It is more common in women.
Dandruff alone can be caused due to one of the following.
- Seborrheic dermatitis, in which oily, itchy and irritated skin presents itself as flakes on the scalp [9].
- Fungus like Malassezia [10] (yeast) that lives on the oil on your scalp may cause dandruff. This fungus is sometimes triggered by stress which weakens the immune system and makes your body susceptible to infections.
- Contact dermatitis [11], which is caused due to hair care products like shampoo, gel or conditioner, can irritate your scalp and cause flaking and itching.
- Improper washing of hair can cause the oily skin to flake off.
- People with a compromised immune system (those with HIV [12]) are likely to have dandruff.
- Dry skin may leave small flakes on the scalp.
- Certain male hormones cause dandruff in men.
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