Seborrheic dermatitis is yet a common and foremost skin disorder which can be suffered by both men and women. Scalp seborrheic dermatitis is a quite big problem for anyone, since it does not only trigger itching, but may also lead to some other big problems. One of some reasons why seborrhea is not easily curable is that its exact cause remains a mystery. However, genes, stress, and lifestyle are believed to have some effects on how prone someone is to seborrhea on the scalp.

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp

Seborrheic dermatitis is often mistaken for some other skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and even dandruff problems. Hence, people often find the treatments are quite ineffective because they have been misdiagnosed. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to some possible signs and symptoms aroused by seborrhea on the scalp, since it will be useful in self-diagnosing the issue and thus, seek for suitable treatments and medications. In many cases, seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp trigger the symptoms, such as:

• Over-dried scalp.
• White or yellowish flaky scales which come off like dandruff.
• Some pimples which flake off when scratched.
• Inflamed scalp which is followed by stingy or burning sensation which spread to the entire head eventually.

Will seborrheic dermatitis cause hair loss?

Although not always, seborrhea dermatitis which has been severe is reported to cause hair loss in both men and women. This problem often causes heat on the scalp, near to the crown of the hair. When the heat spread, followed by very dry scalp and even white crusty scales which easily come off, hair loss commonly start to happen. In severe cases, even touching the hair might cause its loss.

Why seborrheic dermatitis triggers hair loss?

• Seborrheic dermatitis causes inflammation and crusty scales to the scalp. This condition causes difficulty for the hair follicles to grow. When the inflammation gets worse, it even damages the follicles, making it easily detach from the scalp. Hence, when seborrhea has caused badly inflamed scalp, which is accompanied by scaly red patches, the hair will detach when the scales are scratched.
• Seborrheic dermatitis also leads to sebum leaking, which triggers very dry scalp. When the scalp is over drying, there is no oil for lubricating the hair follicle beneath the scalp. As a result, these follicles do not hold the hair tightly and even light efforts may cause its breakage and loss.
• Seborrheic dermatitis is triggered by fungus called malassezia or the yeast beneath the skin. Its proliferation stage on the scalp triggers inflammation and eventual hair loss.
• Stress promotes worse stage of seborrheic dermatitis, which in most cases, causes hair loss.
• Seborrhea on the scalp causes the scalp to shed its skin, resulting in coming off hair follicles as well. Hence, severe hair loss during the infection is quite common.

Is scalp seborrhea dangerous?

Most of the time, scalp seborrhea—or simply seborrhea is not a dangerous nor contagious. Yet, almost all people find it troublesome and embarrassing. Some patient lose their confidence and self-esteem because of the shed scales and hair loss, as this abnormality is visible and disturb the entire physical appearance. Some others are worried when it comes to brushing or combing time, as they knew there will be a lot of hair strands shed when combed or brushed.

However, pimples and flaky red patches which come off with seborrhea may lead to infection if not properly treated. Some causes of infection in scalp seborrhea include:

• Touching and scratching the crusty scales with dirty unwashed hands.
• Picking the pimples and red patches which come with scalp inflammation.
• Bacterial infection which is spread to the scalp through unclean brush and comb.
• Application of harsh shampoo and other skin care products.
• Bacterial infection from the contact between fungus-infested scalp and dirty pillows.

Infected scalp seborrhea will likely cause severe hair loss compared to the one without infection, as this infection does not only affect the surface of the scalp, but also the hair follicles beneath it. Hence, treating seborrhea properly and prevent it from infection are necessary in preventing further hair loss.