Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Hair Loss?

If you have seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp, you might notice more hair shedding than usual. This common concern affects many people dealing with this inflammatory skin condition. The good news? Hair loss from seborrheic dermatitis is typically temporary, and proper treatment can help your hair grow back.

How Seborrheic Dermatitis Affects Hair

Seborrheic dermatitis doesn't directly cause hair loss, but it creates conditions that can lead to temporary shedding. The condition causes inflammation, flaking, and intense itching on your scalp, which affects your hair in two main ways.

First, scratching your itchy scalp can physically damage hair follicles and break hair shafts. Second, the inflammation from seborrheic dermatitis can disrupt your normal hair growth cycle. This leads to a condition called telogen effluvium, where more hair follicles than normal enter the resting phase and shed within 6-12 weeks after a flare-up.

The Role of Yeast and Inflammation

Seborrheic dermatitis is linked to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast that naturally lives on your skin. Research shows that people with hair shedding have significantly higher rates of Malassezia colonization—nearly 90% compared to about 10% in people without hair loss. The yeast triggers inflammation that weakens hair roots and makes it harder for hair to grow normally.

Is the Hair Loss Permanent?

In most cases, hair loss from seborrheic dermatitis is temporary and reversible. Your hair will typically grow back once the inflammation is controlled and you stop scratching. Recovery time varies—some people notice reduced shedding within a few weeks, while visible hair regrowth may take 3-6 months.

However, severe, untreated seborrheic dermatitis can occasionally lead to permanent damage. Chronic inflammation over months or years may cause scarring that permanently damages hair follicles. This is rare but possible if the condition remains unmanaged for extended periods.

Treatment Helps Hair Regrow

Treating seborrheic dermatitis is key to stopping hair loss and promoting regrowth. Several treatments can reduce inflammation and control yeast overgrowth:

• Medicated shampoos: Look for products containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or pyrithione zinc to control yeast and reduce flaking

• Topical treatments: Prescription corticosteroids can calm severe inflammation quickly

• Antifungal creams: These target the Malassezia yeast directly

Clinical studies show that treating seborrheic dermatitis significantly improves hair loss, along with other symptoms like itching and scaling. The key is consistent treatment to keep inflammation under control.

When to See a Dermatologist

See a dermatologist if you're experiencing significant hair loss along with scalp flaking and itching, if over-the-counter dandruff shampoos haven't helped after 2-3 weeks, or if you notice bald patches or increasing hair thinning. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes of hair loss, and prescribe stronger treatments if needed. Early treatment prevents potential permanent damage and helps your hair recover faster.