Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. The most common form, also called atopic dermatitis, often begins in childhood and can be a chronic and lifelong condition.
For many people, atopic dermatitis is exacerbated by moisture and can occur on the scalp – especially in people with thick hair or hair that retains moisture. When this happens on the scalp, it can cause what some people commonly think of as dandruff – white, flaky skin that itches.
Does Scalp Eczema Cause Hair Loss?
When you are concerned about hair loss due to eczema, the first question should be what type of eczema are you suffering from? Atopic dermatitis might cause some unpleasant itchy spots and flakes but generally does not cause hair loss.
However, another form of eczema called seborrheic dermatitis “commonly appears in areas with dense body hair such as your chest, beard area, armpits or groin. Symptoms might be worse under facial hair than they are on the scalp.” According to the National Eczema Association, seborrheic dermatitis impacts about 5 percent of the general population and a little more than 6% of Black Americans.
This type of eczema occurs in areas with oil glands and has a different appearance than atopic dermatitis. The NEA describes it like this:
- Flaking skin or dandruff
- Burning or itching
- Patchy or flaky white or yellow scales on top of greasy skin
- A light or dark brown rash, depending on skin tone
- Ring-shaped rash
- Crust over lesions
Those lesions, along with the excessive oil production, can lead to hair loss.
Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Hair Loss?
Rarely, but it can. According to Very Well Health, the main cause of hair loss from seborrheic dermatitis is scratching. “Scratching the scalp can damage the hair follicles, which obstructs natural hair growth and causes your hair to fall out.”
Because it is related to the overproduction of oil by your skin, seborrheic dermatitis can also lead to “[…] an overgrowth of Malassezia. This is a type of yeast that’s naturally found on most people’s skin. When it grows out of control, it can cause inflammation that makes it harder for hair to grow nearby.” Healthline suggests that the best way to prevent hair loss is often keeping eczema under control with over-the-counter shampoos, but when that does not happen it can be time to call in the professionals.
Precision Hair Restoration Can Treat Many Types of Hair Loss
Whether you know what type of eczema you have or not, Precision Hair Restoration can help you determine how best to save your hair. Our team will work with you to find the right treatments options for your specific hair restoration needs. Call our doctors today and have your hair feeling and looking better in no time!
