Western GTA Convergence Centre

Seborrheic Dermatitis and Hair Loss

People who suffer from hair loss are not just affected physically but emotionally as well. This bothersome condition is a common problem among many adolescents and adults. he main possibility of losing hair is often caused by malnutrition and it indicates that your body is not working healthily.

Hair loss sufferers need to treat this disease as early as possible to prevent further loss of hair and taking a better care of their own body.

One of the most usual problems that occur on our scalps is dandruff and the good news is they are treatable. In some dandruff cases, it is caused by a type of skin disease called seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis. Other than on the scalp, this disease will also affect areas around the head such as the lips, creases at the side of the nose, behind the ears, eyelids and eyebrows.

Although this disease particularly affects the sebum glands, the main reason has yet to be identified. However, fungal infection from a type of yeast named Malassezia is very likely to be playing a key part in promoting seborrheic dermatitis. Fatigue, obesity, hormonal imbalance, stress and cleanliness are some of the other causes. When the fungus is accompanied by bacteria, it will cause skin inflammation and irritation thus leading to damaged follicles and hair falls.

Dandruff is the earliest sign of seborrhea and that includes symptoms such as excessive flaking of the skin cells on the scalp, itchiness and red patches. A typical scalp treatment is to clean it with anti dandruff shampoo in order to remove dirt and oil. This will also prevent fungus from growing which is the main cause of scalp inflammation. Not all sufferers will be able to feel relief after this treatment and so they may need to use anti fungal or seborrheic dermatitis shampoo that contains sulfur, zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or coal tar.

Besides shampoos, there are natural methods or over the counter creams, ointments and solutions that are available for treating seborrheic dermatitis as well. For affected areas, you can apply Aloe Vera or cortisone cream to reduce the inflammatory and itchiness of the scalp. Consuming fruits and vegetables that are rich in beta carotene and antioxidants will also reduce skin inflammation. Garlic which contains antiseptic property helps reduce fungal infection when consumed.

There are just too many ways of treating your scalp, but you should always consult a doctor for the best prescription. Sometimes you may be given antibiotics and vitamin supplements due to nutritional deficiency. As long as you have control over the inflammation, hair will start growing. Keep a good diet, live a stress free and healthy lifestyle to avoid dandruff reoccurrence.