Is Itchy Scalp a Reason for Hair Thinning?

An itchy scalp may be a sign of seborrheic dermatitis.

An itchy scalp alone does not cause hair thinning. However, it may be a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, a temporary skin condition that can result in abnormal hair loss.

Definition

Seborrheic dermatitis is a disorder that primarily affects sebum-rich areas of the body such as the scalp and face. In infants, this condition is known as cradle cap.

Identification

Seborrheic dermatitis is identified by patches of flaky, inflamed skin. Other symptoms include mild redness and itching.

Effects

In some cases, the inflammation caused by seborrheic dermatitis adversely affects hair follicles, resulting in a diffuse thinning of the hair.

Considerations

Hair loss caused by seborrheic dermatitis can usually be reversed by treating the disorder.

Treatments

Treatments for seborrheic dermatitis include medicated shampoos, corticosteroids and natural remedies such as aloe and tea tree oil.

References

• NYU Langone Medical Center: Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatments
• National Institutes of Health: Seborrheic Dermatitis
• American Hair Loss: Seborrheic Dermatitis and Hair Loss