For many, a flurry of white flakes on a dark jumper is a source of social anxiety. However, the concern often shifts from aesthetics to alarm when those flakes are accompanied by thinning patches or an over-full hairbrush. The question then becomes urgent: does dandruff cause hair loss, or are we simply dealing with two separate scalp woes at once?
While dandruff itself isn't a direct cause of permanent hair loss, the inflammation and itching it triggers can certainly lead to shedding. Understanding this relationship is the first step toward reclaiming a healthy, flake-free mane.
TL;DR
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Dandruff is a common scalp condition caused by accelerated skin shedding, often due to fungal overgrowth (Malassezia), oil buildup, stress, etc., and doesn't directly cause permanent hair loss.
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Hair fall can occur when itching and inflammation from dandruff damage follicles, cause oxidative stress, or block pores, leading to shedding and thinning.
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Treatment includes antifungal shampoos, salicylic acid, scalp care routines, and home remedies like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil; see a dermatologist if symptoms persist or worsen.
