Is persistent dandruff on the oily scalp causing hair loss?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out.

Based on what you have told me, your main problem seems to be chronic dandruff with itching, and hence you are noticing hair falling out from the roots. A chronically unhealthy, irritated scalp leads to hair root weakening, which causes increased hair shedding.You have already been using Ketoconazole shampoo (Conaz) for many months.

Ketoconazole is a medicated anti-fungal shampoo, which means it kills the fungus (germs) that commonly cause dandruff. Since it has given you only partial relief, it suggests that your dandruff is likely due to both fungal infection and scalp inflammation (inflammation simply means redness, irritation, and sensitivity of the scalp).

Continue using Ketoconazole two percent shampoo (Conaz or any generic brand) twice a week. On the other days, use a different anti-dandruff shampoo like:

• Zinc pyrithione shampoo, which reduces dandruff-causing germs.
• Selenium sulphide shampoo that helps slow down the loss of excess skin on the scalp.

These shampoos work in different ways, so alternating them helps when one shampoo alone is not enough. Apply the shampoo only on the scalp, massage gently, and leave it for four to five minutes before washing off. This gives the medicine time to work.

For your scalp care, it is very important that you avoid scratching, even if the itching feels intense, because scratching damages the hair roots and can directly increase hair fall. Since your scalp is already oily, you should avoid using heavy hair oils, as they can worsen dandruff and clog the scalp.

However, if at any time your scalp feels too dry or tight, you may apply just two to three teaspoons of coconut oil only one to two hours before washing your hair, and not overnight, so that it gives light moisture without making the dandruff worse.

For stronger and healthier hair, your diet plays a very important role, especially since it is a low-cost and natural way to support hair growth. Hair needs proper nutrition from the inside, so try to include more protein-rich foods like two to three eggs per week, or vegetarian options such as dal, chana, paneer, and milk, as protein helps strengthen the hair roots.

Along with this, eat green leafy vegetables like spinach, methi, and cabbage, and include seasonal fruits like banana, apple, and papaya that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water every day. Proper hydration will keep your scalp healthy and promote overall hair health. Protein helps to build strong hair, and iron and vitamins prevent weakness of roots.

You can manage your dandruff and hair fall to a large extent by maintaining good hygiene and healthy daily habits. Make sure you wash your pillow covers and towels weekly, as they can collect oil, sweat, and dandruff flakes that could re-infect your scalp. Avoid sharing combs with others, because this can spread scalp infections and worsen dandruff. Also, try to manage your stress levels as much as possible, since stress can directly aggravate dandruff and increase hair fall, so getting enough sleep and taking short breaks to relax can really help.

If your dandruff is thick, yellow, crusty, or if you see red patches with severe itching, it means the scalp is very inflamed. In such cases, a mild steroid lotion may be needed for a short time. A steroid lotion simply means a medicine that reduces redness and itching quickly, but it should be used only after a doctor’s advice.

These are usually cheap and available in local pharmacies. Right now, your hair fall is mainly because of dandruff and scalp irritation, not permanent baldness. Once the dandruff is controlled, the hair fall should reduce gradually. Focus first on treating the scalp, not on expensive hair growth products.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.