Discussing Hair Loss Treatments — What works and doesn’t

Do you notice more hair than usual in your drain, on the floor, combs and on your pillow? Do you find your hair parting wider and ponytail less thick? If so, you may be experiencing hair loss. There are numerous reasons for such hair loss, including telogen effluvium (your body speeding up the hair growth cycle in response to stress), hereditary factors, as well as vitamin deficiencies.
While these individual factors deserve attention on their own, this article will instead touch on a common condition that can lead to hair loss in Singaporeans in the absence of proper care. This condition is called seborrheic dermatitis, more commonly known as dandruff. Dandruff is caused by the overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, and is only worsened by an oily scalp and a climate as humid as that of Singapore’s. While dandruff does not directly cause hair loss, it can drive inflammation in the scalp, which can stunt the growth of new hair. This, in turn, leads to hair loss as hair is not being produced as fast as it is being lost.
These Conditions Sound Familiar… What Should I Do?
If you think that you have persistent dandruff and an oily scalp, your first course of action would be to purchase an over the counter anti-dandruff shampoo, and use it accordingly. Mild cases of dandruff should improve. However, if your symptoms do not improve with the anti-dandruff shampoo, it is likely that the active ingredients in the shampoo do not properly target your scalp condition. In this case, you should promptly seek the care of a dermatologist who will evaluate the cause of the flaking and prescribe medicated lotions or shampoos. This will stop the inflammation and ultimately prevent any worsening hair loss.
What about alternative herbal scalp treatments that claim to treat my condition?
Hair loss is due to underlying inflammation is a medical diagnosis that must be addressed by a dermatologist, who would treat the condition with appropriate medicated shampoos and anti-inflammatory scalp lotions, and subsequently monitor for clinical improvement.
Any other forms of “scalp treatments” for hair loss or scalp greasiness/dandruff by non-dermatologists and herbal preparations are not evidence-based and often contain harsh irritant substances that may cause other hair conditions such as scalp eczema.
The Bottom Line
Hair loss due to seborrheic dermatitis only occurs after a long period of negligence. Here are some tips to prevent dandruff at its root:
- Keep your scalp clean by shampooing regularly
- Have a balanced and healthy diet, including foods such as Vitamin B, iron and omega-3
- Prevent stress from affecting your moods and emotion
In addition, if you suspect hair loss due to seborrheic dermatitis, it is best to immediately consult a dermatologist instead of opting for alternative treatment methods or even DIY that may be harmful for your scalp.
Dr. Teo Wan Lin, founder and medical director of TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, is an accredited dermatologist specialising in medical and aesthetic dermatology. She integrates her artistic sensibility with her research background and specialist dermatologist training, by means of customised, evidence-based aesthetic treatments using state-of the-art machines, injectables (fillers and toxins) which work synergistically with her proprietary line of specialist dermatologist-grade cosmeceuticals Dr.TWL Dermaceuticals.
Originally published at drtwlderma.com.
