Can Eczema Cause Hair Loss – What You Should Know

September 19, 2025

Dealing with hair loss can be stressful, especially when it might link to a skin condition like eczema. Eczema, including types like seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, can harm the scalp and affect hair growth. This blog will explain how eczema leads to hair loss and what you can do about it. Keep reading to learn ways to treat your scalp and encourage natural hair growth!

Key Takeaways

Scalp eczema, including conditions like seborrheic and atopic dermatitis, can cause hair loss due to inflammation and follicle damage.
Persistent scratching from itchiness weakens the scalp and may result in temporary or permanent hair thinning.
Medicated shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole or salicylic acid reduce symptoms by treating inflammation and fungal infections.
Gentle care using fragrance-free products helps protect vulnerable scalps during healing and supports regrowth.
Hair often regrows within weeks after treatment; severe cases may take months for noticeable improvement.

Types of Eczema That Can Affect the Scalp

Certain types of eczema can directly impact the scalp and cause discomfort. These conditions may lead to symptoms like itching, redness, or flaking skin.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition caused by Malassezia yeast overgrowth. This fungus leads to inflammation, scaly scalp, and oily skin due to excess sebum from sebaceous glands.

It commonly causes flaking skin and redness on the scalp. Cases range from mild dandruff to cradle cap in infants. Men are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis, though it affects all genders and ages.

A weakened immune system increases risks of developing seborrheic dermatitis. Stress, genetics, certain medications, psoriasis, HIV, and Parkinson’s disease also play roles. The condition can obstruct natural hair growth by weakening hair follicles through constant flares and irritation.

Treating seborrheic dermatitis promptly helps protect hair follicles while reducing itchiness.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin on the scalp. This condition often increases the chances of secondary infections. It is the most common type of eczema and can affect people of all ages.

Scalp redness and flaky patches are frequent symptoms that may lead to hair thinning over time.

Treatment includes using lotions, sprays, or gels to keep the scalp moisturized. Topical steroids in forms like mousse or creams are commonly prescribed for irritation control, especially in children.

Maintaining a healthy skin barrier with soothing ointments also helps reduce flare-ups that obstruct natural hair growth.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema caused by irritants or allergens like nickel, poison ivy, and formaldehyde. It leads to symptoms such as burning, itching, pain, and in some cases, blisters on the skin.

This condition includes two types: irritant contact dermatitis from direct chemical damage and allergic contact dermatitis triggered by an immune response.

Contact dermatitis can cause hair loss if it affects the scalp. Persistent inflammation damages hair follicles and obstructs natural hair growth over time. Scratching worsens the issue by traumatizing the scalp further.

Treatment often involves avoiding allergens and using high-potency topical corticosteroids or antihistamines for relief.

How Eczema Leads to Hair Loss

Eczema causes inflammation that can damage hair follicles. Persistent itching weakens the scalp, leading to hair loss.

Inflammation and Hair Follicle Damage

Chronic inflammation in the scalp, caused by conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, can damage hair follicles. This ongoing irritation weakens the scalp and makes it harder for hair to grow.

Inflamed areas hinder healthy follicle function, leading to noticeable thinning or shedding.

Excessive sebum production worsens this issue by feeding Malassezia yeast on the skin. The overgrowth of this yeast increases skin inflammation and further harms hair growth. Damaged follicles struggle to produce strong, healthy strands of hair on raw or irritated scalps.

Scratching and Scalp Trauma

Excessive scratching caused by scalp eczema weakens hair follicles. Damaged follicles can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. Itchy skin may cause people to scratch persistently, ripping out hairs and irritating the scalp further.

Severe inflammation from scratching often worsens scalp eczema flares. Using tight hairstyles like braids or weaves adds extra strain on already vulnerable follicles. This additional trauma increases the risk of breakage and shedding in affected areas.

Can Hair Grow Back After Eczema-Related Hair Loss?

Hair often grows back after eczema-related hair loss if treated properly. Treating the inflammation and any associated fungal infection is vital. The National Eczema Association confirms that this type of hair loss is usually temporary, not permanent.

Experts recommend addressing scalp conditions with medicated shampoos, like those containing salicylic acid, to reduce symptoms.

Regrowth typically begins a few weeks after clearing eczema symptoms. Severe cases may take a few months for visible improvement. If regrowth does not occur within 3-4 months, consulting a trichologist is crucial.

Gentle shampoo use also helps protect fragile hair and supports recovery during this period of healing.

Treatment Options for Scalp Eczema and Hair Loss

Explore effective treatments to soothe scalp eczema and promote healthier hair growth.

Medicated Shampoos and Topical Treatments

Medicated shampoos with pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide can treat seborrheic dermatitis effectively. Seborrheic dermatitis-treated scalps benefit from weekly use of these products.

For very scaly scalps, salicylic acid and tar treatments are recommended and work best if left on overnight. Anti-fungal agents like ketoconazole or ciclopirox may be tried as a last resort.

Topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone or clobetasol reduce inflammation but should not be used for more than two weeks. Calcineurin inhibitor creams block inflammatory responses but can irritate the skin and cause facial acne despite being non-FDA-approved.

Side effects of medicated shampoos include itching, dry scalp, oiliness, burning, peeling skin, or headaches. Always monitor for symptoms while using these treatments to avoid severe reactions.

Gentle Hair Care Practices

Use eczema-friendly, fragrance-free products to protect your scalp. Switch to mild shampoos like E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo to reduce irritation and avoid triggering seborrheic dermatitis flares.

Avoid harsh chemicals that damage the skin barrier.

Focus on treating the scalp instead of just washing your hair. Part your hair and massage treatments directly onto the affected areas for better results. Moisturize using medical emollients such as lotions, gels, or sprays to soothe dryness and inflammation.

For added comfort, Black participants with seborrheic dermatitis often use ointments, while Caucasian participants prefer foams or sprays for similar conditions.

Conclusion

Eczema on the scalp can sometimes lead to hair loss. Inflammation, excessive scratching, and damage to hair follicles are common causes. Treating the condition with medicated shampoos or prescribed treatments often helps reduce symptoms.

Hair growth is possible once irritation and inflammation improve. Taking gentle care of your scalp supports healing and healthy regrowth.

FAQs

1. Can eczema cause hair loss?

Yes, eczema can cause hair loss when it affects the scalp. The inflammation and itching may lead to scratching, which damages hair follicles.

2. How is seborrheic dermatitis treated to reduce hair loss?

Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with medicated shampoos, topical creams, or antifungal treatments. These help soothe the scalp and prevent further irritation that might lead to hair loss.

3. Is scalp psoriasis related to eczema and hair loss?

Scalp psoriasis is different from eczema but can also cause similar symptoms like itching and flaking. Severe cases may result in temporary hair loss due to irritation.

4. Can treating eczema stop hair loss completely?

Treating eczema early often reduces inflammation and stops further damage to the scalp. This helps prevent more hair from falling out while promoting healthy regrowth over time.