Numerous people notice disquieting changes from their crown when they've telogen effluvium. Some notice itching, while others observe hair loss alongside new dandruff. Someone might say, "As if my hair slipping isn't bad enough, now I see flakes on my shoulders. Is my dandruff related to my hair loss? Will treating the dandruff help my hair to grow back?"
I experienced some shedding with my own telogen effluvium, but I was told it was dry scalp rather than traditional dandruff. Both conditions can cause white flakes and itching. In my case, my scalp dried out because of topical treatments I was using to combat hair loss.
Telogen effluvium is generally caused by some medical condition, stress, or internal changes in the body. The body responds by shifting hair cycles into the shedding phase. Dandruff typically doesn't cause telogen effluvium unless it's an allergic reaction or inflammation due to something else. Common triggers include illness, medication, pregnancy, or significant weight loss.
Inflammation of the scalp and active hair follicles can certainly cause itching, and some may experience significant inflammation due to all the shedding affecting the hair follicles simultaneously. However, this inflammation usually occurs after shedding begins rather than causing it. Some studies indicate that inflammatory scalp conditions can lead to hair loss, but these are quite rare and typically result in more severe symptoms than mere itching.
I found that using dandruff shampoo helped my shedding somewhat, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. I compared it with baby shampoo, regular shampoo, and products specifically designed for hair loss. For me, the dandruff shampoo worked the best, although it only provided minor relief. It didn't resolve the underlying issue; instead, it seemed to reduce inflammation from the shedding. Once telogen effluvium starts, the best course is to maintain scalp health, manage inflammation, and wait for hair cycles to reset.
It's also worth noting another hair loss condition called androgenetic alopecia (AGA), caused by reactions to androgens. Some individuals may also experience dandruff with this condition, particularly when excess sebum is present.
In conclusion, while some people with telogen effluvium may experience a dry scalp or flaking, it generally doesn't harm to try dandruff shampoo. The flaking is usually not the cause of telogen effluvium; rather, it is a symptom that typically resolves when the telogen effluvium does. Personally, I no longer need to use dandruff shampoo, though I do occasionally to ensure I don’t have inflammation.
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