Seborrheic dermatitis may possibly cause hair loss and hair thinning causes people to feel less attractive. Seborrheic dermatitis can be unsightly and an extremely annoying condition. Hair loss has been reported as the condition may interfere with the nutrition of the hair, resulting in possible hair loss. Due to the possible hair thinning causes of this condition, it should be treated promptly to deter and further hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory disease which is characterized by an increased and altered secretion of sebum. Many medical experts are lead to believe that skin yeast, Pityrosporum ovale, lives in oil-rich skin regions and plays a role in seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis normally appears in parts of the body which have abundant sebaceous glands such as the eyebrows, eyelids, scalp, creases of the nose, lips, behind the ears, groin and upper trunk region. The condition produces flaking of the skin which is caused by the overproduction of skin cells and the skin may appear red due to inflammation. The severity varies from mild dandruff of the scalp to white to yellowish scales forming. It is important not to pick the scales as this could tear the skin and cause an infection. This could also damage the hair follicle on the scalp.

It is possible to control the flaking associated with seborrheic dermatitis by using a medicated shampoo which can be found at supermarkets and pharmacies. Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium. Make sure you massage the shampoo into the scalp to help loosen the scales. It is advisable to leave the shampoos on the scalp for 3-5 minutes. You should use the medicated shampoo three times a week until you see an improvement then use once a week. If the condition is severe or does not improve it is best to seek advice from a medical doctor or dermatologist as they may prescribe a cortisone preparation to help with the flaking.

The unfortunate negative associated with these shampoos is that they can be rather drying to the hair if used over a long period of time. This issue can easily be addressed by using good quality hair treatments at home or in the salon once a week.

The condition can be caused by a number of reasons including stress, oily skin, malnutrition, infrequent washing of hair, obesity and having a genetic predisposition to seborrheic dermatitis are all factors. It has also been found that individuals with neurologic conditions such as Parkinson's disease are more susceptible to the condition. Research also suggests that the Human immunodeficiency virus referred to as (HIV) may cause seborrheic dermatitis in an individual.

If the constant flaking of the scalp or hair thinning causes you to feel embarrassed it will most likely be temporary and hair growth will resume once the condition is treated. It is best to seek medical attention if there is significant hair loss.