Best Hair Loss & Anti-Dandruff Tips by a Singapore Dermatologist – Hairy Issue(s)

By Dr. Teo Wan Lin, Consultant Dermatologist at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre

Am I losing hair?

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? Do you have family members with hair loss? Anti-dandruff shampoo doesn’t seem to help with the white flakes on your scalp?

I have a greasy scalp and dandruff, does this cause hair loss?

Seborrheic dermatitis is the medical term for dandruff and it is caused by the overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, worsened by a humid climate and scalp oiliness. While this does not directly cause hair loss, it can drive inflammation in the scalp which can lead to hair loss if it is not controlled.

Anti-dandruff treatments?

Start with cosmeceutical shampoos which have bioactive ingredients that are anti-dandruff. One such ingredient is Zinc Pyrithione, which is both fungistatic and bacteriostatic. This means that it inhibits the excessive proliferation of both fungi and bacteria on the scalp that is often the cause of dandruff. The Deep Cleanse Shampoo, for example, is dermatologist formulated to treat dandruff using 1% Zinc Pyrithione and other active ingredients to support healthy hair growth.

If you have such symptoms which do not improve with an over the counter anti-dandruff shampoo, promptly seek the care of a dermatologist who will evaluate the cause of the flaking and prescribe medicated lotions and shampoos which will stop the inflammation. For hair loss, certain hair lotions and laser devices can be used to encourage hair regrowth.

Is my scalp sensitive?    

Patients with sensitive scalp are likely to feel itch, pain or stinging over their scalp and may also experience symptoms of scalp flaking, pimples and hair loss.

I have sensitive and oily scalp, can I go for herbal scalp treatments which claim to unclog my pores?

Increased scalp sensitivity is due to underlying inflammation which is always related to a medical diagnosis that must be addressed by a dermatologist, who would treat the condition with appropriate prescribed medicated shampoos and anti-inflammatory scalp lotions, and monitor for clinical improvement.

Any other forms of anti-dandruff or “scalp treatments” for hair loss and scalp greasiness by non-dermatologists and herbal preparations are not evidence-based and often contain harsh irritant substances that cause scalp eczema. There is no such thing as scalp “pores” being clogged up. Patients who experience recurrent scalp pimples have a condition known as scalp folliculitis, which must be controlled with oral antibiotics.

© 2017 Dr Teo Wan Lin. All rights reserved.

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Meet with Dr. Teo Wan Lin, accredited dermatologist at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, for a thorough consultation to treat any hair conditions you may have.

To book an appointment with Dr. Teo, call us at +65 6355 0522, or email appt@twlskin.com. Alternatively, you may fill up our contact form here.