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Hair Health

Scalp Inflammation Hair Loss: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Scalp inflammation isn’t just an annoying itch or occasional redness—it’s your body’s way of sounding the alarm. Whether you’re experiencing burning, flaking, or tenderness, these symptoms signal an underlying issue that could threaten your hair’s health. 

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Persistent inflammation can weaken follicles, leading to thinning or even permanent hair loss. Understanding what’s causing your scalp inflammation is the first step toward stopping the damage and restoring balance. 

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Ready to take control? The more you know about the causes, potential impacts, and expert-backed hair growth solutions, the better equipped you’ll be to keep your scalp healthy and your hair thriving.

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Key Takeaways

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  • Scalp inflammation can lead to hair loss if left untreated, damaging follicles and disrupting the hair growth cycle.
  • Common causes include dermatitis, infections, autoimmune conditions, and scarring alopecia, each requiring different treatments.
  • Medications such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, and JAK inhibitors can help reduce inflammation and prevent hair loss when used under a dermatologist’s supervision.
  • Diet and supplements may support scalp health, but professional guidance is essential for effective treatment and hair regrowth.

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What Is Scalp Inflammation?

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Scalp inflammation refers to redness, irritation, or swelling of the scalp caused by an underlying condition such as dermatitis, infections, autoimmune disorders, or allergic reactions. 

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It can manifest as itching, burning, flaking, or tenderness and may contribute to hair loss if left untreated. Inflammation is the body’s response to triggers like bacteria, fungi, or irritants, but when persistent or uncontrolled, it can damage hair follicles and disrupt the hair growth cycle.

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It’s important to identify the condition causing the inflammation so you can stop any resulting hair loss and stimulate regrowth.

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What Causes Inflammation on Your Scalp?

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If you’re experiencing scalp inflammation, one of many different conditions may be to blame. Dermatitis, autoimmune conditions, infections, and alopecia are just a few. Here’s what you need to know about them.

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Dermatitis

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Contact Dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by an allergic reaction to a substance, such as a particular shampoo, conditioner, gel, or hair spray. The rash appears within days after you’ve been exposed.  

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Not much treatment is necessary to get rid of the rash. It usually clears up on its own within two to four weeks if you stop using the substance that causes the reaction. Over-the-counter antihistamines and topical cortisone creams can help expedite the process.

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Seborrheic Dermatitis:

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You have probably heard of cradle cap, a condition that infants often experience. It causes scaly, crusty patches on the head. 

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You may be surprised to learn that adults get it too—but it has fancier names and is called seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, seborrheic eczema, or seborrheic psoriasis. Adults with seborrheic dermatitis experience redness, scaly patches, and thick dandruff.  

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The condition is unpredictable. Sometimes, it disappears without treatment. If it doesn’t, you can use a special shampoo to reduce the buildup of dead skin and reduce oiliness. 

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Unfortunately, seborrheic dermatitis can also flare up without warning, so you may need to treat the condition more than once.

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Autoimmune Conditions

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Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE):

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Discoid lupus is a rare autoimmune condition that primarily affects women and often runs in families. The condition causes red, scaly, crusty patches. The patches are distinctive because the center is lighter in color and the rim darker than the rest of the surrounding skin. 

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If your dermatologist suspects you have DLE, he or she will take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment ranges from cortisone to prescription medications depending upon symptoms and severity.

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Folliculitis Keloidalis:

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Folliculitis keloidalis is a chronic inflammation of the hair follicles. People with the condition usually get red, itchy bumps that worsen over time. 

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Although the exact cause is unknown, some believe it could be an immune reaction, irritation from close shaves or helmets, or androgen sensitivity. Depending upon the severity, steroids, antibiotics, and retinoids may be prescribed.

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Infections

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Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis):

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Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious fungal infection that causes scaly bald patches that itch.  Fun fact: no worm is involved. Ringworm got its name because it has a circular appearance.  

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Oral medication and medicated shampoos kill the fungus and prevent the spread of the infection.

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Bacterial Folliculitis:

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Staph bacteria live on your skin all the time, but when they infect your hair follicles, itchy, white, pus-filled bumps can occur. This is called bacterial folliculitis. Fortunately, this condition is easily treated with topical antibiotic creams, lotions, or gels.

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Scarring Alopecia

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Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA):

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Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is a type of scarring alopecia. Although it can affect anyone, middle-aged women and women of color are most commonly diagnosed.  

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Diagnosis is typically based on biopsy results, clinical features, and exclusion of other types of hair loss. Early diagnosis is critical to minimizing hair loss.

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Lichen Planopilaris:

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Lichen planopilaris is a form of scarring alopecia that mostly affects middle-aged women. People with this type of alopecia notice their hair thinning and often experience scalp itching or tenderness.  

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Lichen planopilaris can occur along the part line or affect the hairline with frontal fibrosing alopecia. As with any type of alopecia, early diagnosis will help prevent further hair loss.

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Symptoms of Scalp Inflammation

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Scalp inflammation can present with various symptoms depending on the underlying cause. Common signs include redness, itching, burning, and tenderness, which may worsen with scratching or exposure to irritants. 

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Flaking, scaling, or crusting of the scalp can also occur, especially in conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. Some individuals experience excessive oiliness or dryness along with pustules or sores in cases of bacterial or fungal infections. 

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Inflammation may also lead to increased hair shedding or patchy hair loss if hair follicles become damaged. Identifying these symptoms early and seeking professional evaluation from a dermatologist can help prevent long-term scalp and hair issues.

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How Scalp Inflammation Can Lead To Hair Loss

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Scalp inflammation disrupts the hair growth cycle by damaging hair follicles and creating an unfavorable environment for healthy hair growth. Chronic inflammation can lead to follicle miniaturization, scarring, and, in severe cases, permanent hair loss. 

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Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, and autoimmune disorders trigger immune responses that weaken follicles, causing excessive shedding or patchy bald spots. 

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If left untreated, prolonged inflammation may result in scarring alopecia, where hair follicles are irreversibly destroyed. Early intervention is key to minimizing damage and promoting hair regrowth.

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How To Treat Scalp Inflammation

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Medications available to treat scalp inflammation are used for different purposes. Some are even the same as what is used for alopecia, which is not inflammatory. Some examples of commonly used medications include:

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Medications To Treat Inflammation

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  • Cortisone – Reduces swelling, itching, and redness.
  • Clobetasol – A topical steroid that treats swelling and itching. It’s stronger than topical cortisone and may be combined with antibiotics and/or antifungal medication.
  • Retinoids – A synthetic version of vitamin A that reduces irritation on the scalp and improves absorption of other medications.

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Medications To Treat Infections

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  • Antibiotics – Treat bacterial infections.
  • Nystatin – An antifungal medication.

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Medications To Treat Autoimmune Flares

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  • Plaquenil – A malaria medication used off-label to treat lupus, arthritis, and other autoimmune-related inflammatory conditions.
  • JAK inhibitors – Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib is a newer class of medications recently FDA-approved to treat alopecia areata and some types of scarring alopecia. The medications work by blocking the body’s inflammatory response.

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Medications for Hair Regrowth

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  • Minoxidil products – A vasodilator that enlarges the hair follicles to allow for new growth.
  • Prescription finasteride – A DHT blocker that has been proven to generate hair regrowth and reduce atrophy in patients with lichen planopilaris.

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Self-medicating for scalp inflammation is never a good idea. Medications for inflammatory conditions causing hair loss, whether prescription or over-the-counter treatments, should only be used under the supervision of a licensed dermatologist.‍

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Does Diet Help Treat Scalp Inflammation?

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Diets designed to eliminate scalp inflammation have gotten a lot of recent media coverage. Do they work? The jury is out. 

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One research study found that the Mediterranean diet and diets rich in protein and soy may be a potential adjunct treatment for nonscarring alopecia. The study warrants further exploration. 

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Anecdotally, people have found the Auto Immune Protocol (AIP) diet helps control burning and itching associated with inflammation, but there isn’t much research to support the theory.  

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There isn’t a downside to trying a diet as long as you are getting plenty of protein and all of the necessary nutrients. In our opinion, it’s worth a try.

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Are Vitamins and Supplements as Effective as Prescription Medications for Treating Inflammation?

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‍Many vitamins have a reputation for alleviating inflammation. Turmeric, vitamin B3, vitamin E, and other vitamins are known to reduce inflammation without any adverse side effects.  

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One research study found that turmeric tonic significantly improved scalp psoriasis by reducing redness, scaling, and thickness.

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In some cases, vitamins or supplements may work on their own. In other cases, they may work as an adjunct therapy to prescription medications. The key is to ensure that you’re using the proper vitamin to treat the scalp condition you are experiencing.  

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If you are interested in trying vitamins as part of your treatment protocol but your dermatologist doesn’t mention them, be sure to raise the topic. Your dermatologist can tell you if vitamins or supplements are a good option for you.

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Final Thoughts

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Temporary or long-term scalp inflammation can be uncomfortable. Consulting with a dermatologist will help you get it under control as quickly as possible to alleviate your symptoms and prevent hair loss.  

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If you are looking for hair regrowth solutions, our board-certified dermatologists and hair specialists are here to help. We’re happy to address your concerns about scalp inflammation, answer your questions, and make recommendations based on your diagnosis and needs.

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Talk to a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your goals and which solution is best for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do you treat an inflamed scalp?

Treating an inflamed scalp involves using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos, avoiding harsh hair products, and applying anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil. If caused by an infection or condition such as seborrheic dermatitis, medicated shampoos or prescribed treatments may be necessary.

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What are signs of stress on the scalp?

Signs of scalp stress include excessive dryness, flaking, redness, tenderness, or increased oiliness. You may also experience itching, burning sensations, or hair thinning. Stress can disrupt the scalp’s natural balance, leading to conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or telogen effluvium.


What vitamin deficiency causes scalp inflammation?

Vitamin deficiencies, especially in B vitamins (like B7/biotin), vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, can contribute to scalp inflammation. Low vitamin D levels may impair the skin barrier, while a lack of biotin can lead to dryness and irritation, increasing susceptibility to scalp conditions.

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Does scalp inflammation cause hair loss?

Yes, scalp inflammation can contribute to hair loss by damaging hair follicles and disrupting the hair growth cycle. Chronic inflammation from conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or folliculitis may weaken the follicles, leading to excessive shedding, hair thinning, or scarring alopecia in severe cases.

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