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FDA approved for more than 25 years
Dandruff feels embarrassing because of the presence of little white flakes that stick out in your hair and on your shirt. But what if you’re bald? Can you even get dandruff?
Dandruff is a skin condition originating in the scalp, and not a hair-related problem, so the short answer is yes, bald people can get dandruff. That’s because the same scalp conditions that cause dandruff in someone with lots of hair can still be present in someone with a lot less hair.
This article explores dandruff causes and treatments, and how bald people can best prevent and manage their own dandruff challenges.
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Dandruff is a mild form of the inflammatory skin condition seborrheic dermatitis. It causes the shedding of excess dead skin from the scalp. The main symptom of dandruff is the presence of small white flakes in the hair. Other symptoms can include itchiness and a dry scalp.
All the causes of dandruff aren’t fully understood, but it often appears to come down to the interaction of your scalp flora — the many microorganisms that live on your scalp — and sebum (an oily substance that covers the scalp, hair, and most of the skin on your body).
The scalp microorganism most responsible for dandruff is Malassezia, a fungus that breaks down sebum and other oils on the scalp into byproducts such as oleic acid. A buildup of oleic acid causes the scalp to speed up the rate at which new skin cells are produced. The results are those annoying little flakes of skin.
Your individual susceptibility to seborrheic dermatitis, as well as various environmental and behavioral factors, can affect your risk for developing dandruff, the scalp condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans.
Among contributing factors are your sensitivity to certain hair care products and having naturally oily or dry skin. Scalp dryness is an especially common risk factor. That’s why you may experience dandruff more often in cold weather compared to warmer, more humid days and nights.
Similarly, oily skin can raise the risk of developing dandruff because iit creates an environment that makes it easier for fungus and other microorganisms to thrive on your scalp. This is another reason why keeping your scalp clean is so important. Just as unwashed hair becomes oily quickly and a breeding ground for fungus, bacteria, and other potentially harmful organisms, so too can a bald head that isn’t kept clean.
Dandruff on a bald head may not be as noticeable as it is on a hair-topped noggin, but it’s still a scalp condition that may require ongoing or occasional treatment.
To get rid of dandruff, consider trying home remedies first before seeking out a dermatologist or other healthcare professional. If you’re experiencing dandruff on a bald scalp, your treatment options aren’t that different than if you had hair. Try scrubbing your head with an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains some or all of the following ingredients:
zinc pyrithione
salicylic acid
Sulfur
Selenium sulfide
Ketoconazole
coal tar
Zinc pyrithione is an especially effective agent in anti-dandruff shampoos as it helps fight Malassezia in multiple ways. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends alternating between anti-dandruff shampoos with different ingredients if you aren’t getting the results you want with one shampoo.
Bald men and women should take other scalp care precautions to help prevent dandruff, such as protecting and caring for their exposed scalp. Hair can provide some protection against sun damage and other factors that can harm the scalp. And any kind of injury to the scalp makes dandruff more likely to occur. Research suggests that a bald head usually has skin that has suffered more damage and stress compared to a non-balding head, and is therefore more vulnerable to conditions ranging from skin cancer to dandruff.
Because a dry scalp is a good environment for seborrheic dermatitis to develop, you should apply a moisturizer to your scalp after you shower.
And be sure to hydrate regularly. Dehydration may not be a direct cause of dandruff, but keeping your skin well hydrated may help prevent dandruff and so many other skin problems.
Sun protection is also critical. You should generously apply sunscreen to your bald head and wear a hat if you’re going to be out for any extended period of time. Sunburn and other damage to the scalp can make you more susceptible to dandruff and other skin conditions.
Whether you have a purposeful shaved head or a bald head due to genetics, medical condition, or other reasons, you could still be at risk for dandruff. Shaving your scalp can raise your risk, as nicks and cuts inflame the scalp and create an environment for inflammatory conditions like seborrheic dermatitis to take hold.
If home remedies and over-the-counter products don’t work, consider seeing a dermatologist. You may need a prescription-strength medicated shampoo. Or, it may be that you don’t have hard-to-treat dandruff or dry skin, but another skin condition that requires a different treatment plan. Scalp psoriasis and eczema are among the other conditions that can cause a dry, itchy scalp and flaking skin.
You should also consider seeing a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated by certain scalp care products. A healthcare professional may be able to direct you to milder or more appropriate over-the-counter products or prescribe something that will be a safe, but effective dandruff treatment.
Because dandruff is a problem related to the scalp, noy hair or hair follicles, being bald or having very little or very short hair won’t prevent you from possibly developing dandruff. And even though you can't always see the flakes, bald head dandruff is very real for a lot of people.
Fortunately, the same anti-dandruff shampoos and other treatments recommended for people with lots of hair may be just as effective for someone with little or no hair.
An extra important PSA to heed: With an exposed scalp, you must be especially mindful to avoid sunburn and other injuries to the skin on your head. Wear a hat, use moisturizer, and if flakes or other dandruff symptoms persist with treatment, see a dermatologist to discuss further treatment options.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Dr. Knox Beasley is a board certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss. He completed his undergraduate studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and subsequently attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA.
Dr. Beasley first began doing telemedicine during his dermatology residency in 2013 with the military, helping to diagnose dermatologic conditions in soldiers all over the world.
Dr. Beasley is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Dr. Beasley currently lives in North Carolina and enjoys spending time outdoors (with sunscreen of course) with his wife and two children in his spare time.
Bachelor of Science, Life Sciences. United States Military Academy.
Doctor of Medicine. Tulane University School of Medicine
Dermatology Residency. San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium
Board Certified. American Board of Dermatology
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