Scalp Psoriasis Hair Loss: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

We dig into the association between this medical condition and uncontrolled hair fall.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sergio Vañó Galván, PhD

Dr. Sergio Vañó Galván has 26 years of experience as a dermatologist, trichologist, and hair surgeon. He is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of the International Master’s Degree in Trichology and Hair Transplantation ... more

Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Experience: 11 years

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more

Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Experience: 7 years

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more

Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature) Experience: 3 years

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She... more

• Feb 5, 2024

Psoriasis Hair Loss Causes And Treatment

Image: Shutterstock

Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that makes your scalp itchy. Reddish, scaly patches and silvery scales on your scalp are the symptoms of this scalp problem. But another common occurrence is scalp psoriasis hair loss. The condition causes irritation and discomfort, leading to an intense itchy feeling, making you scratch the scalp. Scratching your scalp excessively may damage your hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss.

Though scalp psoriasis cannot be treated, you can minimize the resultant hair fall by taking some measures. This article explores some effective measures you can take to manage scalp psoriasis. Keep reading.

In This Article

Are There Different Types Of Psoriasis?

Yes, numerous kinds of psoriasis are present and before diving into our main topic of scalp psoriasis let us understand a few other common types as well below.

Plaque Psoriasis: One of the most common types of psoriasis and characterized by red, raised patches, covered with silvery scales. It is associated with an overactive immune system and affects areas like elbows and knees.
Guttate Psoriasis: Small, dot-like lesions that are often triggered by infections and are commonly found on arms, legs, and the trunk.
Inverse Psoriasis: It is aggravated by friction and sweating and is distinguished by red, inflamed lesions found in skin folds and areas like under the breasts, armpits, and groin.
Nail Psoriasis: It is commonly associated with plaque psoriasis and affects the nails causing discoloration and abnormal growth.
Scalp Psoriasis: Causes red, itchy, scaly patches on the scalp and is an overactive immune response.

Now, let us understand this skin condition better in the next sections and explore the possible remedies and preventive measures. Read on to learn more about psoriasis.

Does Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss?

No. Psoriasis does not cause hair loss. However, this condition causes intense itching and discomfort, and scratching the red, scaly plaques for relief damages the hair follicles, leading to temporary hair loss.

This autoimmune condition speeds up the rate of skin cell turnover, causing red and scaly patches on your skin. Psoriasis can affect any body part. However, the scalp is the most affected body part. A study with 4016 adults assessed the body parts most affected by psoriasis. The most common place was the scalp (43%), followed by the face (29.9%), nails (24.5%), soles (15.6%), genitals (14.1%), and palms (13.7%). About 64.8, 42.4, and 21.9% of the patients suffered psoriasis in 1, 2, or 3 areas. Scalp psoriasis may occur alone or with other forms of the condition (1).Grace Saunderson, a YouTuber, talks about her psoriasis and hair loss ordeal. She said, “My mom started to notice that I had red rashes throughout my head, and at this point, my psoriasis really started.” She added, “I started to notice that my hair was actually falling out, and it was falling out quite quickly. Every time I brush my hair, lumps of hair come out (i).

In the next section, let’s try to understand the causes of psoriasis.

What Causes Scalp Psoriasis?

The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown. It is believed that genetic and environmental factors increase the likelihood of developing psoriasis. However, that does not mean whoever has that particular gene will develop psoriasis.

This autoimmune condition is mediated by the T-helper cells (a type of T cells that facilitate immune response). The T-cells in your immune system start attacking the healthy cells by mistake. As a result, the skin cells rapidly produce new cells, causing thick and scaly patches (2), (3).

If you have mild psoriasis, you may notice scaling. In case of severe psoriasis, you may notice the symptoms mentioned below.

Symptoms Of Psoriasis

White or silver scales
Redness and bumpy patches
Flaking
Itching, irritation, and burning sensation
Dry scalp
Hair fall
Cracked skin (may bleed)

If you notice any of the symptoms, consult a doctor immediately and start treatment. Luckily, hair loss due to scalp psoriasis is temporary. Once the symptoms are gone, normal hair growth will resume. Take a look at the treatment options for scalp psoriasis.

Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis

The doctor may suggest topical ointments and oral medicines for managing psoriasis.

1. Topical Methods

The doctor may suggest medicated shampoos, creams, sprays, and oils for managing the symptoms. They may suggest shampoos with salicylic acid and coal tar, dithranol cream (0.1%-3%), and topical corticosteroids (4).

2. Oral Medications

Systemic therapies involving oral medications can improve psoriasis. Several case reports found that medicines like apremilast (for moderate to severe cases), anti-TNF medicines like etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, and interleukines inhibitors like ustekinumab (IL-12/23 inhibitor), ixekizumab (IL-17 inhibitor), secukinumab (IL-17 inhibitor) could improve psoriasis symptoms (4). However, there haven’t been any formal studies to evaluate the efficacy of these medicines.

Other treatment options like UV and laser therapies are often used for managing psoriasis on other body parts. However, these therapies are not practical for the scalp.

It is crucial to adhere to the doctors advice to manage psoriasis. However, you can also take several steps to mitigate the flare-ups.

Prevention Tips To Manage Psoriasis

1. Keep Your Scalp Moisturized

Dry skin can worsen the symptoms. Hence, use doctor-prescribed moisturizers, lotions, ointments, and oils to keep your scalp hydrated.

Quick Tip

Incorporate a gentle scalp massage using your fingertips. This can help improve blood circulation and promote relaxation without causing any irritation.

2. Never Scratch The Scalp

Avoid picking the plaques or scratching them. This may lead to bleeding and infections and worsen your condition. Scratching your scalp may also damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss. To minimize irritation, use medicated shampoos and lotions to soothe the skin.

3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Extreme hot, cold, and dry conditions can trigger flare-ups. If you stay in a place with dry climatic conditions, take precautions to keep the scalp moisturized. Use a humidifier in your home or office to maintain optimal humidity levels.

4. Avoid Self-Medication

Do not use OTC medicines or any home remedies without consulting your doctor. Drugs and certain ingredients may worsen the condition and cause side effects.

5. Minimize Stress

Stress has no link with psoriasis flare-ups. However, the condition can be quite distressing. Try to minimize stress and relieve anxiety by indulging in any activity that relaxes your mind.

6. Check Your Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol aggravates inflammation and affects the bodys immunity. It can cause flare-ups and increase your susceptibility to infections (5). Therefore, stay away from alcohol.

7. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Consuming a balanced diet and exercising helps to maintain your overall health. Fresh green veggies, fruits, meat, and seafood help build immunity and keep your skin and hair healthy.

Quick Tip

Refrain from tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp, such as tight ponytails or braids. Opt for looser styles to minimize stress on the affected areas.

If you have scalp psoriasis, you have to be very careful about your hair care routine. Scroll down to find answers to a few doubts you may have.

How Often Should You Wash Hair?

It depends on the severity of your condition. However, avoid frequent washing. Use a medicated shampoo and wash your hair not more than once or twice a week. Consult a doctor to known the hair washing frequency as per the severity of your condition.

Is Short Hair Better For Scalp Psoriasis?

Cutting the hair short may make it easy for you to apply topical medications and shampoos.

Scalp psoriasis hair loss cannot be cured. However, you can effectively manage the condition and minimize hair loss with the right treatment and medication. Consult a doctor immediately if you notice itchy and scaly patches on your scalp and hair loss. Timely medical intervention can minimize the damage and reduce the symptoms. Do not panic, as psoriasis hair loss is temporary. Once you start treatment, you will notice hair growth. However, you must also take care of your diet and lifestyle and follow a good hair care regimen. Consult a doctor to learn which hair care products may keep your hair healthy without irritating the scalp and causing flareups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will hair grow back after scalp psoriasis?

Yes, hair grows back after the complete management of scalp psoriasis. However, it may take 2-3 months for the hair to grow back after psoriasis clears.

Which hair oil is best for scalp psoriasis?

Coconut oil is generally used to manage scalp psoriasis. It has no potential side effects, and it effectively moisturizes the scalp, which helps in reducing scalp psoriasis.

Key Takeaways

Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that manifests as itchy, reddish, scaly patches and silvery scales on the scalp.
While psoriasis does not directly cause hair loss, excessively scratching the scalp may damage hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss.
Medicated hair products and shampoos with salicylic acid and topical corticosteroids can help to treat scalp psoriasis.
It is important to avoid picking the plaques or scratching them to prevent hair loss and possible infections and to stay protected against extreme temperatures as that can trigger flare-ups.

Seeking medical guidance and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help manage scalp psoriasis and minimize its impact on hair health. Check out the video below that shows the creator’s personal experience with psoriasis and hair loss and what helped improve the condition.

References

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