No one likes dry skin or dandruff, but scalp psoriasis can present a completely different challenge.
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Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which skin cells form faster than normal. As inflammation increases, these skin cells stack on top of each other, forming silvery or red itchy patches on the skin.
If you have psoriasis, you may notice signs of psoriasis on your nails, knees, elbows, and other parts of your body. Additionally, approximately 50% of psoriasis patients show signs of damage to their scalp.
Dermatologist Dr. Christine Warren explains some of the unique challenges associated with scalp psoriasis and how to prevent psoriasis-related hair loss.
What causes hair loss due to psoriasis?
Can psoriasis cause hair loss? Yes, hair follicles can become weak and brittle in response to increased inflammation. When psoriasis makes your scalp itchy and dry, you may want to scratch and pick at the scales.
“Doing so can make your scalp psoriasis worse,” says Dr. Warren. “Scratching to try to relieve the symptoms may actually be causing hair loss.”
Inflammation may cause hair to fall out on its own, but further irritation can accelerate hair loss.
Is it permanent?
Will hair loss from psoriasis grow back? Hair loss from scalp psoriasis is usually only temporary if the condition is properly treated.
“Probably the only reason it doesn’t come back is if you left your chronic, severe scalp psoriasis untreated, or you scratched it too much, causing too much damage to your scalp and causing it to bleed. If you have a sore, it can lead to scarring,” explains Dr. Warren. “However, if psoriasis can be calmed, treated, and controlled, hair can be regrown in most cases.”
How to prevent hair loss due to psoriasis
So how can you overcome the discomfort and itching that comes with scalp psoriasis without making it worse or accelerating hair loss? Dr. Warren offers some tips to help manage your symptoms. Provide.
1. Avoid scratching or peeling off the scales
“Rubbing or scratching your scalp can cause your hair to break,” says Dr. Warren.
Overall, you should avoid touching your scalp. But if you need some relief from that itch, gently rub the area with the soft part of your finger.
2. Cut your nails.
Keep your nails clipped to avoid picking at your scalp or unintentionally scratching yourself.
“While scratching can sometimes feel unbearable, keeping your nails trimmed will reduce the damage to your skin and hair,” advises Dr. Warren.
3. Take gentle hair care
Comb your hair gently and don’t try to force the scalp scales up with the bristles of a brush or comb. Concentrate on the hair itself and don’t use too much force when combing, washing or drying it.
4. Use medicated shampoo
Stronger shampoos can be prescribed, and there are some over-the-counter options specifically for psoriasis. These shampoos often contain salicylic acid. It softens and loosens the scales on the scalp, so there is no need to forcefully remove them.
“Salicylic acid breaks down some of the scale, which is basically dead skin cells,” explains Dr. Warren.
5. Always use conditioner after shampooing.
However, medicated shampoos can dry out your hair, so it’s important to use a conditioner after using them. When hair dries, it becomes even more brittle. Therefore, it is important to follow up with a gentle conditioner.
6. Avoid blow-drying
Your scalp is already dry from psoriasis and medicated shampoos, so let your hair air dry as much as possible.
“If your hair is drier than usual during treatment, we recommend letting it air dry,” notes Dr. Warren.
7. Consider prescribed treatments such as ointments, lasers, and injections.
Your health care provider can prescribe a number of topical medications that can be applied directly to your scalp to reduce the amount of scale. Topical steroids come in many different types, including lotions, solutions, and thick ointments. These will help remove some of the scale without damaging your hair.
However, for more difficult cases, hand-held laser treatments and steroid injections are also available.
“Because scalp psoriasis is stubborn, many patients need something more,” says Dr. Warren.
If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, you may be prescribed oral or injectable medications that target psoriasis not only on your scalp but also on other parts of your body, such as your nails and joints.
8. Wear a hat when going out
Remember to wear a hat when you’re outdoors, as a bad sunburn can promote scalp irritation and psoriasis flare-ups.
9. Avoid drinking alcohol and activities that cause stress.
“Psoriasis triggers vary from person to person, and unfortunately, it’s not always completely avoidable,” says Dr. Warren.
Heavy drinking and high stress levels can be common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups, so it’s important to avoid these triggers whenever possible and practice relaxation techniques when you start feeling stressed.
What is the conclusion?
When it comes to psoriasis and hair loss, scalp psoriasis is often confused with dandruff and mild rashes. Unfortunately, in most cases, psoriasis is a lifelong disease and can flare up at any time.
If your scalp is constantly itchy, you find white or gray scales, and over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos aren’t working, you should talk to your health care provider about treatments for scalp psoriasis and hair loss.
“The main goal here is to get treatment to help manage your scalp psoriasis and reduce your chances of hair loss,” says Dr. Warren.
