Can Scalp Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss?
It's no secret that scalp psoriasis can be incredibly frustrating. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be very visible and difficult to treat. One of the lesser known complications of scalp psoriasis, however, is hair loss.
While hair loss is not a common symptom of scalp psoriasis, it can occur in some cases. It's important to understand that hair loss from psoriasis is different from the more common type of hair loss, known as alopecia. With alopecia, the hair follicles are damaged and stop growing new hair. With psoriasis, the hair follicles are not actually damaged, but the Scalp Psoriasis Can Cause Hair Loss? interference with the normal life cycle of the hair can result in thinning and shedding.
There are a few different ways in which scalp psoriasis can cause hair loss. One is by direct involvement of the follicles. When psoriasis involves the hair follicles, it can cause them to become inflamed and enlarged. This can lead to a condition called folliculitis, which can damage the hair follicles and interfere with their ability to produce new hair. Another way that scalp psoriasis can cause hair loss is indirectly, through psychological stress. People with psoriasis often deal with a great deal of stress and anxiety due to their condition. This stress can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which is when the body pushes more hairs into the resting phase and fewer hairs grow back in to replace them.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent hair loss from scalp psoriasis, there are a few things that you can do to try to minimize the risk. First, it's important to keep your scalp as healthy as possible. Be gentle with your hair and avoid harsh treatments that could further irritate your skin. You should also avoid any triggering factors that you know make your psoriasis worse. In addition, treatment for your psoriasis can help reduce inflammation and hopefully prevent further hair loss. If you're concerned about hair loss from scalp psoriasis, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) condition. It is often characterized by flared-up periods, or flares, followed by periods of remission, when the symptoms go away. Scalp psoriasis can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the amount of skin involvement. mild cases may involve only a few patches of scaly skin. more severe cases may cover the entire scalp with thickened, crusted skin.
In some cases, scalp psoriasis can lead to hair loss. This may be due to the direct effects of the condition on the hair follicles, or it may be a result of scratching or picking at the scalp. Scalp psoriasis can also cause inflammation and itching of the scalp, which can lead to hair loss from breakage.
If you are experiencing hair loss due to scalp psoriasis, there are treatments that can help. Steroid creams or ointments can be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Topical retinoids may also be used to treat scalp psoriasis. These medications can help to slow down the production of skin cells and reduce inflammation. Ultraviolet light therapy may also be used to treat scalp psoriasis. This therapy uses ultraviolet light to help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
If you are experiencing hair loss due to scalp psoriasis, talk to your doctor about treatment options. There are many effective treatments available that can help improve your symptoms and prevent further hair loss.