Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin, causing cells to build up rapidly on the surface. This leads to thick, scaly patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. When psoriasis impacts the scalp, many individuals with scalp psoriasis experience hair thinning or loss. This article explores the relationship between psoriasis and hair loss, detailing the mechanisms involved and effective strategies for managing the condition to promote hair regrowth.
Psoriasis and Hair Loss Explained
Scalp psoriasis can indeed lead to hair loss. The primary mechanisms involve inflammation, physical trauma from scratching, and the rapid turnover of skin cells. Psoriasis causes skin cells to grow much faster than normal, forming raised, scaly plaques on the scalp. This accelerated cell growth can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, weakening hair follicles and making hair more prone to breakage or shedding.
Inflammation associated with psoriasis can directly impact hair follicles. The plaques themselves can physically impede hair growth, as the thick scales can essentially “strangle” the hair shaft at its base. The intense itching often experienced with scalp psoriasis can lead to forceful scratching or picking at the scales, which damages the skin and can pull out hair or cause hair breakage. In severe, untreated cases, persistent inflammation and trauma can lead to scarring of hair follicles and permanent hair loss, though this is rare.
Restoring Hair and Managing Scalp Psoriasis
Hair loss from scalp psoriasis is usually temporary, and hair regrows once inflammation and symptoms are managed. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, remove scales, and alleviate itching. A dermatologist can provide personalized advice and treatment plans.
Topical medications are a common first-line treatment for scalp psoriasis. These include corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and itching, and vitamin D analogues, which help slow down skin cell growth. Medicated shampoos containing ingredients like salicylic acid or coal tar are also used to soften and remove scales, making them easier to wash away without forceful scratching. For more widespread or severe cases, light therapy (phototherapy) using ultraviolet B (UVB) light can be effective, as it helps to slow skin cell production and reduce inflammation.
Systemic treatments, which are taken orally or injected, may be prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis that affects large areas of the body, including the scalp. These medications work by targeting the immune system to reduce the inflammatory response that drives psoriasis. Alongside medical treatments, gentle hair care practices are important; this includes avoiding aggressive scratching, using a conditioner after every shampoo, and allowing hair to air dry to minimize further irritation. Consistent treatment and careful scalp management encourage hair regrowth and maintain scalp health.