When there are problems with your scalp, it can cause problems for your hair. The skin on your scalp is the soil in which your hair follicles grow, so when that skin suffers, your hair will too, up to and including hair shedding and loss. One of the most common scalp conditions that can lead to hair loss is psoriasis.
Affecting around 7.4 million Americans, psoriasis arises when the body’s immune system causes skin cells to grow too rapidly. Those cells then build up into red, scaly patches called plaques. While psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, about half of all cases are on the scalp. The condition
Intense Itchiness Leads To Destructive Scratching
While many scalp psoriasis cases are relatively mild with very light scaling, it can often be severe. The most painful and uncomfortable symptoms of scalp psoriasis, such as dry scalp, burning, soreness, and scaling, can be extremely itchy. The intense impulse to relieve that itchiness by scratching the scalp is the primary reason that psoriasis can lead to hair loss. Additionally, forcefully attempting to remove the scaling to relieve discomfort can also cause hair to fall out.
Since it is the response to psoriasis more than psoriasis itself that leads to hair loss, it is important to treat the condition in a way that is both effective and gentle. Once scalp psoriasis is resolved with such treatment, any lost hair should grow back.
Hair-Safe Treatment For Psoriasis
To reduce scalp itching and the possibility of hair loss caused by constant scratching, try these approaches:
- Use a moisturizing conditioner to keep your scalp from drying out.
- Limit your use of blow dryers and other hot tools when styling your hair.
- Try hair products containing menthol
- Press a wet towel or ice pack against the irritated section of your scalp.
Additional treatments can involve the use of medicated shampoos, lotions, creams, gels, oils, foams, soaps, and ointments that contain either salicylic acid or coal tar. While some of these products are available over-the-counter, stronger ones require a prescription.
Effective Hair Loss Treatments For Psoriasis And All Other Conditions
No matter what is causing your hair loss issues, the world-renowned hair restoration physicians at the Miami Hair Institute can help. Our surgeons, nurses, and staff represent the finest team in Miami and have effectively treated thousands of men and women using the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques. If you are ready to finally do something about your hair loss, we invite you to schedule a personalized hair loss evaluation at our South Florida clinic. Please contact us today at 305-925-0222.