Scalp Psoriasis and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Psoriasis can affect more than the skin on your elbows, knees, or other areas of your body. When it develops on the scalp, it can cause itching, redness, and thick, flaky patches. For some people, scalp psoriasis is also accompanied by hair shedding.

If you’ve noticed more hair in your brush or shower while dealing with an itchy, irritated scalp, you may be wondering if psoriasis is to blame. The good news is that hair loss related to scalp psoriasis is often temporary. Treating the psoriasis and taking care of your scalp can help reduce irritation and give your hair a chance to grow back.

Scalp Psoriasis and Hair Loss

Scalp psoriasis doesn’t usually damage the hair follicles themselves. Hair loss is more often related to what happens when the scalp becomes irritated.

Scalp psoriasis can be very itchy, and scratching or picking at the affected areas can loosen hairs. Trying to scrape or pull off thick scales can have a similar effect. Inflammation and irritation may also contribute to hair shedding or breakage.

Once the psoriasis is under control, hair will often begin to grow back. Keep in mind that hair grows slowly, so it can take some time before you notice a difference.

What Does Scalp Psoriasis Look Like?

Scalp psoriasis can sometimes be mistaken for dandruff, but the two aren’t the same. Psoriasis often causes raised, inflamed patches covered with dry, silvery-white scales. It can appear anywhere on the scalp and may extend past the hairline or onto the forehead, neck, or behind the ears.

An itchy or flaky scalp doesn’t automatically mean you have psoriasis. Seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, fungal infections, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms. For patients in Northern Virginia, a dermatologist can examine your scalp and determine what’s causing the problem.

How Can You Protect Your Hair and Scalp?

If you have scalp psoriasis and hair loss, being gentle with your scalp is important. A few simple changes can help prevent additional irritation and additional hair loss.

Try to:

• Avoid scratching or picking at your scalp. Scratching can irritate the skin and pull out hairs.
• Don’t forcefully remove scales. Let your treatment loosen the scales rather than scraping them off.
• Be gentle when brushing and combing. Pulling or tugging can cause additional hair breakage and shedding.
• Follow your scalp treatment instructions. Medications and medicated shampoos work best when they’re used as directed and applied to the scalp rather than just the hair.
• Limit products that irritate your scalp. Hair dyes, chemical treatments, and heat styling can sometimes make an already irritated scalp feel worse.

If you’re having trouble applying a treatment to your scalp because of thick hair or heavy scaling, talk with your dermatologist. They may be able to recommend a different product or application method.

Will My Hair Grow Back?

In many cases, yes. When hair loss is related to scratching, scale removal, or inflammation from scalp psoriasis, the hair can grow back once the condition is treated and the scalp has a chance to recover.

However, not all hair loss has the same cause. If you’re continuing to experience thinning or shedding after your scalp psoriasis is under control, there may be another reason for the hair loss.

Stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, medications, hereditary hair loss, and other scalp conditions can all contribute to hair shedding. 

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Consider making an appointment if your scalp is persistently itchy, red, or covered in thick scales, especially if you’re also noticing hair loss.

A dermatologist can determine whether psoriasis is affecting your scalp and recommend treatment to get the inflammation under control. If your hair continues to thin or shed, your dermatologist can also look for other possible causes.

At Braun Dermatology, our team treats a wide range of skin and hair conditions for patients throughout Northern Virginia. If you’re experiencing scalp psoriasis and hair loss, we can evaluate your symptoms and help determine the appropriate next steps. Schedule an appointment with us to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.