Psoriasis is a widespread autoimmune disease that causes dry, scaly patches of skin, usually around the elbows, knees, feet, hands, and scalp. When it affects your scalp, it usually results in raised, scaly patches that can cause hair loss. This article looks at how scalp psoriasis affects hair loss and how to manage it.

What is scalp psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is simply psoriasis on the scalp. If you want to reduce your chances of hair loss due to psoriasis, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment as soon as possible.

The main symptoms of scalp psoriasis are:

• Scales and flakes that may initially look like dandruff
• Changed spots on the scalp
• Strong itching
• Dry, cracked and bleeding scalp
• Burning, pain or soreness in the scalp

Scalp psoriasis and hair loss

Scalp psoriasis can indeed cause temporary hair loss. However, psoriasis is not the direct cause. Although your scalp may itch, your skin can be damaged if you scratch or pick at these flakes, causing hair loss. However, hair loss usually grows back once psoriasis symptoms disappear.

Treatment and prevention of hair loss

This section discusses the most common treatments for scalp psoriasis and associated hair loss.

1. Local treatment

Using topical treatments recommended by your doctor is beneficial for treating scalp psoriasis. These include vitamin D cream, medicated shampoos, and topical steroids to reduce inflammation and itching in the affected area.

2. Over-the-counter procedures

Several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can also relieve symptoms of scalp psoriasis. The active ingredients in these OTC options are primarily salicylic acid and wood or coal tar. Salicylic acid is useful for softening and removing existing plaques from the skin. In contrast, tar products relieve itching and slow down the growth of new skin cells.

3. Prescription treatment

Remember that psoriasis is a disease that affects the whole body. So if symptoms worsen, prescription medications may be necessary. This medicine can be taken orally or by injection. These include retinoids, biologics, and more.

4. Light procedures

It used to be the primary treatment for psoriasis. However, with new medications for psoriasis, light therapy has lost its former popularity. UVB light, which is naturally present in sunlight, can be helpful in slowing the growth of skin cells affected by psoriasis.

5. Steroids

Oral, topical, and injectable steroids are helpful in reducing the severity and inflammation of psoriasis patches. Your doctor or dermatologist will recommend steroids for your treatment depending on the severity of the condition.

6. Oral medications

If your scalp psoriasis is severe, you may need a prescription oral medication. Some examples of oral medications include apremilast, methotrexate, acitretin, and cyclosporine.

7. Injectable or infusion drugs

You may also be prescribed an injectable treatment to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis according to the severity of your condition. These may include biological treatments that target the immune system and reduce inflammatory responses.

Lifestyle changes

Certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can also help people with scalp psoriasis reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, here are some essential steps you should take during an outbreak:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Try to avoid picking and scratching.
• Shampoo the affected area gently to avoid further irritation.
• Try to comb and gently remove flakes and scales.
• Be sure to apply the treatment to the scalp, not the hair.
• Avoid blow drying your hair. Let it dry naturally.
• Use a variety of shampoos and conditioners to prevent dry hair.
• Find out which shampoo works best for you to control breakouts.
• If you're not sure, ask your dermatologist which shampoo is best for you.

If you have scalps symptoms of psoriasis and you are worried about the associated hair loss, make an appointment with the hair restoration clinic, which is one of the best hair transplant clinics in Latvia. We specialize in a variety of hair restoration treatments such as FUE in hair transplantation, FUT in hair transplantation, in PRP therapy etc

 

Improve your quality of life and apply for a consultation with our specialists who will provide comprehensive answers to your questions and determine the best course of treatment. Fill out the electronic form or call tel. +371 267 777 76 and we will contact you. www.rubenhair.eu