Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects around 7.4 million people in the United States. It causes red, scaly patches and silver scales known as plaques to form on the skins surface. If you have psoriasis, you may experience it on your scalp. At least 50 percent of people with plaque psoriasis will develop scalp psoriasis, which can cause itching, discomfort, and hair loss.
Hair loss is a common complaint in psoriatic patients with scalp involvement. The dryness and skin damage that happen with psoriasis may lead to hair loss, but it is usually temporary, and prompt treatment can help prevent it. However, too much scratching can cause temporary hair loss over time as the hair follicles become damaged.
When choosing a product to treat scalp psoriasis, it is important to remember that salicylic acid breaks down the scales but could cause your hair to break off, leading to temporary hair loss. Tar products can be effective, but they can stain fabric and gray hair. Other medicated shampoos treat psoriasis, but they may not help with managing your hair otherwise. Some medicated shampoos can actually damage your hair, as they contain harsher ingredients with the focus on treating psoriasis.
In summary, psoriasis can cause hair loss, but it is usually temporary, and prompt treatment can help prevent it. However, too much scratching can cause temporary hair loss over time as the hair follicles become damaged. When choosing a product to treat scalp psoriasis, it is important to consider the ingredients and their potential effects on hair.
