The link between hair and identity, especially for women, is quite a palpable one. It’s not just a cultural construct, but in fact it goes deeper. For some, it’s because hair is the one part of our bodies that we have complete control over. We can keep it short or wear it long, depending on how we’re feeling. It reflects who we are and allows us to be more comfortable in our skin. That’s why hair-related problems can affect our lives in myriad ways.

Although hair loss has few physically harmful effects, it can be psychologically damaging. Seeing your once-lustrous locks fall out by the bunch day in and day out can cause emotional suffering, anxiety, and even depression. This, in turn, can manifest into personal and work-related problems. Failure to find a solution can leave many very distressed.

Psoriasis, thought to be an immune system disorder, is a chronic disease with no cure, typically considered to be a moderate to severe skin illness. However, it is not contagious. There are effective treatments available today that can help keep your symptoms at bay. This article will answer all your questions about the disorder, the most important ones being: Can Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss on the Scalp? Is it reversible? It is true that the hair grows back after the treatments?

Table of Contents

• Understanding Scalp Psoriasis and Hair Loss: Causes and Treatments
• Reversibility of Hair Loss Caused by Scalp Psoriasis
• Safe and Effective Treatment Options for Scalp Psoriasis

Can Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss on the Scalp?

Common signs of psoriasis include red, patchy skin covered with scales that may bleed or itch, ridged nails, and swollen joints. There is also the risk of developing other health conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. In the case of scalp psoriasis, a scaly, silvery buildup on the scalp can cause itching and discomfort. Scratching makes it worse and may result in temporary hair loss.

Reversibility of Hair Loss Caused by Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disorder of discomfort. It can turn your entire scalp into an itchy minefield that causes your hair to start falling out, and that's where the connection between scalp psoriasis and hair loss comes from. The good news is that the hair loss is temporary and reversible. Whether it's a case of light scaling or a thick buildup of plaque, it's a good idea to consult with a doctor for advice on how you can effectively treat scalp psoriasis. However, there are some general treatment options and remedies that are recommended to people suffering from psoriasis.

Modifying your habits and lifestyle in certain ways such as reduction in alcohol intake, cutting out smoking, managing your stress levels, avoiding inflammatory food items, and being cautious in extreme weather can help prevent psoriasis flares and improve the health of your hair. Though it’s easier said than done, avoid scratching the scalp to relieve itching or remove scales as much as possible, because that is what causes hair loss.

Such treatments require a prescription and include using steroids, vitamin D, vitamin A, or antimicrobials. Vitamin D is known to affect cell growth and immune system functions, while vitamin A deals with how quickly skin cells grow and divide. For severe cases of scalp psoriasis, steroids can be injected directly into the affected area, or the patient may be prescribed oral medications. You will be required to consult with a doctor before undergoing such treatments.

Light treatments containing ultraviolet B (UVB) light are a new and effective treatment for psoriasis. Their widespread appeal lies in the fact that they can target a specific area of psoriasis outbreak. Lasers can be used to bombard the skin with high intensity UVB light and are known to show visible results in approximately 4 to 10 sessions.

In case you are unable to visit a doctor, topical treatments for your scalp psoriasis can include using creams, oils, sprays, foams, and medicated shampoos containing selenium or tar. Some shampoos having stronger ingredients can damage your hair, so conditioning your hair with each wash is a must to counteract the damage. 

So, can psoriasis cause hair loss? Is it reversible? The answer is yes and yes. Remember, the hair loss is temporary and can be reversed with a little bit of discipline and patience, particularly when accompanied by scalp psoriasis medicated shampoos and other healing treatments.

Safe and Effective Treatment Options for Scalp Psoriasis

If you want to try dealing with mild psoriasis at home first, you can rely on certain natural remedies like oils and shampoos. Of course, you need to be careful about the ingredients. Harsh chemicals can make matters worse. Here are some of our favorite choices of natural products that you can look into for at-home treatments:

• The WOW Onion Hair Oil with Black Seed Oil Extracts is a great way to start managing your hair fall and reinvigorate your mane. Specially formulated with a blend of 7 cold-pressed oils like sweet almond, extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, Moroccan argan, coconut oil, and onion black seed oil, this product is completely natural and free of silicones and synthetic fragrances, and it can be applied on the entire scalp. 

• The Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo from WOW is a plant-based shampoo that’s free of harmful sulfates and parabens. Concocted with 100% pure and unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar, and blended with the therapeutic benefits of sweet almond and argan oil, it helps fight dandruff and balances the pH of your hair and scalp for a lighter, cleaner, and itch-free feel.

• The WOW Stimulating scalp massager brush is equipped with soft and thick silicone bristles to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, which encourages natural hair growth. Using it during every shampoo application will ensure the gentle care your hair needs while taking care of dandruff and itchiness.

Don’t put off dealing with a problem like scalp psoriasis for tomorrow. Browse through our wide range of natural, cruelty-free hair and skincare products that can help soothe your skin and protect your scalp against the symptoms of psoriasis!

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products. 

Sources:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis-and-hair-loss#scalp-psoriasis
• https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/scalp-psoriasis#:~:text=Scalp%20psoriasis%20itself%20doesn't,back%20after%20your%20skin%20clears.
• https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/genitals/scalp-hair-loss
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314231
• https://www.psoriasis.org/scalp/