Psoriasis symptoms generally include red skin patches and very dry skin which may turn into white flakes. Psoriasis on the face may affect the areas around eyes, mouth, and nostrils. However, this skin disorder may also affect the scalp—thus, the term scalp psoriasis occurs. Scalp psoriasis shows similar symptoms with this skin disorder occurring on some other areas, such as red patches and itching. Scalp psoriasis is common on both children and adults, even the elderly. There are various effects which come with this scalp disorder, including the most-discussed one, hair loss. A lot of people with scalp psoriasis wonder whether its outbreak may trigger hair loss and whether it can be prevented.

How does hair grow?

Hair begins to grow from its root which is located beneath the follicles. Hair cells is fed by the nutrients passed through the blood vessels. These nutrients enable proper hair growth, which will grow through the oil glands. Hair stops growing at certain points and may fall naturally when it is mature enough. However, there are some circumstances which inhibits hair growth and makes the scalp seem to have less hair. The risk factors include dandruff, dermatitis, psoriasis, and ringworm, which have the capability of infecting the scalp, a natural location for the hair to grow.

An outline of scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis may be triggered by psoriasis in some other locations, including facial psoriasis. The early symptoms, as in other kinds of psoriasis, include red patches which spreads quite quickly. Red patches in scalp psoriasis may affect the areas around the ears—and the ears itself, the back of the neck, and the forehead, other than the scalp. Scalp psoriasis is also signed by white flakes which you may catch when scratching your scalp or hair. Different from dandruff, the patches is usually larger and do not cause severe itchiness apart from tingling sensation. Psoriasis also promotes over-dry scalp which also affects your hair condition.

Does scalp psoriasis cause hair loss?

Basically, scalp psoriasis does not cause hair loss. However, scalp which is severely affected by psoriasis might not be able to provide adequate environment for proper hair growth. As a result, the hair might fall or experience slowing down growth. Psoriasis shows some effects to the scalp and its surrounding skin which affect the way hair grows, such as:

1. Red patches on the scalp, behind the neck, and hairline.

Psoriasis on scalp might cause red patches which can be over-dry and inflamed not only on the scalp, but on various areas around it. Inflammation which occurs with these red patches inhibit the hair to stop growing.

2. Dry scalp and flakes

Dry scalp also inhibits proper hair growth by causing damages to epidermis cells. When the cells in skin epidermis and dermis are damaged, the hair does not get enough nutrition to grow. Dry scalp might also cause the skin to crack and bleed. When blood vessels are damaged, there are no foods passed to the newly grown hair. As a result, it stops growing.

3. Scales

Scales which occurs similarly to dandruffs are ordinary in psoriasis outbreak. When you scratch the infected scalp, you might cause it to tear and results in scales. Hair roots which loosened up due to lack of nutrition during the outbreak thus fall. Thus, you might feel that your hair is getting thinner during the outbreak.

Generally, hair loss during psoriasis outbreak may also be caused by certain medications you are prescribed. However, this hair loss is commonly temporary. As soon as you heal the psoriasis, your scalp will retain its health, which is important for hair growth. When the scales and flakes are gone, and the scalp is less dry, hair is likely to re-grow properly.