Psoriasis is a chronic condition that leads to symptoms such as red patches, scales, and itching on the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common places to have psoriasis on the body include the knees, elbows, and scalp. If you develop the condition, it can affect your scalp and hair growth in a variety of ways. Understanding more about the symptoms and effects can help you to manage symptoms like hair loss, as well as which therapies can improve the condition or promote healthier, thicker hair.
Psoriasis hair loss symptoms
Flakey scalp - Once the skin on the scalp dies and doesn't get properly washed off or removed, it can flake. This flaking can bring along with it strands of hair, and potentially damage hair follicles in the process.
Dry scalp - In the same vein as flaky skin, a dry scalp can lead to same effect. Dried sections of skin that are nearly or completely dead that fall off as of result. With the lack of moisturization, a dry scalp can also cause damage to the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
Scaly, red, bumpy patches - Psoriasis can also lead to red patches of rough skin that are bumpy and scaly to the touch. This will eventually cause damage to any existing hair follicles that are in the effected area.
Itching - You may also experience an itching sensation on those scaly red patches on your scalp. Scratching your scalp can also lead to hair loss as you are forcefully ripping off some hair when scratching.
Burning or soreness - As this disease spreads throughout the scalp, you may feel a sensation of burning. This is caused by your skin attempting to create new cells to replace the old ones that died. This "overproduction" causes the burning and bumpy feeling.
What Is Psoriasis on the Scalp?
The symptoms of psoriasis may present themselves in different ways on the body. When you have scalp psoriasis specifically, you will usually notice red and scaly patches on your head. These patches may also feel raised or swollen.
Other common signs of the condition include flakes that resemble dandruff, dry scalp, and burning. It is also possible to experience hair loss. While psoriasis does not cause you to lose the hair on your head, the scratching and picking from the incessant itching may contribute to the temporary loss of hair.
Stress and hair loss are also related. If you are worried about your condition, you may cause it to become worse. Another consideration is potentially damaging treatments for psoriasis on the scalp. Before you put a powerful chemical on your head, consult with a doctor.
How to Prevent Temporary Hair Loss
By working with a doctor to help treat your scalp psoriasis, you can help to avoid temporary hair loss. There are also other things you can do yourself to promote healthy hair regrowth. Here are a few strategies you can follow in the comfort of your home:
- Get Some Sun: According to Healthline, having a vitamin D deficiency has been associated with psoriasis on the scalp. Going outside and getting some sunlight is an excellent way to get more vitamin D. While you may know the many benefits of this nutrient, you are probably also wondering, is sunlight good for your hair? Sun can damage your hair and scalp, especially if you are outdoors for a longer period of time. Protect your head with a hat and apply an SPF spray to your scalp. This will ensure you get enough vitamin D while avoiding sun damage.
- Consult with a Physician: Some treatments for psoriasis are safer than others. Options include topical medications and over-the-counter products that are available, but it is important to know about their side effects, as well as how they could affect your unique condition. Talk to a doctor about some of the medications used for psoriasis, including salicylic acid and coal tar. Depending on your physician’s approach, prescription topical steroids, antimicrobials, and vitamin D treatments may also be available to you.
- Use Laser Therapy: A cutting-edge treatment known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), formerly often referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), helps to stimulate and improve the function of cells in the body. For this reason, it can also promote growth and healing on the scalp. These properties are also shown to be effective in energizing and stimulating cells within the hair follicle, which can help to promote healthy hair growth. This can be beneficial after dealing with temporary hair loss associated with psoriasis.
- Try Complementary Hair Therapy: If you have scalp psoriasis, you can safely use our PBMT laser therapy caps (which may even help your condition). They can be combined with our hair therapy bundle to promote healthy hair growth. Use our shampoo, conditioner, revitalizer, and activator combination when you shower and care for your hair to nourish your scalp and grow healthier locks. This regimen will further promote healthier, fuller hair. You will also help to prevent any more hair loss by avoiding itching or picking at your scalp.
Psoriasis hair loss regrowth remedies to do at home
Aloe vera - A classic remedy for the skin, aloe vera has shown to alleviate skin irritations that psoriasis causes. Although not a complete solution, it can help make dealing with psoriasis a little easier as other medications or remedies get to work.
Diet - You want to give your body the best possible chance at dealing with psoriasis, so eating foods like fatty fish are great for dealing with psoriasis's symptoms. Restricting the consumption of fast food and alcohol can help prevent any further hair loss.
Reduce stress - A horrible feedback loop of stress causing the symptoms of psoriasis to worsen and then you stress about these worsening symptoms completes the loop. Reducing stress will help you start to feel relief sooner.
Moisturize - Try keeping your scalp as moisturized as possible. By either using creams or essential oils, preventing dry a dry scalp will help lessen the irritations that you may feel.
Supplements - Specific natural supplements like vitamin a, b vitamins, fish oils, and vitamin D can help your body fight the effects of psoriasis. Some other supplements can help ease some of the irritation from psoriasis.
Enjoying Healthier, Thicker Hair
While psoriasis can be uncomfortable and challenging to deal with, there are a variety of ways you can improve your condition at home. While you work with your doctor to find the right solutions for your health, therapies such as PBMT laser therapy caps can help to enhance healthier hair regrowth—as well as your confidence. Browse our three laser therapy caps today to find the coverage that is best for your needs. In just six minutes per day, you can be on your way to thicker, more beautiful hair.