Scalp psoriasis and hair loss – these two problems together can become a highly stressed condition for all of us. To ease down the situation, I have a good news to share with you. The hair loss resulting out of scalp psoriasis is not permanent. Yes, you heard it right- it is just temporary. As soon as you would start healing your psoriasis, you would start getting your hairs back 🙂
I am saying all this with my own experience.
Scalp Psoriasis
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, out of all the people having psoriasis, more than 50% of them have scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is undoubtedly one of the most common type of psoriasis. In scalp psoriasis, your scalp would be covered with silvery white psoriasis scales. Along with scalp, areas like forehead, behind your ears, inside of your ears can also be covered with psoriasis scales. The thickness of these scales depends upon the severity of your psoriasis. These psoriasis scales are extremely dry in nature. The situation is worsened by continuous itching. I still remember, during those horrible days of extreme scalp psoriasis, I would hardly be able to concentrate on any thing- my studies, job and other things- because every time, I would keep on scratching my scalp. Scratching used to give a temporary relief just before experiencing a more intense urge for scratching and hence, more hair fall.
Scalp Psoriasis and hair fall – My experience
I got attacked by psoriasis way back in August 2005. I noticed psoriasis scales on my scalp and my back during the initial phase. My family took these symptoms as an ordinary dermatology related problem and tried common home remedies but of no use. Gradually, psoriasis scales started to spread on various parts of my body. Then I visited a dermatologist and he immediately diagnosed my skin condition as psoriasis. I had thick psoriasis patches on my scalp, forehead and neck area. I used to experience heavy hair fall every day due to these psoriasis flakes. Every day in the morning, I would see a lot of broken hairs on my pillow. Gradually, I could see noticeable empty spaces in my scalp due to continuous hair fall. I was very depressed due to all this because I was getting bald at the peak of my young adulthood when I was having desires of romancing with some beautiful girl. This depression didn’t help me, rather it made me more stressed.
After a long journey of various failed attempts to heal my psoriasis, finally I discovered this holistic healing approach that I am enjoying these days. With God’s grace, I am healing well and I am getting my hairs back gradually.
After adopting holistic healing approach, thickness of these scales has reduced considerably and those empty spaces in my scalp are getting hairs back. The bottom line is- Hair fall is not permanent in psoriasis; as soon as you will start healing and psoriasis symptoms will start disappearing, you will get back your hairs gradually.
This information is really a stress buster. Isn’t it?
It can relieve a lot of pressure from you. Hence, stop worrying about hair loss (resulting out of psoriasis) and just keep walking on the path of holistic healing. Every thing will be fine gradually.
What is Holistic healing of Psoriasis
We have talked a lot about holistic healing concept on this blog. This holistic healing concept has helped me so much that I can talk about it a million more times.
Holistic healing of Psoriasis consists of (click on the below links to read more):
- A restricted Psoriasis Diet
- Lifestyle changes
- Consuming natural herbs and dietary supplements
- Regular exercise
- To manage stress by meditation/ yoga/ pranayam
- Use of natural topical treatments (oils, creams, shampoos) instead of steroids based creams and shampoos
Why scalp psoriasis causes hair fall
Psoriasis itself don’t cause hair fall. There are various other issues arising out of psoriasis that promotes hair fall.
Let us discuss these factors which cause hair fall and how we can tackle them:
| Sr. No. | Reasons for Hair Fall | Suggestions to control them |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forceful removal of psoriasis scales. Removing these scales with force often detach some hairs from your scalp as well along with these scales. | Soften the scales using a natural (herbal) soap/shampoo during bathing. Apply the soap/shampoo on scalp for an extended time as per the scale thickness and then wash it properly. Don’t rub shampoo too harshly. Then remove scales gently using slow combing and brushing. |
| 2 | Frequent scratching can result in hair loss. Psoriasis flakes are itchy. Severe the psoriasis, more will be itching. Hence, there is always an urge to scratch and this frequent scratching can cause hair loss. | Keeping scalp moist using a suitable herbal hair oil/conditioner can help decrease itching and hence scratching. |
| 3 | Sometimes, medicated psoriasis treatment have harmful effect on hairs and cause hair breakage leading to hair loss. For instance, certain medicines based on salicylic acid can cause hair loss. | Self healing of psoriasis in a holistic way is the motto of this blog. Positive changes in diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs and natural supplements is the best way to heal your psoriasis. |
| 4 | Use of hair dryers result in increased hair loss. Psoriasis causes skin dryness and hence use of hair dryer will further increase scalp dryness causing hair loss. | Let your hairs dry naturally and avoid the use of air dryers. |
| 5 | Having psoriasis is stressful and hair fall associated with psoriasis make it worse. This state of high stress can cause further hair loss and you find yourself entrapped in this vicious circle of stress and hair loss. | Accept your skin condition; gradually reduce the negative thoughts associated with it. Start the journey of holistic healing and you will start getting your hairs back gradually. |
Click here to read: How to manage your Scalp Psoriasis Naturally
Some additional self help tips
- Urge for scratching is obvious. Hence, keep the fingernails short so that during plucking of scales, no damage to hairs take place.
- Try to keep your hairs short. With short hairs, hair fall will be less.
- Use natural/herbal alternatives against steroids based shampoos, hair oils and hair conditioners. Herbal products would be more gentle on your skin and can be used for long time without any side effects.
Read more: How to select a Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo
- Join a psoriasis support group either a physical one in your home town or over the internet. Share your feelings with fellow persons having the same skin condition and reduce the psychological negative impact and stress associated with psoriasis.
Conclusion
It is my own experience that hair loss due to psoriasis is temporary. Heal your psoriasis and you will get your hairs back. I consulted a few dermatologists and alternative medicine health experts (Ayurveda and Naturopath). All of them do acknowledge this experience of mine. Hence, stop worrying too much about scalp psoriasis and hair loss. Invest all your energy in healing your psoriasis and you will see all your hairs coming back gradually. In the meantime, use herbal shampoos and oils to take care of your scalp. Avoid steroids based shampoos and creams. They are too harsh on your scalp in the long run.
I like information. I will try to do accordingly.