Understanding psoriasis and hair loss

Psoriasis and hair loss are related. Here are what you can do about it.

Hair loss sometimes follows, when psoriasis develops on the scalp, . But it may be very surprising to note that the root cause of this hair loss is not the psoriasis. Understanding how to manage scalp psoriasis and why hair loss occurs can help. But it is good to know also that Psoriasis on the scalp can be very difficult to control.

Psoriasis can cause hair loss due to scratching and picking it, due to stress and from normal genetic process that run in parallel to it. A dermatologist is the best person to treat your psoriasis . The exact cause of the psoriasis disease is unknown, but it is believed that a trigger, such as emotional stress, certain infections ,skin injury or a reaction to medication, may set off psoriasis for the first time in genetically susceptible people. It is important for you to get a good dermatologist to help you manage the psoriasis. You must not pick on the psoriasis flakes in the scalp, as this action of yours will enable traction alopecia to develop and this can compound your problem. There is no magic bullet for this condition but it still can't be cured. Some newer medications have allowed better control for the really bad psoriasis .

Since psoriasis, by itself, rarely causes hair loss ,your doctor should, first ,determine if you have other causes of hair loss . Most people with psoriasis and hair loss either scratch the skin constantly, pulling out hair and this action cause traction alopecia or they may even have another condition that may be the cause of hair loss.

As for women, they need an accurate run down on their hormones to rule out other diseases such as thyroid disease, etc. Make sure that you are not on a strict diet, as weight loss is a cause of hair loss. It is also very important for both men and women to have their scalp and hair checked out for miniaturization. Other inherited and autoimmune conditions can contribute to this as well.

When looking for ways to deal with this condition ,be aware that Rogaine (minoxidil) can cause skin irritation and may even aggravate your psoriasis. You might try it and see. The worst case is that you make the psoriasis worse for a few days. As psoriasis behaves differently in different people ,you have to experiment on how to manage the disease. Here are what you can do:

Ways for men to cope with psoriasis and hair loss

For many years, men with or without psoriasis have opted for ways to cover bald spots or thinning hair . Here are some great examples:

Have your head shaved. Taking it off—or getting a buzz cut—not only looks cutting-edge, but the additional sun helps to slow down the reproduction of skin cells which mean fewer lesions. As far as possible the wearing of cool hats are important. For instance,try a baseball cap, or driving cap,or or throw on one of your dad's old derbies.

Ways for women to cope with psoriasis hair loss:

Explain your condition to your hairdresser . He or she can offer some great choices—or even perhaps a new, short, sassy cut, or new ways to style, part, or accessorize your hair.

Hats are always a few popular options as well as a fashion statement. Try the one that fits your mood. Wear scarves. Try a silk scarf in a beautiful pattern or a solid scarf in comfy cotton. Or even better—choose several and coordinate with what's in your closet. Some of the biggest celebrities are covering up, so why not follow the new fashion?

In cases of psoriasis and hair loss the good news is that treatment of the psoriasis outbreak, in a few cases, can reverse the hair loss. The key is in working with your doctor to determine which treatment will be best for you, and sticking with that remedy until results are seen.

Psoriasis and hair loss