Scalp Psoriasis and Hair Loss

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can affect various parts of the body. When it affects the scalp, it is referred to as scalp psoriasis. Is psoriasis of the scalp and hair loss connected? To understand the connection between scalp psoriasis and hair loss, we need to find out more about the symptoms of scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by the formation of silvery scales and patches of red raised skin over the scalp. The formation of scales or patches is generally accompanied by itching, burning sensation and soreness of the scalp. Wondering what causes scalp psoriasis? Can hair loss be caused due to scalp psoriasis? Which is the most effective scalp psoriasis hair loss remedy? Here’s some information on scalp psoriasis and hair loss.

What Causes Scalp Psoriasis?

Wondering what causes this non-contagious inflammatory skin disorder? It is believed that if this skin condition runs in the family, one might be at an increased risk of developing this scalp problem. Besides genetic predisposition, psoriasis of the scalp might occur as a result of a weakened immune system, therefore it is often referred to as an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder. It occurs when the immune system accelerates the rate of production of regeneration of the skin cells. When the skin cells mature at a faster rate, this results in the accumulation of skin cells. This rapid buildup of skin cells leads to the formation of thick crust of skin on the scalp. It is believed that stress, injuries to the scalp, infections, hormonal fluctuations or use of certain medications can trigger psoriasis of the scalp. The formation of whitish scales at the base of the hair strands is often accompanied by flaking and itching. Picking at the scabs or scratching on the scalp can cause damage to the affected skin. It could also damage the hair follicles. Damaged hair follicles might also cause hair loss. Can scalp psoriasis cause permanent hair loss? Before I tell you more about scalp psoriasis hair loss treatment, let’s find out more about the connection between scalp psoriasis and hair loss.

Psoriasis of the Scalp and Hair Loss

Is hair loss due to psoriasis of the scalp reversible? Well, scalp psoriasis is generally known to cause temporary hair loss, but in severe cases it might lead to permanent hair loss. It has been seen that hair will often grow back once the condition clears. Many a times, hair loss is not a direct result of scalp psoriasis. Since scalp psoriasis causes the formation of red, itchy and inflamed scales and patches of the scalp, the affected person might scratch vigorously and might weaken or damage the hair follicles. In an attempt to remove the scaly patches, one might end up breaking the hair off. As far as the scalp psoriasis treatment is concerned, the use of shampoos or creams with salicylic acid or coal tar as their active ingredient has been found to be quite effective in alleviating the scalp psoriasis symptoms. The treatment of scalp psoriasis might also involve topical application of corticosteroids.

Drugs such as anthralin, taclonex, dovonex and tazorac might help in treating this scalp psoriasis hair loss problem. Since topical application of creams, medicated shampoos or other products is more difficult due to the presence of hair, you must take lots of care while applying the medicated products. In order to provide nourishment to your hair and facilitate faster hair growth, you could make use of hair vitamins. Daily exposure to sunlight for a brief period of time is also believed to be effective for controlling this skin condition. You can also use some effective scalp psoriasis home remedies. Use of aloe vera gel, olive oil, coconut oil might also help in soothing the itchy scalp. You must gently massage the scalp with oils to keep it moisturized.

Including foods containing omega-3 essential fatty acids to your diet and drinking adequate amounts of water will also prove beneficial in scalp psoriasis hair loss treatment. Once the condition is kept under control, your hair will definitely grow back. Permanent hair loss occurs only in severe cases and that too as a result of persistent and vigorous scratching. So, those of you who are suffering from scalp psoriasis must refrain from scratching a lot on the scalp.

Hope you have understood the connection between scalp psoriasis and hair loss. Those there is no permanent scalp psoriasis cure, but it can be kept under control. If you are suffering from this inflammatory skin disease, consult a doctor soon. Follow a proper skin and hair care regimen. If you follow the advice of your doctor, you will be able to tackle this condition and alleviate the symptoms to a great extent. Hope you found the information on scalp psoriasis hair loss treatment useful.

Scalp Psoriasis and Hair Loss

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can affect various parts of the body. When it affects the scalp, it is referred to as scalp psoriasis. Is psoriasis of the scalp and hair loss connected? To understand the connection between scalp psoriasis and hair loss, we need to find out more about the symptoms of scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by the formation of silvery scales and patches of red raised skin over the scalp. The formation of scales or patches is generally accompanied by itching, burning sensation and soreness of the scalp. Wondering what causes scalp psoriasis? Can hair loss be caused due to scalp psoriasis? Which is the most effective scalp psoriasis hair loss remedy? Here’s some information on scalp psoriasis and hair loss.

What Causes Scalp Psoriasis?

Wondering what causes this non-contagious inflammatory skin disorder? It is believed that if this skin condition runs in the family, one might be at an increased risk of developing this scalp problem. Besides genetic predisposition, psoriasis of the scalp might occur as a result of a weakened immune system, therefore it is often referred to as an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder. It occurs when the immune system accelerates the rate of production of regeneration of the skin cells. When the skin cells mature at a faster rate, this results in the accumulation of skin cells. This rapid buildup of skin cells leads to the formation of thick crust of skin on the scalp. It is believed that stress, injuries to the scalp, infections, hormonal fluctuations or use of certain medications can trigger psoriasis of the scalp. The formation of whitish scales at the base of the hair strands is often accompanied by flaking and itching. Picking at the scabs or scratching on the scalp can cause damage to the affected skin. It could also damage the hair follicles. Damaged hair follicles might also cause hair loss. Can scalp psoriasis cause permanent hair loss? Before I tell you more about scalp psoriasis hair loss treatment, let’s find out more about the connection between scalp psoriasis and hair loss.

Psoriasis of the Scalp and Hair Loss

Is hair loss due to psoriasis of the scalp reversible? Well, scalp psoriasis is generally known to cause temporary hair loss, but in severe cases it might lead to permanent hair loss. It has been seen that hair will often grow back once the condition clears. Many a times, hair loss is not a direct result of scalp psoriasis. Since scalp psoriasis causes the formation of red, itchy and inflamed scales and patches of the scalp, the affected person might scratch vigorously and might weaken or damage the hair follicles. In an attempt to remove the scaly patches, one might end up breaking the hair off. As far as the scalp psoriasis treatment is concerned, the use of shampoos or creams with salicylic acid or coal tar as their active ingredient has been found to be quite effective in alleviating the scalp psoriasis symptoms. The treatment of scalp psoriasis might also involve topical application of corticosteroids.

Drugs such as anthralin, taclonex, dovonex and tazorac might help in treating this scalp psoriasis hair loss problem. Since topical application of creams, medicated shampoos or other products is more difficult due to the presence of hair, you must take lots of care while applying the medicated products. In order to provide nourishment to your hair and facilitate faster hair growth, you could make use of hair vitamins. Daily exposure to sunlight for a brief period of time is also believed to be effective for controlling this skin condition. You can also use some effective scalp psoriasis home remedies. Use of aloe vera gel, olive oil, coconut oil might also help in soothing the itchy scalp. You must gently massage the scalp with oils to keep it moisturized.

Including foods containing omega-3 essential fatty acids to your diet and drinking adequate amounts of water will also prove beneficial in scalp psoriasis hair loss treatment. Once the condition is kept under control, your hair will definitely grow back. Permanent hair loss occurs only in severe cases and that too as a result of persistent and vigorous scratching. So, those of you who are suffering from scalp psoriasis must refrain from scratching a lot on the scalp.

Hope you have understood the connection between scalp psoriasis and hair loss. Those there is no permanent scalp psoriasis cure, but it can be kept under control. If you are suffering from this inflammatory skin disease, consult a doctor soon. Follow a proper skin and hair care regimen. If you follow the advice of your doctor, you will be able to tackle this condition and alleviate the symptoms to a great extent. Hope you found the information on scalp psoriasis hair loss treatment useful.

Diet for Healthy Hair

It is true that proper hair care is of immense importance when it comes to growing long and healthy hair. However, it is equally true that hair care alone cannot ensure the growth of healthy hair, if the diet is not healthy and is deficient in vital nutrients. A healthy diet is the key to healthy hair and skin. The condition of the hair and skin simply reflects the condition of our health. So, by including some healthy foods in our diet, we can improve our health and the condition of our hair and skin. But before we go into the details of the diet for healthy hair, let's take a brief look at the nutrients which are crucial for hair growth.

Essential Nutrients for Growing Healthy Hair

Hair is basically dead protein filaments and hence, protein is one of the most important nutrients that can ensure the growth of healthy hair. Next to protein, hair needs a number of minerals and vitamins to grow properly. Among minerals, iron, zinc and copper are the most crucial minerals for healthy hair. Iron is responsible for supplying the hair follicles with oxygen, while zinc is crucial for preventing excessive hair loss.

Copper on the other hand, is required to maintain and improve the color of hair, and its deficiency can manifest in premature greying. Apart from these three minerals, calcium, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus and silica are also essential for the growth of hair. As far as the vitamins are concerned, vitamin A, B vitamins, especially biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin B5, Vitamin B3 and vitamin B12, vitamin C and vitamin E are the most important hair vitamins for growing healthy and lustrous tresses.

Diet for Healthy Hair Growth

A diet for growing healthy hair should be balanced, and it should provide adequate amounts of all the vital nutrients. Basically, you have to follow a healthy diet for healthy hair. The following are the foods for healthy hair that can be included in a diet, in order to grow long and thick hair.

Whole Grains, Beans and Pulses
The importance of protein for hair growth has been mentioned already. This vital nutrient can be found in a large number of protein rich foods such as, whole grains and food made from whole grains, legumes, beans, lentils, pulses and soy products like, tofu and soy milk. Soy protein has been found to be especially important for stimulating hair growth. These foods are not only rich in proteins, but also contains the essential B vitamins.

Poultry, Red Meat and Fish
Another group of protein rich foods for hair growth are poultry, eggs, meat and fish. Eggs are one of the most important sources of proteins and B vitamins. Chicken, turkey, organ meat, red meat and fish like, salmon are great for growing long and healthy hair, as they are rich in protein, iron and the B vitamins.

Low Fat Dairy Products
Low fat dairy products are another important group of foods that can be included in a diet for healthy hair. Yogurt is the most important low fat dairy product that can have immense benefits for hair. Other low fat dairy products that can prove beneficial in this regard are, skimmed milk and cottage cheese. Dairy products are not only a good source of protein, but minerals like, calcium as well.

Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables, especially the dark green leafy vegetables are important components of a healthy hair diet. Vegetables like, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, potatoes, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, cabbage, bean sprouts, Brussels sprouts, onion, lettuce, cucumbers can be some of the great inclusions in the diet for natural hair. Among the fruits, watermelon, papaya, citrus fruits, oranges, amla or Indian gooseberry, avocados, apricots, berries including, strawberries and blueberries and cherries are some of the fruits that can prove helpful in ensuring healthy growth of hair. Fruits and vegetables are the most significant sources of healthy hair vitamins and minerals.

Dried Fruits and Nuts
Nuts like, almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews and pecans are great for growing shiny and healthy hair. Along with protein, nuts contain omega-3 essential fatty acids and minerals like, zinc and selenium, which are essential for the health of the scalp and the hair. In addition to nuts, dried fruits like, raisins, prunes, dates are also important for the growth of hair, as they contain the mineral iron. Deficiency of iron is one of the important reasons for hair loss.

So, these are foods that need to be included in a diet for healthy hair. Along with these, olive oil, seeds such as, sunflower seeds, flaxseed and pumpkin seeds, and seafood are also considered good for promoting hair growth. At the same time, it is equally important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, manage the level of stress, get adequate rest or sleep in the night and avoid excess consumption of processed foods and foods rich in harmful fats, in order to ensure the growth of healthy hair.