Yes, psoriasis can cause hair loss or thinning, particularly when it affects the scalp. The good news is that for most people, hair loss is temporary and hair tends to grow back once psoriasis is under control.
There are three main ways psoriasis can lead to hair loss:
- Plugged follicles – Plaque buildup on the scalp can Show Full Answer
Yes, psoriasis can cause hair loss or thinning, particularly when it affects the scalp. The good news is that for most people, hair loss is temporary and hair tends to grow back once psoriasis is under control.
There are three main ways psoriasis can lead to hair loss:
- Plugged follicles – Plaque buildup on the scalp can block hair follicles, and the inflammation can weaken hair over time
- Scratching – The intense itch of scalp psoriasis often leads to scratching, which can break hairs and damage follicles
- Stress – Living with a chronic condition like psoriasis can trigger stress-related hair loss, which is more common than many people realize Some psoriasis medications can also contribute to hair thinning or loss as a side effect. These include:
- Methotrexate – affects 1–3% of people who take it
- Cyclosporine – more commonly causes excess hair growth, but can occasionally cause loss
- Biologics like ustekinumab (Stelara) – hair loss is rare but has been reported
A MyPsoriasisTeam member shared: "I just started Stelara and am experiencing a lot of sudden hair loss."
If you're noticing hair loss and suspect your medication may be the cause, it's really important to speak with your dermatologist before stopping any treatment. The best approach to managing psoriasis-related hair loss is to treat the psoriasis itself. Options a dermatologist might recommend include:
- Topical steroids to reduce inflammation
- Biologics for more widespread inflammation
- Medicated shampoos containing salicylic acid or coal tar to reduce scaling
- Hair multivitamins to help strengthen hair growth
As one MyPsoriasisTeam member put it: "When the psoriasis is under control, hair stops falling out and grows back." So there's real hope here! 💪
April 28
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