“I’ve noticed hair loss with my psoriasis. How does psoriasis cause my hair loss?” Justina Ray, a mom of two and a teacher living with psoriasis, wondered. Dr. Adel Haque, a board-certified dermatologist, met with Justina to talk about this important question.

3 Ways Psoriasis Can Cause Hair Loss

In the past, Justina said, she’s had “patches of my hair fall out.” While it’s improved, she still has mild hair loss.

“Psoriasis can affect a whole bunch of different systems,” Dr. Haque explained. Below are three ways psoriasis may lead to hair loss.

1. Plugged Hair Follicles

“I think the buildup of psoriasis on the scalp can certainly plug hair follicles, and the inflammation can cause a little bit of hair loss,” Dr. Haque said.

2. Scratching

Another issue is scratching the scalp. “I think people scratch their psoriasis on their scalp a lot, and I think that can break some hairs down and cause a lot of inflammation as well,” Dr. Haque explained.

“Very bad scalp itch,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote. “I’m tearing out my hair by scratching or otherwise losing hair.”

3. Stress

Finally, Dr. Haque raised the issue of stress. “I think the stress from having psoriasis and having a chronic illness can actually lead to stress-induced hair loss. And I think that happens a lot more commonly than we think, too.”

The Emotional Toll of Hair Loss

Hair loss from psoriasis can be deeply upsetting. “I am trying very hard to keep my hair from falling out due to scalp psoriasis, and I am still losing hair, which is very distressing,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote, adding, “Hair loss has made me never want to be seen.” Another member described hair loss as “very depressing.”

Treating Hair Loss

If you’re struggling with hair loss, it’s important to talk with your dermatologist about treatment. “Topical steroids or biologics that can reduce inflammation and get rid of the psoriasis are going to be the No. 1 key,” Dr. Haque explained. Your doctor may also recommend medicated shampoos, he added.

“Some [medicated shampoos] have salicylic acid or coal tar,” Dr. Haque said. “Those can also really help reduce the psoriasis and the scales and help with the hair to grow back in that area. And sometimes I’ve even put a patient on a hair multivitamin before, just to help their hair grow a little bit stronger, just because they might just need that extra little boost.”

MyPsoriasisTeam members have found that their hair returns when their psoriasis is under control. One member shared, “Having untreated psoriasis on my scalp causes excessive hair loss. But when the psoriasis is under control, hair stops falling out and grows back.”

Find Your Team

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and those who care for them.

Have you lost hair due to scalp psoriasis? Start the conversation by leaving a comment below or posting on your Activities page.