Psoriasis
Psoriasis, according to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, is a condition that affects the way that skin cells replicate and divide. In psoriasis, the skin cells grow and replicate very quickly, which leads to a build up of skin cells on the surface of the skin. Consequently, psoriasis usually presents with silvery scales that flake off or with raised red patches. It is a chronic disease which can get worse or better over time. Psoriasis symptoms can range from mild to somewhat disabling, especially if they are combined with the arthritis that some cases of psoriasis can cause. In addition to the scales and the red patches, psoriasis can lead to dry and cracked skin, nail discoloration, and sore and swollen joints. Psoriasis can affect skin anywhere throughout the body, especially the scalp.
Psoriasis and Hair Loss
Although there is some anecdotal evidence that psoriasis can lead to hair problems, including hair loss, there are no reports from any reputable medical sources that links psoriasis to hair problems. However, psoriasis can create the appearance of hair loss in the affected areas. Individual hairs normally fall out over the course of time. With psoriasis, the thick silvery scales that can accumulate on the scalp will trap these hairs that have fallen out. Then, when the patient scratches his scalp and the scales fall off, the dead and fallen hairs that were trapped in the scales will also come out, making it appear that large clumps of hair are coming out with the scales.
Psoriasis Treatments and Hair Problems
Although psoriasis does not actively cause any problems with hair, some of the effects of psoriasis, as well as the treatments, can lead to hair problems. Many people who have psoriasis scratch their heads frequently, which can lead to the hair falling out. In addition, many of the treatments for psoriasis (including special shampoos) are designed for the scalp, not for the hair. As a result, some of them (including those with salicylic acid) can irritate and damage hair. Once these treatments are stopped, however, the hair should repair itself.
