If You're Dealing with Thinning Hair, Scalp Psoriasis Could Be the Cause
Sure, you're au fait with psoriasis – a condition in which the skin sheds with a little too much vigour, creating red, silvery scale-like patches in places like your elbows. But have you heard of the lesser-known scalp psoriasis?
The same condition but atop your head, it can be tricker to diagnose, as itchiness and extra skin can be attributed to dandruff, natch.
But... if you think this is something you could be dealing with, it could be worth digging into. Why? Well, as well as the discomfort involved, it can also contribute to issues like thinning hair.
To get to the follicle of the issue, WH has called trichologist Anabel Kingsley and dermatologist Emma Wedgeworth.
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What is scalp psoriasis?
It’s tricky to discern whether you itchy flaky scalp is dandruff, scalp psoriasis or something else entirely.
'Scalp psoriasis occurs when skin cells grow too quickly, resulting in a flaky scalp. It can affect the entire scalp or just patches,' explains Kingsley. 'Itching of the scalp can occur but this is, strangely, not always the case.'
Wedgeworth notes that psoriasis is: 'an inflammatory skin condition which presents as scaly red patches on the skin.' And scalp psoriasis is the same – just on the skin that covers your head.
Scalp psoriasis causes – why does it happen?
Well, that's not clear.
'However, genetics, arthritic tendencies, food allergies, stress and long-standing infections are all thought to be triggers,' notes Kingsley.
'Psoriasis is estimated to affect at least 2% of the global population and can occur at any age, but is most common in those between 20 and 30.'
Wedgeworth adds that a third of people with psoriasis will have a relative with the condition.
'Psoriasis is an abnormality within the skin’s immune system, so anything that affects this can trigger a flare up.
' Infections, particularly sore throats caused by a bacteria called streptococcus can flare up psoriasis.
'We know that diet has a big influence on psoriasis and high BMI is linked with more severe psoriasis. Smoking, alcohol and stress have also been linked to worsening psoriasis,' she adds.
How do you know if you have scalp psoriasis?
As we mentioned earlier, annoyingly, the symptoms of scalp psoriasis are similar to other scalp conditions.
Kingsley notes that scalp psoriasis looks like: 'dry, flaky skin on the scalp and red bumps. It can be itchy and may feel like a burning sensation.'
Since it’s not always easy to self diagnose scalp psoriasis it’s worth visiting your GP or a trichologist for an expert diagnosis.
So, does scalp psoriasis lead to thinning hair?
Not the condition in and of itself, but it can lead to thinning hair. 'If the scaling on your scalp is very tight, your hairs’ diameter may change and there can be breakage,' says Kingsley.
If you spend a lot of time picking at patches of psoriasis on your head, this can also cause some thinning – as can the sheer stress of the condition.
'But usually does not cause large amounts of hair loss,' advises Kingsley.
She notes, however, that: 'Psoriasis is often confused with another severe scalp condition, pityriasis amientacea, a scaling of the scalp which causes distinct hair loss.'
If you have all the symptoms of scalp psoriasis and you’re dealing with hair loss too, head to your GP for treatment.
How do you get rid of scalp psoriasis?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but scalp psoriasis is one of those conditions that needs to be managed and can’t be cured.
It’s not all doom and gloom though, 'we can manage it effectively so it doesn’t interfere with day to day life,' notes Wedgeworth. 'Usually a combination of shampoos, lotions and then occasionally tablet or injection treatments can keep it under good control.'
Treatment also depends on the severity, says Kingsley. 'Mild cases can usually be cleared with the use of prescription creams and tar-based shampoos. However, treatment of more severe psoriasis needs care and patience.
'At Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic we soften and then remove the scales (using specially formulated creams) under a warm steamer and infrared lamps.
'Such treatments can give considerable relief, but repeat treatments are almost always necessary. Treatment with ultraviolet light can also help, in fact, psoriasis often improves on its own during the summer months when you are exposed to more UV rays.
'If you're suffering from Psoriasis our clinics based in London and New York specialise in hair and scalp issues,' she adds.
When managing scalp psoriasis, what is the best shampoo or ingredients to look out for?
Kingsley recommends Philip Kingsley’s Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo, as well as the Scalp Toner and Scalp Mask from the same range.
'Look for ingredients like coal tar, coconut oil and salicylic acid which can all be very helpful to control the scaling associated with scalp psoriasis,' adds Wedgeworth.
Now you have a handle on scalp psoriasis, this is why your hair needs SPF just like your skin does...
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