Can Psoriasis cause hair loss?
Yes, psoriasis can make a person lose his or her hair, particularly when it affects the scalp. Psoriasis is a widespread autoimmune disease that causes the skin to become inflamed and have thick scaly patches that may irritate the hair follicles, thus causing temporary shedding.
The loss of hair is usually reversible when properly treated, though, it is important to know how the two are interrelated in order to manage it. This blog article shall examine the causes, symptoms and remedies with particular emphasis on how alternative methods such as iridology can provide useful insights on the management of holistic health.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that occurs in a chronic manner whereby the immune system of the body wrongly attacks normal skin cells of the body leading to their overgrowth. This leaves elevated reddish spots that have silver scales. It occurs in about 2-3 percent of the world population and may manifest in any part of the body such as the head, nails and joints. It is caused by stress, infections, some medications and genetic factors. Although it has no cure, it can be treated by lifestyle modifications and medical therapies.
Scalp psoriasis is one of the most prevalent types, with up to 80% of psoriasis patients having their first flare at some point. It can appear on the forehead, neck or ears in the form of itchy, flaky patches and can also be seen to stretch beyond the hairline. When unmanaged it may escalate to cause complications, such as hair thinning.
The Connection Between Psoriasis and Hair Loss
The connection between psoriasis and loss of hair is mainly a result of scalp inflammation. Plaques, when formed, interfere with the normal growth of the hair. Follicles in the hair are weakened and brittle due to the continuous irritation. Scratching the itch can lead to removal of hairs or destruction of roots in extreme cases. This kind of alopecia is referred to as psoriatic alopecia.
Importantly, psoriasis-related hair loss is usually temporary. As soon as the inflammation goes, and the scalp is cured, the hair grows back within several months. Nevertheless, in uncommon instances, serious or persistent scalp psoriasis may result in scarring alopecia whereby the permanent loss of hair is due to destruction of the follicles. Factors like aggressive scratching, picking at scales, or secondary infections increase this risk.
Studies reveal that the loss of hair is not due to psoriasis destroying the follicles but by the physical strain and inflammation it causes. To give an example, thick scales have the ability to block follicles and what makes shedding worse is the itch-scratch cycle. If you notice patchy thinning or increased hair fall during a flare-up, it’s likely connected.
Request for our free guide 6 Proven Secrets To Improve Your Psoriasis.
Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis and Associated Hair Loss
Signs can be identified early on to avoid further loss of hair. Common symptoms include:
- Itchy, red patches: These may feel sore or burning.
- Thick, silvery scales: They can flake off like dandruff but are more persistent.
- Hair loss in localised parts: This is usually in patches, and not in general baldness.
- Dry, cracked scalp: Leading to discomfort and potential bleeding from scratching.
- Expansion to other parts: e.g. face or behind ears.
When these are accompanied by hair loss, it may come in the form of increased hair in your brush, shower pipe or on your pillow. Contrary to disorders such as alopecia areata, which is a sudden loss of hair, that caused by psoriasis is progressive and is associated with exacerbations.
The Role of Iridology in Managing Psoriasis and Hair Loss
Iridology, the art of studying the iris (the coloured area of the eye), to determine overall health, is an area of promising complementary medicine in the study of psoriasis and its impact on the body, such as hair loss. Practitioners suppose that the iris is a road map of the human body that includes genetic predispositions, organ vulnerabilities, and systemic imbalances, which may lead to disorders such as psoriasis.
Iridology can help to identify early inflammation, toxicity, or lymphatic congestion, which may arise in the form of skin problems in the case of psoriasis. As an example, specific marks or change of colour in the iris zones that are associated with the skin, immune system or scalp may provide a sign of vulnerability to autoimmune flares. It is a non-invasive approach, which gives people the capacity to deal with underlying causes in an overall manner, like a diet or a detox, before symptoms such as hair loss worsen.
Research into the relationship of iridology and psoriasis has indicated that there may be a correlation between iris characteristics and the disease markers, which indicates the usefulness of iridology in individual health plans. Iridology encourages wellness in contrast to traditional diagnostics, which dwells on the symptoms. A qualified iridologist would help in giving more insight alongside medical advice which will help in supporting treatments that enhance hair growth and general well-being. It is an instrument that complements the natural healing philosophies and hence it is a great supplement to the people who want holistic care.
Psoriasis also tends to manifest ocularly (e.g., with dry eyes, or inflammation), and this can be detected early with the help of iridology. Using iridology, patients have stated that they felt in charge since iridology helped reveal other underlying factors such as stress or lack of nutrients that made their scalp problem worse.
Treatment Options for Psoriasis-Related Hair Loss
Management begins with the treatment of the psoriasis itself. Options include:
- Topical treatments: Medicated shampoos with coal tar, salicylic acid, or corticosteroids to reduce scales and inflammation.
- Phototherapy: UV light exposure to slow cell growth
- Systemic medications: For severe cases, oral drugs or biologics that target the immune system.
- Gentle scalp care: Use mild shampoos, avoid hot tools, and apply oils to soothe irritation.
To stimulate regrowth, minoxidil or other hair-strengthening products may be recommended once plaques clear. Combining these with iridology-guided lifestyle adjustments, like anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3s, can enhance outcomes.
Prevention and Lifestyle Tips
It is important to prevent flare-ups and reduce hair loss. Here are practical tips:
- Precautionary measures: Do yoga or meditate to cope with stress and avoid drinking and smoking.
- Gentle hair routines: Hairbrushes should be soft, tight hairstyles should be avoided and scales should not be picked.
- Moisturise regularly: Keep the scalp hydrated with natural oils like coconut or aloe vera.
- Nutritional support: Use foods that aid in making the skin healthy including fatty fish, nuts, and leafy greens.
- Regular iridology consultations: It can assist in checking the health of the whole system and avoiding escalations.
Having a health weight and being hydrated are additional factors as obesity and being dehydrated can aggravate psoriasis.
When to Seek Professional Help
Home care should last at least one year, but in case of persistent hair loss, or severe itching, pain or any symptoms of an infection (pus, swelling, etc.), visit a dermatologist immediately. Early intervention prevents permanent damage. An iridologist can provide value to this by providing information on holistic prevention.
Conclusion
To conclude, the answer to the question of whether psoriasis leads to hair loss is yes, but it is usually not permanent and can be treated with the right approach. The scalp may be safeguarded and regenerative processes encouraged by learning how to care about the condition, adopting gentle care routines, and researching supportive practices such as iridology. Iridology especially is a dynamic, non-invasive approach to discovering more in-depth health trends, and as a result, this will enable you to approach psoriasis at its core. When you are experiencing this problem, keep in mind that there is a solution to the problem and holistic treatment is usually the best approach. You should always put your well-being first and follow personalised recommendations to achieve the best results.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health regimen.
What if we told you that you can heal and even reverse your Psoriasis without having to depend on conventional medication? Start your Psoriasis journey with confidence, using our resources that are meant to guide and encourage you. Start by downloading our FREE Psoriasis guide booklet, containing all relevant information and helpful tips. For those interested in gaining further knowledge and learning more about comprehensive approaches, enrol in our special Psoriasis course. Furthermore, you can book a free consultation from our wellness clinic to get professional help that will be aimed at meeting your needs. Do not let Psoriasis be a hindrance – begin your path to improved skin health right away!
Ever wondered what your eyes can tell you about your health? To get to the bottom of common skin conditions such as psoriasis, digestive disorders, or chronic fatigue and others, we provide free Iridology discovery calls at our wellness clinic. Using a non-invasive, gentle examination of the iris, we will help you learn more about the needs of your body and design your unique way to healing. Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward radiant, balanced wellness—inside and out.
To learn more about Psoriasis, check out our other related blogs:
Can Hair Loss be a symptom of Diabetes?
