Most, but not all, people with PsA also have psoriasis. And, if you have psoriasis, you have a 45 to 56 percent chance of developing scalp psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis causes a dry, itchy, and inflamed scalp. “Scalp psoriasis that is not controlled irritates the hair follicles, disrupting normal hair follicle function, and thereby causing hair shedding,” says Yeh.
If you scratch or pick at the lesions, you can also damage hair follicles. This can result in additional hair loss.
The good news is that hair loss due to scalp psoriasis is usually temporary. “Most cases show complete hair regrowth after treatment,” says Yeh.
If you have severe psoriasis plaques, you should be aware that the oral medication acitretin, occasionally used to treat persistent psoriasis, can cause hair loss.
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