What is Scalp Psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes scaly patches of red skin to appear in patches around your scalp. It is caused by an autoimmune disorder which causes skin cells to grow too fast and build up on top of the skin.
Symptoms include raised red bumpy patches of skin with white scaly spots, flakes of skin that appear like dandruff, dry scalp, burning feeling on your scalp, hair loss and itching.
Does Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss can occur as a result of psoriasis, when a scalp has psoriasis it can cause severe itchiness, and this can lead to the hair falling out which is quite stressful to the patient. If the patient starts scratching the scalp where the psoriasis is this can lead to infection and further loss of hair.
Treating Scalp Psoriasis
Treatments for psoriasis commonly include topical steroids, topical vitamin D agents or both. The first step would be to visit your doctor to discuss treatment options. They may initially try shampoos, creams and gels containing specific ingredients which will treat the area. These need to be applied directly to the scalp in order to work. Usage may be suggested for a couple of months in order to give the skin plenty of time to heal. Other treatment options may also include injecting steroids into the affected area, medication or laser phototherapy. There is no outright cure for scalp psoriasis, but you will work with your doctor to make it manageable. Treatments can help control your symptoms and prevent flare ups.
Psoriasis and Hair Transplants
Just because you have scalp psoriasis does not mean you are unsuitable to hair transplantation.
If there is active psoriasis in the area where a strip procedure or FUE is going to be carried out this should be treated first. If an area involved with psoriasis in a permanent zone is taken and put in a non-permanent zone this does not lead to psoriasis in the new transplanted area.
Recent research has shown an improvement in psoriasis if the hair is transplanted from an area of psoriasis either from an FUE or an FUT procedure, especially in long standing cases of psoriasis.
FUT procedures can sometimes have a slightly higher chance of kobeneization, this is when new psoriatic lesions develop as a result of damage to the skin.
Comparison of FUE and FUT procedures
FUE procedure (Follicular Unit Extraction)
Commonest Procedure for 80% of Patients
Men rated up to 5 on the Norwood Scale
Multiple very small scars (not noticable after healing)
Difficult to repeat in later years
Better for those who suffer keloids or scar badly
Can have short hair at the back
Can exercise after a few days
Less risk of complications
FUT procedure ( Follicular Unit Transplantation/Strip)
Currently 20% of patients have this procedure
Preferred for women
Fine linear scar
Can repeat strip procedures after many years
Need to wear hair at back longer
Need to wait 4-6 weeks before strenuous exercise
Ludwig and Savin Scale for Women
Less damage to the grafts
