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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: No Question
About half of all psoriasis patients have the itchy, silver-flakey scalp psoriasis. "There is no question that psoriasis on the scalp can and does cause hair loss," says Dr. John Pagano, author of "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative." Hair follicles are close to the scalp's surface and hair loss from scalp psoriasis is not only possible but expected, Pagano says.
On the Other: From Treatment
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) website says hair loss may come from either harsh treatments, removing scales too forcibly or persistent scratching. The New Zealand Dermatological Society (Dermetnz) says scalp psoriasis does not cause permanent balding, though severe cases will produce some hair loss, until treated.
Bottom Line
AAD and Dermetnz agree there is no direct link between scalp psoriasis and hair loss. Medical director and founder of the New Hair Institute, Dr. William Rassman, has an aggressive form of psoriasis. He says "psoriasis will not cause hair loss unless you pick at it enough to develop traction alopecia (hair loss due to pulling)."
Source:
Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative, Dr. John Pogano, Wiley Books, 2009
The American Academy of Dermatology: Understanding Scalp Psoriasis
New Zealand Dermatological Society: Scalp Psoriasis
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