Does Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss? Understanding the Link and Ayurvedic Solutions
Psoriasis is a persistent skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide, which causes itching, redness, and flaking. However, many patients report another worrying symptom: hair thinning or loss. Comprehending the relationship between psoriasis and hair loss is essential for efficient treatment. At Srothas Ayurveda, a leading Ayurveda treatment center in Kerala, we integrate centuries-old Ayurvedic wisdom with modern understanding to address both skin and hair health. This blog discusses the reasons why psoriasis can cause hair loss as well as the ways that specific Ayurvedic treatments can support natural hair growth and balance.
Why Psoriasis Leads to Hair Loss
Psoriasis-related hair loss is typically temporary, although it can be upsetting. The disorder weakens hair roots and interferes with normal growth, among other effects on the scalp. Here’s how:
- The Itch–Scratch Cycle: One of the most prevalent signs of scalp psoriasis is intense itching. Constant scratching irritates the scalp and hair follicles, causing hair strands to break and fall out. Frequent scratching can worsen psoriasis lesions, causing a vicious cycle that inhibits hair development and healing.
- Inflammation: Psoriasis causes the scalp to become inflamed over time. This inflammation disturbs the natural hair growth cycle, causing hair follicles to enter a resting period prematurely. Increased hair loss results from this, particularly during flare-ups.
- Scaling and Suffocation: Thick scales develop on the scalp in psoriasis, clogging hair follicles. This layer reduces oxygen and nutrition availability to the roots, weakening the hair shafts and inhibiting development. Over time, suffocated follicles may shed hair more readily.
- Harsh Chemicals: Frequent use of medicinal shampoos, chemical treatments, or aggressive hair products to treat psoriasis might irritate the scalp even more. These harsh formulations have the potential to cause further hair loss, dry up the skin, and worsen breakage.
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Scalp Psoriasis (Kitibha/Ekakustha)
According to Ayurveda, scalp psoriasis is a kind of Kushta Roga, which is frequently associated with Kitibha or Ekakustha. Instead of considering it only a skin condition, Ayurveda treats it as a systemic imbalance that impacts the metabolism, body, and mind.
- Dosha Imbalance: Vata and Kapha doshas are the main causes of scalp psoriasis, with Pitta playing a role in the inflammatory phases. Kapha results in thick, sticky plaques on the scalp, whereas Vata promotes dryness, scaling, and cracking. Redness, burning, and irritation are more noticeable when Pitta is worsened. This tridoshic imbalance affects normal scalp function and hair nourishment.
- Role of Ama: Toxic metabolic waste produced by inadequate digestion is called “aama” (Mandagni). In scalp psoriasis, accumulated Ama flows through the channels (Srotas) before settling in the skin and scalp, causing irritation, itching, and scaling. Unless Ama is eradicated through appropriate detoxification, external remedies will only provide transient relief.
- Holistic Healing: Ayurveda emphasises holistic healing by addressing the underlying cause rather than suppressing symptoms. Internal herbal remedies, scalp treatments, detoxification (Shodhana), food control, and lifestyle modification are all part of the treatment. To promote long-term comfort, fewer flare-ups, and healthier hair growth, Ayurveda balances doshas, enhances digestion, and nourishes the scalp tissues.
Seeking Authentic Psoriasis Treatment in Kerala at an Ayurveda Treatment Center in Kerala
Choosing a genuine Ayurvedic treatment facility in Kerala is crucial for anyone seeking long-lasting comfort. Srothas Ayurveda uses traditional treatments, individualised attention, and tried-and-true formulas to cure psoriasis from the ground up. Their method emphasises dosha balancing, detoxification, and direct scalp healing, which makes them a reliable source for Psoriasis treatment in Kerala.
Srothas Ayurveda employs a structured, conventional therapy approach that is suited to each individual’s dosha imbalance and disease severity.
- Virechana: One of the key purification therapies employed is Virechana. A purgative therapy aimed at cleansing the digestive tract and eliminating toxins from the body.
- Takradhara: Takradhara is the process of continuously applying medicinal buttermilk to the forehead and scalp. This intensely cooling treatment helps manage excessive heat and dryness in the scalp, soothes the nervous system, and lessens stress-related triggers. Takradhara is particularly helpful at relieving itching, scaling, and redness while also promoting mental calm, which is essential for managing persistent psoriasis.
- Lepanam: The external application of freshly made herbal pastes straight onto the scalp is known as lepanam. Herbs with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-rejuvenating qualities, like Neem, Wrightia tinctoria, and turmeric, are frequently utilised. This treatment promotes healthy scalp tissue regeneration, lessens scaling, eases irritation, and heals psoriasis plaques.
Tips to Prevent Hair Loss During a Flare-up
During a psoriasis flare-up, the scalp becomes more sensitive, making hair loss more likely. Gentle care and little daily routines can go a long way toward maintaining hair and preventing future damage.
- Be Gentle: Avoid harsh scratching, rough towel drying, and tight hairstyles. Take extra care when handling your hair and scalp, particularly when washing or applying treatments. Using a wide-tooth comb and avoiding heat styling will help decrease unwanted hair breakage.
- Moisturize: A dry scalp worsens irritation and scaling, increasing the need to scratch. Moisturise the scalp on a regular basis with doctor-recommended oils or calming herbal formulations to keep it hydrated, ease plaques, and promote healthier hair roots.
- Nail Care: Keeping nails short and smooth lowers the chance of scalp injury from unconscious scratching, particularly at night. Skin injury, bleeding, and infection, which can exacerbate hair loss, can be avoided with well-trimmed nails.
- Cool Water: Use cool or lukewarm water to wash your hair rather than hot water. Hot water removes natural oils from the scalp, resulting in increased dryness and irritation. Cool water helps to reduce inflammation, irritation, and protect weak hair follicles.
Ayurveda vs Allopathy vs Homeopathy, Which One is Ideal for Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing disorder; selecting the appropriate treatment approach is critical for long-term control. Many people compare homeopathy vs ayurveda vs allopathy to determine whether treatment provides long-term alleviation as opposed to short-term suppression. Each system varies in the following ways:
Allopathy: Allopathic treatment focuses on symptom management using topical steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics. These drugs can offer immediate relief from scaling, redness, and itching. However, long-term use may result in side effects, dependency, or recurrence if treatment is discontinued, as the underlying reason is frequently not addressed.
Homeopathy: Using extremely diluted treatments, homeopathy seeks to promote the body’s self-healing reaction. It may assist in simple cases or as additional therapy, but results can be slow and irregular for chronic or severe psoriasis. Scientific proof and result predictability are still lacking, particularly during severe flare-ups.
Ayurveda: Ayurveda views psoriasis as a systemic imbalance, including doshas, digestion, and toxin accumulation (Ama). The treatment focuses on detoxification, herbal medication, external therapy, food, and lifestyle changes. Ayurveda aims for long-term remission, fewer flare-ups, and general skin and scalp health by addressing the underlying cause, making it a recommended treatment choice for persistent psoriasis.
Some Other Ayurveda Treatments Srothas Ayurveda Offers
Apart from treating psoriasis, Srothas Ayurveda provides a variety of holistic healing treatments aimed at re-establishing equilibrium and general health. The clinic offers insomnia Ayurveda treatment that focuses on soothing the nervous system, lowering stress, and enhancing sleep quality using natural therapies and herbal medicines. It is also well-known for its role in arthritis treatment in Kerala, where traditional Ayurvedic remedies eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Many of these programs revolve around Panchakarma treatment, a potent detoxification method that addresses the underlying causes of dosha imbalances to cleanse the body more thoroughly, boost immunity, and promote long-term wellness.
Final Thoughts
Psoriasis-related hair loss might be concerning, but the good news is that it is typically transitory and reversible when the condition is properly handled. Understanding the relationship between scalp inflammation, itching, and hair loss is the first step towards effective treatment. Long-term relief can be achieved by treating the underlying problem as opposed to only the outward signs. As a reputable Ayurveda treatment center in Kerala, Srothas Ayurveda provides a comprehensive and individualised treatment plan with an emphasis on dosha balancing, detoxification, and scalp restoration. People can manage psoriasis flare-ups and promote healthy hair regrowth naturally with genuine Ayurvedic treatments, lifestyle advice, and professional care.