Psoriasis and Hair Loss

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disorder that affects different areas and functions of the body. It is non-contagious, and one of the areas of the body it can affect is the scalp. It usually appears as patches of raised red skin accompanied by burning and itching. Several contributing factors are thought to contribute to the outbreak of psoriasis, including emotional stress, certain infections, toxemia, the thinning of the intestinal walls and adverse reactions to certain drugs. At least half of people who have psoriasis have scalp psoriasis which, left untreated can cause hair loss. Fortunately, it can also be treated with a variety of topical creams and shampoos containing tar and salicylic acid.

It is vital not to scratch the scalp and pick at the scabs that psoriasis causes, as this could damage the hair follicles in the dermis and cause permanent hair loss. As long as the follicles are not damaged, hair loss caused by this malady is usually temporary and hair will grow back once the condition clears. Some of the best ways to stop the itching are using very common household substances such as mouthwashes like Lavoris® and Listerine®. Carbolated Vaseline® works well along the hairline to relieve symptoms. Hair dyes of all kinds and chemical treatments such as permanents and relaxers should be avoided at all costs with psoriasis. These chemicals are extremely harmful in general, but with psoriasis can lead to irreversible damage to the hair follicle over a relatively short period of time.

Like any of these other maladies, one must keep in mind that psoriasis cannot be cured through drugs, and if any cure exists it is in the form of the body healing itself by the correction of malfunctions in the body.

One condition frequently present with psoriasis is toxemia. When the body becomes toxic, various genetic dispositions mature and psoriasis is but one illness that arises due to toxemia. Toxemia is caused by poor circulation and the thinning of the intestinal walls. The patient's blood becomes acidic, and thus this acidity comes through the largest organ in the body: the skin.

Several cases of psoriasis have been healed through natural processes such as:

internal cleansing,
giving up alcohol,
increasing the intake of water-especially distilled water,
an increase in exposure to the sun in certain cases,
an active reduction in stress by removing stressful conditions and practicing meditation,
and the elimination of nightshades such as tomatoes, tobacco, eggplant, white potatoes, peppers (not black pepper) and paprika.

One food that is a common plague to those suffering with psoriasis is pizza. Obviously containing tomatoes, pizza also contains every ingredient a psoriasis sufferer should avoid, such as white flour, peppers and hot spices. Additionally, pizza is highly acidic and should be avoided by all means.

In addition to the dietary suggestions given earlier, it is suggested that those suffering with psoriasis should eat fish, poultry and lamb regularly, maintain a high alkaline diet and consume low fat milk or buttermilk:

Fish, especially fresh or canned salmon, sardines and solid white albacore tuna contains Omega-3 fatty acids that are vital for skin and scalp health. Although most fish are recommended, avoid dark-fleshed fishes such as mackerel or bluefish, sushi or shellfish.
Poultry such as chicken, turkey, Cornish Hens and other non-fatty fowl are excellent foods for those with psoriasis when not fried. To avoid excess fat, remove the skin before eating and avoid fowl that has high fat content like goose and duck.
Lamb is the only recommended red meat for those suffering with psoriasis, being that it is easy to digest and still a great source of protein. Of course it should be prepared any way except by frying.
Dairy products should be consumed sparingly, and only low-fat or non-fat dairy products White bread should be avoided.

A limited amount of whole grain bread and whole grain products can be substituted, but should be consumed with caution because all grains except millet are acid forming.

Additionally, one should eliminate alcohol consumption entirely, except for perhaps a small glass of red wine with dinner to promote rich blood and digestion.

Lecithin is beneficial for psoriasis, and can be taken in its granular form in the dosage of one tablespoon three times a day, five days a week, either plain or added to water, juice, sprinkled on salad or cereal. After the condition clears, reduce the dosage to one tablespoon taken once per day, five days a week. Lecithin can be obtained at any health food store, and although it can be obtained in liquid or tablet form in addition to granular form, it is best used in granular form due to the high phosphatide content when consumed as such. These doses should not be exceeded, as the over consumption of lecithin can cause a blockage in the absorption of calcium