Does Psoriatic Arthritis Cause Hair Loss?
Psoriatic arthritis affects more than just the joints. Many people notice changes in their skin, nails, and even their hair. Hair loss connected to psoriatic arthritis usually happens because of scalp psoriasis, inflammation, stress, or side effects of treatment, rather than the disease itself.
Hair thinning or shedding can feel disruptive and may impact daily life and self-confidence. Knowing why it happens and what to do about it helps set realistic expectations. The following sections explain what counts as a symptom, the possible causes, and when it may be time to seek medical attention.
Definition of Symptom
A symptom is a change in how the body feels or functions that signals a possible health issue. Unlike signs, which others can measure or see, symptoms are usually felt and reported by the individual. In psoriatic arthritis, symptoms often include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue.
These reflect the body’s inflammatory response and can vary in intensity. Hair loss does not count as a main symptom of psoriatic arthritis. Instead, it often connects to related factors such as scalp psoriasis, medication side effects, or stress-related shedding. Examples of common psoriatic arthritis symptoms:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Morning stiffness
- Nail changes (pitting or separation)
- Fatigue
- Skin plaques from psoriasis
Scalp inflammation can damage follicles, and scratching or picking at plaques can weaken the hair. Some treatments for psoriatic arthritis may also lead to shedding as a side effect.
| Aspect | Symptom of PsA | Secondary Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Joint pain | Yes | No |
| Scalp plaques | Yes | Can lead to hair loss |
| Hair loss | No | Often a result of inflammation, stress, or medication |
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Psoriatic arthritis can lead to hair loss for several reasons. The inflammation from the condition may disrupt normal hair growth cycles, sometimes leading to temporary hair shedding from stress on the body. Scalp psoriasis is another factor. Thick plaques can form on the scalp, and scratching or irritation may weaken hair roots. Removing scales can also cause strands to fall out.
Certain medications for psoriatic arthritis may cause hair thinning. Drugs that reduce inflammation can sometimes list hair loss as a side effect. Other health conditions may add to the problem. Stress, lack of nutrients, and genetics can combine with psoriatic arthritis to increase the risk of hair shedding.
| Cause | How It Affects Hair |
|---|---|
| Inflammation (PsA) | Disrupts hair growth cycle |
| Scalp psoriasis | Plaques and scratching damage follicles |
| Medications | Side effects may include hair thinning |
| Stress and illness | Triggers temporary shedding |
| Nutrient deficiencies | Weakened hair structure and growth |
While psoriatic arthritis mainly affects joints and skin, related inflammation and treatments can also impact hair health. This makes hair loss possible but often a secondary concern for people with the condition.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Hair loss in people with psoriatic arthritis is not always caused by the disease. Several outside factors may contribute to shedding or thinning.
- Stress can play a major role. Psoriatic arthritis often causes physical discomfort, which may raise stress levels. Stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to temporary shedding.
- Medications for psoriatic arthritis may also contribute. Some treatments can trigger hair thinning as a side effect, depending on the drug, dosage, and individual response.
- Lifestyle factors matter as well. Poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and limited physical activity may weaken hair health over time.
| Cause | How It Affects Hair |
|---|---|
| Stress | Disrupts growth cycle and increases shedding |
| Medications | Some drugs list hair thinning as a side effect |
| Poor nutrition | Lack of protein, iron, or vitamins weakens hair |
| Sleep problems | Reduced repair and recovery for hair follicles |
- Environmental factors such as harsh hair treatments, heat styling, or chemical exposure can also worsen hair loss. These do not stem from psoriatic arthritis but may add to existing challenges.
How It Causes the Symptom
Psoriatic arthritis does not usually cause hair loss directly. Instead, several related factors contribute to the problem, such as scalp psoriasis, inflammation, stress, and side effects from certain treatments. When psoriasis affects the scalp, thick plaques may form.
These patches can cause itching, scaling, and scratching, which may weaken or damage hair follicles. This often leads to temporary shedding rather than permanent loss. Inflammation linked to psoriatic arthritis can also play a role. High levels of inflammation in the body may trigger a condition where more hairs shift into the shedding phase of the growth cycle.
Medications used to control psoriatic arthritis can sometimes cause hair thinning as a side effect. This varies depending on the drug and the person’s response. Stress, both physical and emotional, may worsen hair loss. Flare-ups of joint pain and skin symptoms can strain the body, which may push hair into a shedding phase. Key contributors to hair loss with psoriatic arthritis:
- Scalp psoriasis plaques
- Inflammation in the body
- Medication side effects
- Stress or illness-related shedding
In most cases, hair tends to regrow once the underlying trigger is managed. Permanent baldness from psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis is rare.
Possible Complications
Hair loss linked to psoriatic arthritis is often temporary, but certain complications can make it harder to manage. Scalp inflammation, scratching, or picking at plaques may damage follicles and slow regrowth.
Some treatments for psoriatic arthritis, such as methotrexate or biologics, can cause hair thinning as a side effect. Not everyone experiences this, but it can add to shedding already caused by scalp psoriasis. Stress is another concern. Living with chronic pain and visible skin changes may increase anxiety, which can trigger stress-related hair shedding.
In rare cases, long-term inflammation or repeated scalp damage may lead to more lasting thinning. This is less common, but it is a complication doctors consider when hair loss does not improve after treatment. Factors that may increase risk of complications include:
- Ongoing scalp psoriasis
- Harsh scratching or frequent irritation
- Certain medications
- High stress levels
- Severe or uncontrolled inflammation
| Complication | Possible Cause | Management Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary shedding | Stress or flare-ups | Stress reduction, flare control |
| Medication-related loss | Drug side effects | Adjusting treatment with doctor |
| Scalp damage | Scratching plaques | Gentle care, medicated shampoos |
| Long-term thinning | Chronic inflammation | Early treatment, dermatologist support |
When to Seek Medical Attention
Hair loss linked to psoriatic arthritis is often temporary, but you may need medical attention if symptoms get worse or do not improve. A doctor can help find out if the cause is scalp inflammation, medication side effects, or another health issue. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Sudden or rapid hair shedding
- Bald patches or thinning in specific areas
- Severe itching, burning, or pain on the scalp
- Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus
If hair loss affects your daily life or emotional well-being, reach out for support. Stress from visible shedding can make symptoms worse, so early help may make a difference. Untreated scalp psoriasis can sometimes cause scarring, which may lead to permanent hair loss. Getting help early can prevent this.
A skin or arthritis specialist can suggest treatments like special shampoos, creams, or changes to arthritis medicine. They may also look for other causes, such as nutrition problems or thyroid issues.
