Psoriasis and Alopecia

[Linda Dryden]

Hello! I just found you today on the internet and have joined up! I am a 59 year old female who has had psoriasis since age 6, showing up about 2 weeks after I had chicken pox. I was given many difference treatments as a child (including eating turkey every day for a month) most of which did not make a great difference. After reaching my mid-twenties, I just quit seeking treatment and have lived with it, feeling fortunate that I did not have it as bad as some people did.

However, late last week, I discovered a small balding spot on my head. I went to the Dermatologist who diagnosed it as Alopecia. That caused me to begin to research on the internet to see if there was any link with it and Psoriasis. So, I am wondering if anyone in the club has dealt with this and I am wondering if anyone out there has scarring from Psoriasis?

[Fred]

Hello Linda to Psoriasis Club.

I'm not a great lover of Turkey, and eating it every day for a month sounds like a punishment to me

I remember a post here somewhere about Alopecia and Psoriasis. Found it: Alopecia areata link to psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases may be worth a read.

I also found this German study from 1995.

Quote:

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Temporary hair loss is well accepted as a possible result of psoriatic plaques. On the other hand, it is still a controversial issue whether psoriasis can cause scarring alopecia. The following report presents a 38-year-old woman who had been suffering from progressive hair loss from chronic psoriatic plaques of the scalp for some years. Clinical examination revealed an area of scarring alopecia in association with typical features of psoriasis. Histology showed a cord-like fibrosis replacing former hair follicles, a perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate in the upper dermis occasionally invading the follicular epithelium, and characteristic features of psoriasis of the scalp. The clinical course and the lack of evidence for any other causes of scarring alopecia suggest an aetiopathogenetic link between psoriasis and scarring alopecia. Knowledge of this relationship appears to be of practical significance, since efficient antipsoriatic therapy can stop hair loss and thus may be able to prevent scarring.

Re scarring from Psoriasis: I haven't had scarring from psoriasis, but Cuts etc can result in What is Koebner reaction ? I got Chicken Pox at the age of about 30 and that is when the psoriasis got worse and I ended up with psoriatic arthritis. My mother said I had had chicken pox as a baby, but the doctor said I was to young to build up the immunity. I still have some patches on my back where it was worse, though the Stelara is helping them fade away.

Regards.

Fred.

[Caroline]

Hello Linda,
Welcome and have a nice time over here.
Caroline

[KyPrincess]

Hello Linda! Welcome to the forum!

[Lady Bugley-Ah]

Hi Linda! Nice to meet you!
Psoriasis is maddening so the only scarring I have is mental! (I apologise for my British sense of humour).
I hope you find some answers and have fun in the forums
All the best
Lady B

[Troll]

Hello

[Hanna]

Isn't that condition also something that is linked to stress?

Hope you enjoy the forum

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