Psoriasis and Alopecia: Unveiling the Links

October 2025 in “ Dermatology Practical & Conceptual ”

Mohammad Reza Pourani, Yasaman Khajeamiri, Fahimeh Abdollahimajd, Omid Zargari

psoriasis alopecia telogen effluvium drug-induced alopecia TNF-α inhibitors IL-17 blockers psoriatic alopecia alopecia areata autoimmune interplay TNF-alpha inhibitors interleukin-17 blockers AA

Studysummary This review discusses different types of alopecia associated with psoriasis and highlights that hair loss in psoriasis is typically non-scarring and reversible, while also noting the increased risk of alopecia areata in these patients.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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Research cited in this study

14 / 14 results

research Drug-Induced Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

3 citations , May 2023 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that drug-induced alopecia areata was most commonly associated with TNF-alpha inhibitors and dupilumab, with most cases improving after discontinuing the medication.

research Scarring Alopecia in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Antagonists-Induced Scalp Psoriasis

2 citations , April 2023 in “Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis”

This study found that TNFα inhibitors can induce psoriatic alopecia, highlighting that early diagnosis and discontinuation of the drugs in some cases may prevent irreversible scalp damage.

research Alopecia Diffusa While Using Interleukin-17 Inhibitors Against Psoriasis Vulgaris

20 citations , March 2019 in “Case Reports in Dermatology”

This report describes two cases where patients developed alopecia while undergoing treatment for psoriasis with IL-17 inhibitors, suggesting an unexpected paradoxical reaction.

research Comorbidities in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

100 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that alopecia areata is linked with a higher prevalence of systemic and psychiatric diseases, suggesting that physicians should monitor for these potential comorbidities.

research TNF-Inhibitor Associated Psoriatic Alopecia: Diagnostic Utility of Sebaceous Lobule Atrophy

20 citations , March 2017 in “Journal of cutaneous pathology”

This study describes tumor necrosis factor inhibitor-associated psoriatic alopecia, highlighting the distinctive histologic feature of sebaceous lobule atrophy, which is potentially reversible and helps differentiate it from idiopathic psoriatic alopecia.

research Psoriatic Alopecia

41 citations , July 2015 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This review explores the connection between psoriasis and hair loss, noting that both the disease and its treatments can contribute to alopecia, and reports no new clinical results.

research Association Between Alopecia Areata, Psoriasis Vulgaris, Thyroid Disease, And Metabolic Syndrome

17 citations , December 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This report describes two young women with severe psoriasis and alopecia universalis, highlighting the possible but unstudied association between alopecia areata and metabolic syndrome.

research Psoriatic Scarring Alopecia: A Case Report

14 citations , December 2013 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

This case report describes a young Brazilian woman with scalp psoriasis that progressed to the rare complication of scarring alopecia.

research Anti-TNF-Alpha Induced Psoriasiform Eruptions with Severe Scalp Involvement and Alopecia: Report of Five Cases and Review of the Literature

49 citations , January 2012 in “Dermatology”

In this study, only 1 out of 5 patients with anti-TNF-α induced psoriasiform eruptions showed good response to topical treatment, while systemic therapy and discontinuation of anti-TNF-α may prevent scarring alopecia in severe cases.

Psoriatic Alopecia/Alopecia Areata–Like Reactions Secondary to Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Therapy: A Novel Cause of Noncicatricial Alopecia

research Psoriatic Alopecia/Alopecia Areata–Like Reactions Secondary to Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Therapy: A Novel Cause of Noncicatricial Alopecia

72 citations , February 2011 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology”

This study found that anti-TNF therapy-induced alopecia exhibits distinct clinical and histopathological features and can mimic psoriatic alopecia and alopecia areata, with some patients improving with topical treatment.

research Alopecia Areata as Another Immune-Mediated Disease Developed in Patients Treated with Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Blocker Agents

61 citations , June 2010 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study highlights cases of alopecia areata that developed during anti-TNF-α therapy, suggesting a potential link or increased frequency, particularly among individuals with a personal or family history of autoimmune diseases.

research Onset of Lichen Planopilaris During Treatment with Etanercept

39 citations , March 2008 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study documented the onset of lichen planopilaris during treatment with etanercept.

research Familial Scarring Alopecia Associated With Scalp Psoriasis

24 citations , February 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This report describes scarring alopecia in two family members with scalp psoriasis, suggesting a potential genetic component to the condition.

research Psoriasis of the Scalp: Diagnosis and Management

128 citations , January 2001 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This review provides an overview of scalp psoriasis treatments but presents no new clinical results; it highlights various options including coal tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, and vitamin D3 analogues.