Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissues. The condition affects about 1.5 million people and tends to strike women during their childbearing years.
Lupus can cause extreme hair loss. Research has revealed that a few people with lupus may suffer from scalp inflammation, which can lead to hair loss. Fortunately, there are treatments available to address this issue.
Hair loss associated with Lupus may vary based on the lupus type. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most prevalent form of lupus, may result in either diffuse hair loss on the scalp or hair loss limited to certain areas.
Systemic lupus can cause localized alopecia on the forehead. This type of hair loss, known as ‘lupus hairs,’ is characterized by much shorter, ‘baby hairs’ around the face and thinning patches along the hairline.
A rheumatologist will examine joints and other tissues for signs of inflammation, such as heat, pain, swelling, and redness. A blood test to measure levels of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) may also indicate lupus. Rheumatologists will also determine if patients have four of 11 diagnostic criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology, though fewer criteria along with a skin biopsy may sometimes indicate lupus, Dr. Weinstein says.
See a rheumatologist if your hair loss is accompanied by joint pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of lupus, which is treated with oral medications such as prednisone. If you also have a rash on the scalp, you need to see a dermatologist, who is likely to prescribe a topical cream.
Unfortunately yes, Lupus causes widespread inflammation that usually involves your skin — particularly on your face and scalp. Lupus can cause the hair on your scalp to gradually thin out, although a few people lose clumps of hair. Loss of eyebrow, eyelash, beard and body hair also is possible.
In most Lupus Hair Loss cases, your hair will grow back when your lupus is treated. But some people with Lupus Hair Loss develop round (discoid) lesions on the scalp. Because these discoid lesions scar your hair follicles, they do cause permanent hair loss.
Lupus can also cause the scalp hair along your hairline to become fragile and break off easily, leaving you with a ragged appearance known as lupus hair.
Lupus Hair Loss may be an early sign of lupus, before the disease is diagnosed. But many other disorders can cause hair loss, so consult with your doctor if you notice unusual hair thinning or hair loss.
Most people don’t even notice the 50 to 100 strands of hair that they usually lose every day. With systemic lupus, the situation can be very different, with the loss of hair much more dramatic and noticeable.
Lupus hair loss can be caused by the disease itself, as the immune system destroys hair follicles, or by medicines such as prednisone and immune system-suppressants—in which case hair loss often stops once the medicine is stopped.
Hair may fall out in strands, or in clumps with the slightest pull, and sometimes it just thins out and gets very fragile and breakable.
If you are among the half of all people with systemic lupus who struggles with Lupus Hair Loss problem, here are some ideas about what you can do about it:
(results in 24 hrs.)
For most hair loss, you aren’t powerless! Here are some strategies to try:
If you have lupus hair loss, do NOT experiment with over-the-counter hair loss treatments. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
While it’s only common sense to avoid harsh chemicals or even very tight braids that pull on your scalp, you can’t really blame “serious” hair loss on a lack of vitamins, washing your hair a lot, or using hair colorings or other common hair products. Some hair loss follows the pattern that your mother or father experienced as well, and is totally normal.
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Our regrowth solutions are non-surgical options that have shown to regrow hair when used as directed.
Virtual Skin is the world's most advanced non-growing life-like hair replacement system available today.
We offer "Cold-Fusion" Extensions & have relied upon "Great lengths" and our own brand of Remy Hair "Allure"
Laser Light Therapy is an FDA cleared Non-Surgical treatment that sparks the hair back into the regrowth phase.