Causes, Treatment, and How to Cope
Hair loss is common in people living withlupus.
The autoimmune disease causes body-wide inflammation that attacks the joints and skin, including the scalp.
This can result in hair loss (alopecia).
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Lupus-related hair loss can occur slowly, causing hair to become noticeably thinner gradually.
Medications used to treat lupus also are linked to hair loss.
What Is Alopecia?
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Sometimes, as is the case with lupus, an underlying condition leads to hair loss.
Other possible causes include:
Is Hair Loss a Symptom of Lupus?
Alopecia affects roughly 45% of people with lupus at some time and to some degree.
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It is common enough to have been coined “lupus hair.”
Lupus-related hair loss can take different forms, depending on the punch in of lupus.
Localized alopecia in systemic lupus tends to occur on the front of the scalp and has a distinctive look.
Hair loss typically coincides with lupus flare-ups and resolves when the disease is under control.
Non-Scarring Alopecia
Non-scarring alopecia associated with lupus is primarily due to inflammation that attacks the scalp.
This jot down of lupus-related hair loss often causes diffuse hair loss and not distinct bald patches.
Non-scarring hair loss in lupus is commonly mistaken for stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium).
Research, however, suggests that hair loss is related to the autoimmune basis of systemic lupus.
Discoloration of the skin is common.
Scarring alopecia is not reversible.
It occurs with specific types of lupus, including chroniccutaneousordiscoid lupus erythematosusand subacute cutaneous lupus.
Hair loss and other side effects like nausea or urinary problems are common with these drugs.
Normal Growth vs.
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Treating scalp plaques promptly may prevent bald spots.
Stay Out of The Sun
Lupus can make your skin and scalp more sensitive to the sun.
A mild sunburn on your scalp can trigger an outsized autoimmune response that causes skin lesions.
Interaction Warnings
Dietary supplements may interfere with some medications.
It is important to talk to your rheumatologist or pharmacist before taking any supplements.
Styling Lupus Hair
The right hairstyle can help camouflage thinning lupus hair.
Hair extensions, wigs, scarves, and hats can also be used to hide bald spots and thinning.
To minimize hair breakage, be gentle with your hair.
Avoid heated styling tools like hot curlers, curling irons, and flat irons or straighteners.
Blow-dry hair on cool or low prefs.
Can Hair Transplants Treat Lupus Hair Loss?
This is typically done by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon using a local anesthetic.
A hair transplant should only be considered if your lupus is well controlled.
People with lupus generally see their rheumatologist every three to four months.
If you are experiencing mild hair loss, be sure to tell your healthcare provider at the next appointment.
Skin lesions on the scalp should be treated promptly to prevent scarring and permanent bald spots.
Call your rheumatologist immediately if you have a lesion or rash on your scalp.
Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the scalp before using a scalpel to take a skin sample.
Your provider may take blood work to rule out other potential causes of hair loss.
Summary
Hair loss associated with lupus is typically due to an autoimmune response that attacks the scalp.
This inflammation can lead to excessive hair shedding that causes overall thinning.
Medications used to treat lupus can cause hair loss as well.
Lupus subtypes that affect the skin can also cause scalp lesions and clumps of hair to fall out.
If not promptly treated, these lesions can scar, leaving permanent bald spots.
The primary treatment for lupus-related hair loss is managing the underlying autoimmune disease.
Lupus-modifying medications include immunosuppressants, antimalarial drugs, and biologics.
Hair loss can also be brought on by other underlying health conditions, including thyroid disease and anemia.
Excessive hair shedding and hair loss should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
Hair loss is common in people with lupus.
In addition to treating the underlying causes of hair loss, a good hair stylist can help.
The right hairstyle can minimize the appearance of your hair loss and help you feel more confident.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends.
Scarring alopecia is common in types of lupus that affect the skin, including discoid lupus.
The term “lupus hair” refers to broken hairs and hair regrowth of shorter hairs along the hairline.
Some types of lupus cause lesions on the scalp.
These can be perfectly round or misshapen patches that are red and covered in crusty scales.
Hair loss is common at the site of these lesions.
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