Why Does Lupus Cause Hair Loss

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue by wrongly considering it an enemy. This disease causes issues, like butterfly rash, joint pain, etc.

But does lupus cause hair loss? The answer is yes; lupus sometimes causes permanent or temporary hair loss. This article explains lupus hair thinning or loss symptoms, as well as possible treatments and care tips.

Lupus Hair Loss Symptoms

Hair loss is a common lupus symptom. It has a distinct pattern that sets it apart from other causes. Symptoms include:

• Thinning all over the head, not just in certain areas
• Increased shedding, with noticeable hair clumps falling out
• Less overall hair volume
• Hair that feels weak and breaks easily
• Gradually increasing areas of visible scalp

Unlike male or female pattern baldness, lupus hair loss affects the whole scalp and progresses gradually over time.

How To Treat Lupus-Related Hair Loss?

Treatment for lupus-related hair loss can vary. The main methods are as follows:

Lupus Management

Hair loss due to lupus may occur if your current treatments are not working or if you have not yet sought treatment. Among different types of lupus, doctors treat discoid lupus through various means, such as;

• Protecting the scalp from the sun
• Using corticosteroids (topical or oral)
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (immunosuppressants)

A doctor may also recommend alternative treatments if a medicine proves ineffective in stopping lupus hair loss.

Medication Adjustments

Sometimes, lupus medication causes hair loss as a side effect, known as telogen effluvium (TE). TE extends the shedding phase of hair growth, causing hair to fall out faster than it can grow back.

Note:- Doctors generally change a person’s dosage or try an alternative medication if the lupus treatment itself seems to be the main reason for hair loss.

Hair Loss Medications

In some cases, doctors may suggest hair loss medications to treat lupus patients. A 2022 paper suggests the hair loss drug minoxidil may help with both TE and lupus related hair loss. Thus, general hair loss medications are also effective for lupus-related hair loss treatment.

Hair Care For Lupus Patients

Now, you know the answer to the question, ‘Does lupus cause hair loss and its possible treatments?’ Apart from the typical medical treatments, proper hair care can help too. Some tips include:

Avoid Sun Exposure

Avoiding the sun can reduce the lupus symptoms, especially scalp lesions in people with cutaneous lupus.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outside.
• Use sunscreen on the scalp when a hat is not suitable, like a scalp spray.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
• Avoid products that can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Also Read About: How to Hide Hair Transplant

Prevent Breakage

Lupus can cause hair breakage in addition to shedding, known as anagen effluvium (AE). Taking extra care to protect the hair from damage may reduce the amount or speed of the breakage. Some tips include avoiding:

• Excessive or rough hair brushing
• Heat styling tools
• Bleach or dyes
• Chemical treatments, such as perms

Careful Styling

Some hairstyles may cause further breakage in lupus patients. Consult a hairstylist experienced in helping those with hair loss. However, the Lupus Foundation of America generally recommends avoiding tight braids, buns, and other styles that pull on the scalp.