Are alopecia and lupus related?

It is more commonly seen with thyroid disorders and vitiligo, but alopecia areata has also been linked to diabetes, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Indeed, individuals with alopecia areata have an increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus.

Does lupus cause alopecia?

There are two major forms of alopecia, or hair loss, which can occur in people with lupus. The first form is referred to as “scarring alopecia”, which is an area of permanent hair loss usually due to Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).

Does lupus cause scarring alopecia?

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a common cause of scarring alopecia among patients with scalp involvement. The inflammatory cell infiltrate is especially prominent around the hair follicle at the level of the sebaceous glands and bulge, the location of the hair’s regenerative stem cells.

How is lupus alopecia treated?

Long-term systemic therapy with antimalarials is indicated for non-scarring alopecia in SLE, and topical/intralesional (IL) steroids may hasten hair regrowth. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has demonstrated efficacy in treating CLE/DLE and is traditionally used as a first-line antimalarial.

Does SLE have alopecia?

Lupus hair in SLE is a poorly characterised entity and may be a form of telogen effluvium. Alopecia areata can coexist with LE and may mimic DLE. Non-lupus alopecias such as telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium have a myriad of causes which include disease flares, drugs and stress in the setting of LE.

Does lupus shorten life span?

With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span. It is true that medical science has not yet developed a method for curing lupus, and some people do die from the disease. However, for the majority of people living with the disease today, it will not be fatal.

What causes hair loss in lupus patients?

But some people with lupus 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.

Is folliculitis related to lupus?

Follicular keratotic plugs are a marker of discoid lupus erythematosus and were originally described as a sign of early and active lesions.

Is hair loss due to lupus reversible?

Lupus hair loss may be reversible, if you don’t have discoid lesions. Hair loss will only reverse itself, however, if you’re able to control the disease. In addition to a corticosteroid and an immunosuppressant to manage symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an antimalarial drug to reduce lupus flares.

Does lupus make your scalp hurt?

Lupus can cause two main types of lesion or sore: Discoid lupus lesions, which are thick and disk-shaped. They often appear on the scalp or face and can cause permanent scarring. They may be red and scaly, but they do not cause pain or itching.

Does lupus make you gain weight?

Weight changes — Lupus can sometimes cause weight loss or weight gain. Weight loss may be unintentional and due to decreased appetite or problems with the digestive system (see ‘Digestive system’ below). It can also be a side effect of some medications used to treat lupus.

What is the best treatment for alopecia?

Topical minoxidil

Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is a topical treatment that’s easy to apply and can be easily purchased over the counter. Minoxidil works to help the hair grow faster once the follicle is no longer under attack by the immune system and is capable of producing hair.

How do you stop alopecia spreading?

What can trigger SLE?

Can dying your hair cause alopecia?

Hair dye does not stop or even slow down hair growth, but it can cause hair loss by damaging the color-treated hair. The chemicals in hair dye can cause some of the damage. … Telogen effluvium is the medical name for a form of hair loss. Symptoms include thinning hair or an increase in shedding.