Lupus Hair Loss Treatment: Finding the Right Plan
Hair loss is a common symptom of Lupus. Read the article below to understand more about Lupus hair loss treatment.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells.
The autoimmune condition produces widespread inflammation throughout the body, attacking the skin, joints, and scalp.
Due to this, some people with Lupus have hair thinning and hair loss.
Lupus can cause hair to become brittle and break off, resulting in a ragged and irregular condition called “Lupus hair.”
This type of hair loss is common in the initial stages of the disease and may even be one of the earliest warnings of the autoimmune disease.
It can also occur in the eyebrows, eyelashes, beards, and body hair.
Around 45% of Lupus patients get hair loss at some point.
Continue reading the article to understand more about Lupus and hair loss treatments.
Treatment for Hair Loss due to Lupus
Lupus-related hair loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause and severity.
Hair loss is irreversible if you have discoid sores or lesions.
But, if you have non-scarring hair loss caused by Lupus, you may be able to reverse it with proper treatment.
Lupus hair loss can be treated only if the Lupus symptoms are controlled.
Addressing the underlying cause by managing the symptoms is the first step in treating lupus hair loss.
The following drugs may be recommended to decrease Lupus symptoms.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a class of substances that make up a significant amount of the body’s hormones.
Cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the body, is a close relative of one of these steroids, cortisone.
Synthetic cortisol medicines are among the most effective therapies for lowering the swelling, warmth, discomfort, and tenderness associated with lupus inflammation.
Cortisol often works fast to alleviate these symptoms.
But, because cortisone can have several undesirable side effects, it is commonly used only when other drugs are insufficient to treat Lupus.
Immunosuppressants
The immune system, a specialized collection of cells and molecules that combat infection, shows abnormal activity, which sets off the symptoms of Lupus.
Azithromycin, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and methotrexate are immunosuppressants that lessen lupus symptoms by reducing immune system activity.
Antimalarial drugs
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is the most common antimalarial drug to control flare-ups.
Chloroquine, another antimalarial, is less often used now and may have greater adverse effects.
Antimalarials can help to calm the hyperactive immune system.
They relieve the symptoms, reduce inflammatory lupus flares, and may aid in the prevention of blood clots and organ damage.
Antimalarial medications like hair loss, mouth sores, joint pain, skin rashes, etc., alleviate several lupus symptoms.
Symptoms of Lupus hair loss
If you have Lupus hair loss, you might go through the following symptoms
- Clumpy hair that falls out
- Eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard thinning
- Hair thinning
- A shift in hair texture results in brittle or ragged hair.
- Symptoms worsen during flare-ups.
Why does Lupus cause hair loss
Many reasons can cause Lupus hair loss.
Some of them include the following:
Inflammation
Inflammation happens when the body defends itself against invading microbes.
Lupus causes the body’s immune system to mistake cells and organs for alien entities and fight them.
As a result, hair loss may occur if inflammation develops around the scalp and hair follicles.
Discoid lesions or sores
Discoid sores or lesions are rashes on body areas such as the scalp in Lupus.
The term ‘discoid’ refers to the fact that they are generally round.
Lesions or discoid sores on the scalp may result in lifelong scarring. It can harm hair follicles and cause irreversible hair loss.
Medications
A side effect of drugs used to treat Lupus might also be the reason for hair loss.
Medications that can cause hair loss include
- Methotrexate
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Cyclophosphamide
- Azathioprine
- Mycophenolate Mofetil
- Voclosporin
Prevention for hair loss due to Lupus
In addition to hair loss treatments, you can also do the following to prevent hair loss.
Avoid sun exposure
Lupus flares and discoid lesions can be triggered by the sun.
When you’re outside, keep your skin and head protected at all times.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear a cap.
A healthy and balanced diet
Eat a healthy diet of vitamins, iron, and zinc to help grow hair.
Consume vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens that have high nutritional value and are known for hair growth.
Reduce stress
Stress can trigger hair loss.
Exercise and meditate and do yoga regularly to be stress-free.
Get plenty of sleep
Getting plenty of rest and sleep is important to prevent flare-ups which can lead to hair thinning or loss.
It can also keep the body’s immune system healthy.
Follow regular hair care routine
Use mild and gentle hair wash products on your hair to decrease hair fall.
Avoid chemical treatments, heat styling products, and excessive brushing to protect your hair from breakage and thinning.
Takeaway
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can sometimes lead to hair loss.
Causes of hair loss include inflammation, medication, discord lesions, or sores.
Discoid lesions or sores can cause irreversible hair loss.
Lupus hair loss treatment is mainly dependent on Lupus disease treatment.
If Lupus is managed, the hair will return to its natural state.
If you have any symptoms of Lupus hair loss, you should always visit your doctor for a good diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you regrow hair loss from Lupus?
It depends on the severity of Lupus. People with discoid Lupus cannot reverse hair loss, but with other kinds of Lupus, hair will start growing once the symptoms of lupus decrease. Consult a specialist to learn more about lupus hair loss diagnosis and treatment.
How do I stop autoimmune hair loss?
Autoimmune hair loss can be stopped with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antimalarial drugs. Hair loss can also be prevented by avoiding sun exposure, reducing stress, and eating a healthy and balanced meal full of nutrients.
What is the best medication for lupus hair loss?
Medication for lupus hair loss depends on the severity and symptoms of Lupus. Medicines like corticosteroids are recommended as they can slow the hair loss process and increase hair growth.
Why do lupus patients lose their hair?
Lupus patients lose hair because the immune system abnormally attacks the body’s cells, leading to inflammation and hair loss. Other reasons include discoid lesions and the side effects of lupus medications.
Which Lupus medications cause hair loss?
Azathioprine, methotrexate, Cellcept, Cytoxan, Lupkynis and Plaquenil are some of the medications that can cause Lupus hair loss. Discontinuing these medications can stop hair loss, but one should always consult a specialist before stopping the medication because it might lead to adverse effects.
