Lupus Hair Loss Pattern and Hair Loss

Lupus is a long-term illness which have damaging affects on many parts of the body including hair. Lupus hair is a common hair loss condition in which the immune system targets the body's own healthy cells including the cells of the hair follicles. Hair loss is often one of the first symptoms to appear in this condition, and it's one of the reasons why unexplained early onset hair loss should be discussed with a doctor.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissue. This results in symptoms such as inflammation, swelling and damage to skin, hair, joints, kidneys, the heart, blood and lungs. Lupus causes widespread inflammation that usually involves your skin particularly on your face and scalp. Lupus hair loss pattern causes the hair on your scalp to gradually thin out and in some cases clumps of hair can be found. Loss of eyebrow, eyelash, beard and body hair also is possible. In lupus hair loss, the scalp hair along your hairline to become fragile and break off easily, leaving you with a ragged appearance known as lupus hair. Hair loss associated with discoid lesions and scarring is generally permanent.

Hair Loss Caused by Lupus

Most people with lupus suffer from hair loss at some point during their illness. The good news is that the hair loss is temporary, and the hair will grow once lupus is treated.

Hair loss caused by lupus happens for three main reasons:

• Immune system attacks the skin on the scalp. This condition is usually itchy and sometimes painful. When examining your scalp people will be able to see a reddish rash. You may find flakes of skin coming out. Have a word with your doctor about your treatment options. If left untreated, this can lead to patchy hair loss, especially if you scratch.
• Immune system attacks the hair follicles. Though, this condition is painless, you may know of it that you start finding more hair coming loose when you brush or shower. Because follicles may weaken without actually dying, switching to gentler hair care products and brushing rather than combing can help.
• Inadequate nutrition due to poor health. Many lupus sufferers also have gastric problems which can lead to poor absorption of vitamins and minerals from food. In this situation, the body treats the production of healthy hair as a low priority.