Table of contents:
- Why does the hair fall out of people with lupus?
- 1. Inflammation
- 2. Scar lesions
- 3. Medicines
- Symptoms of hair loss due to lupus
- How do you deal with hair loss due to lupus?
- 1. Protect yourself from UV rays
- 2. Maintain healthy hair
- 3. A healthier diet
Most people often ignore their hair loss. However, some of them believe that hair loss occurs due to lupus. Well, consider first the review of the relationship between lupus and hair loss.
Why does the hair fall out of people with lupus?
According to Dr. April Chang-Miller, M.D, rheumatologist from the United States, lupus can indeed cause hair loss to baldness (alopecia)
Although not all sufferers experience this condition, of course hair loss worries most people with lupus. There are various factors that cause hair loss can be caused by this disease, such as:
1. Inflammation
A study from the University of Genoa revealed that there are two types of hair that often fall out due to lupus, namely hair loss with scar tissue (scar) and without scar tissue. Apparently, hair loss without scarring / scars can be caused by inflammation from lupus.
If inflammation spreads and develops on the scalp, even hair that doesn't have a scar can fall out. Well, this condition does not only occur in the hair on the head, but also on the eyebrows, beard and eyelashes.
This thinning of hair is not necessarily permanent. Hair can be thinned widely, but has a tendency to stand out more at the leading edge of the hairline. As a result, hair becomes brittle and breaks easily.
No need to worry, your hair will grow back like normal people when your lupus disease has been treated.
2. Scar lesions
In some cases, hair loss is also caused by discoid lupus. Well, this type of lupus does attack your skin tissue, including the scalp. The disorder eventually causes rashes to fall out of hair.
The bad news is that if you experience hair loss as a result of this type of lupus, there is very little chance of your hair growing back to normal. Lesions that form and leave scars on the scalp can damage the hair follicles, causing permanent hair loss.
3. Medicines
If the hair loss that happened to you was due to lupus treatment, just wait until the healing process is complete. Don't stop halfway through without your doctor noticing.
Don't worry, your hair will usually grow back once the treatment has finished.
Symptoms of hair loss due to lupus
Actually, lupus does not only attack your scalp. However, hair loss is often the first symptom of this disease.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it is normal to lose 100 hairs a day. However, if it is related to lupus, of course you must be vigilant, especially hair loss that occurs when combing hair or bathing.
If you experience severe hair loss, consult your doctor immediately. As discussed earlier, hair loss can be a sign that you have lupus.
How do you deal with hair loss due to lupus?
Of course, the options below are up to you. Do you want to follow it or not. Dealing with hair loss caused by lupus is not easy, but it can be overcome if there is readiness and willingness from yourself.
1. Protect yourself from UV rays
Hair loss of any type should protect yourself from UV rays. Most people with lupus are usually very sensitive to UV light. So, to reduce the side effects, here are some ways you can use it.
- Use a sunblock of SPF 50 or more
- Wear a hat when outdoors
- Reducing the use of artificial lighting
2. Maintain healthy hair
Apart from protecting yourself from UV rays, maintaining healthy hair is no less important for dealing with hair loss. Try replacing your shampoo with baby shampoo and using a non-rinse conditioner that also contains sunblock.
Also avoid using a hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron. This can make your hair more brittle and fall out more frequently.
Don't forget to reduce your use of alcohol-based hair treatments as this can irritate your skin.
3. A healthier diet
For people with lupus, of course, a healthy diet is very useful for overcoming the various side effects it causes.
Start increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruits that can slow hair loss. Usually, doctors will recommend consuming foods and supplements containing vitamins C, D, iron, and biotin.
Hair loss due to lupus is temporary and permanent. Even so, try to keep taking your medications to speed up the recovery process. If you are still unsure whether you have lupus but the hair loss is getting worse, try to consult your doctor.
