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Lupus Hair Loss – What You Need to Know
As with many autoimmune diseases, one of the most common side effects of Lupus is hair loss. Patients may experience hair thinning, bald patches, and other types of alopecia (hair loss). It’s important to have an understanding of what causes lupus hair loss and how you can address the issue, which is why we’ve created this guide to help those affected.
Causes of Lupus Hair Loss
Hair loss is caused by the inflammation that is common with Lupus. This inflammation causes general damage to the body, including the scalp and the hair follicles. This can lead to:
- Hair thinning
- Hairline recession
- Bald patches
- Partial or complete baldness
How to Treat Lupus Hair Loss
Treating Lupus hair loss involves understanding the root cause, which is often autoimmune-related. Treatment typically focuses on reducing inflammation and addressing the underlying autoimmune disease. This can include lifestyle changes, medications or supplements, and treatments like phototherapy.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can help to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms of Lupus. Additionally, quitting smoking can have a positive effect as smoking can exacerbate Lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
Medication and Supplements
Working with your doctor, medications can be prescribed to manage lupus hair loss and other symptoms of the disease. Common medications include antimalarials, corticosteroids, biologics, and more. Additionally, taking supplements such as zinc, vitamin D, and fish oil have been found to help reduce inflammation and promote hair growth.
Phototherapy
One of the most common treatments for Lupus hair loss is phototherapy. This involves exposing the scalp to a special type of light which helps to reduce inflammation, relieve stress, and promote hair growth.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand the causes and treatments of Lupus hair loss in order to better manage the condition. Lifestyle changes, medications, supplements, and treatments like phototherapy can all help to reduce inflammation, relieve stress, and promote hair growth. If you are experiencing hair loss related to Lupus, we recommend connecting with your doctor to discuss potential treatments that may be right for you.
Keywords: lupus hair loss, inflammation, alopecia, autoimmune, medication, phototherapy, lifestyle changes, supplements.
