Hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be caused by many different factors. One of the lesser-known causes of hair loss is autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are conditions that occur when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, including hair follicles. In this article, we will discuss 20 autoimmune diseases that can cause hair loss.

1. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in patches on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body. The immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and stop producing hair.

Alopecia areata can affect people of all ages and genders, and it often runs in families.

2. Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause a variety of symptoms, including hair loss. Lupus is more common in women than men, and it often occurs between the ages of 15 and 45.

Hair loss in lupus patients can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the disease.

3. Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, which can lead to an underactive thyroid.

Hair loss is a common symptom of Hashimoto’s disease, and it is often one of the first signs of the condition.

4. Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is another autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. In this condition, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone.

Hair loss is a common symptom of Graves’ disease, and it can be caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormone.

5. Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the glands that produce saliva and tears. In this condition, the immune system attacks the glands, causing them to become inflamed and produce less saliva and tears.

Hair loss is a less common symptom of Sjogren’s syndrome, but it can occur in some patients.

6. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. The disease is characterized by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Hair loss is a common symptom of celiac disease, and it can occur due to malnutrition caused by damage to the small intestine.

7. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. The disease is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, and it can affect any part of the body, including the scalp.

Hair loss is a common symptom of psoriasis, and it can occur due to the inflammatory response caused by the disease.

8. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, causing damage and inflammation.

Hair loss is a less common symptom of multiple sclerosis, but it can occur in some patients.

9. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the synovium, which is the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and joint damage.

Hair loss is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur as a result of the inflammatory response caused by the disease.

10. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is a more severe form of lupus that can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. Hair loss is a common symptom of SLE, and it can be caused by the inflammatory response triggered by the disease.

11. Polymyositis

Polymyositis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the muscles. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the muscles, causing weakness and inflammation.

Hair loss is a less common symptom of polymyositis, but it can occur in some patients.

12. Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is another autoimmune disorder that affects the muscles and skin. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the muscles and skin, causing weakness, inflammation, and skin rashes.

Hair loss is a less common symptom of dermatomyositis, but it can occur as a result of the inflammatory response caused by the disease.

13. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce skin pigment.

Hair loss is a common symptom of vitiligo, and it can occur due to the loss of pigmentation in the hair follicles.

14. Pemphigus Vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the cells that hold the skin layers together, causing blisters and sores.

Hair loss is a common symptom of pemphigus vulgaris, and it can occur due to the damage caused by the blisters and sores.

15. Pemphigoid

Pemphigoid is another autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the cells that hold the skin layers together, causing blisters and sores.

Hair loss is a less common symptom of pemphigoid, but it can occur in some patients.

16. Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a type of lupus that affects the skin. The disease is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, and it can affect any part of the body, including the scalp.

Hair loss is a common symptom of discoid lupus erythematosus, and it can occur due to the inflammatory response caused by the disease.

17. Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the muscles and nerves. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the receptors that allow nerve impulses to reach the muscles, causing weakness and fatigue.

Hair loss is a less common symptom of myasthenia gravis, but it can occur in some patients.

18. Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the blood vessels. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the proteins that are important for blood clotting, causing an increased risk of blood clots.

Hair loss is a less common symptom of antiphospholipid syndrome, but it can occur as a result of the blood vessel damage caused by the disease.

19. Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the adrenal glands. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the adrenal glands, causing them to produce too little cortisol and other hormones.

Hair loss is a common symptom of Addison’s disease, and it can occur due to the hormonal imbalances caused by the disease.

20. Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis, or PBC, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the liver. The disease is characterized by the immune system attacking the bile ducts, causing inflammation and scarring.

Hair loss is a less common symptom of PBC, but it can occur as a result of the liver damage caused by the disease.

Conclusion

Autoimmune diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, including hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with autoimmune diseases can manage their symptoms and prevent further hair loss.