Hair loss can be a distressing experience for anyone. However, when hair loss is due to autoimmune diseases, the condition can be even more challenging to manage.

Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system of the body attacks healthy cells and tissues, resulting in inflammation, damage, and disruption of normal bodily functions.

The hair follicles are among the tissues that can be targeted by autoimmune attacks, leading to a type of hair loss known as autoimmune alopecia.

In this article, we explore the link between hair loss and autoimmune diseases, the types of autoimmune alopecia, and the available treatment options.

Types of Autoimmune Alopecia

There are several types of autoimmune alopecia, including:.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune condition that affects about 2% of people worldwide. It is characterized by patches of hair loss on the scalp, beard, or other parts of the body.

The hair loss is usually sudden and can occur in a matter of days or weeks.

Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing them to stop producing hair. The condition can affect people of any age or gender, and it can be triggered by stress, infection, or other environmental factors.

Alopecia Universalis

Alopecia universalis is a rare and severe form of autoimmune alopecia in which all body hair, including scalp hair, is lost. The condition can occur at any age, and it affects both men and women.

Alopecia universalis is believed to be a genetic condition that can be triggered by stress, infection, or other factors.

Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia is a type of autoimmune alopecia in which hair loss occurs due to scarring and damage to hair follicles. This type of alopecia is irreversible, and it can cause permanent hair loss.

Scarring alopecia can be caused by autoimmune diseases like lupus or frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic form of hair loss that affects both men and women. It is not an autoimmune disease, but it is often linked to hormonal imbalances and sensitivity to male hormones (androgens).

In women, androgenetic alopecia can also be triggered by autoimmune diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Autoimmune Diseases Associated with Hair Loss

There are several autoimmune diseases that can lead to hair loss, including:.

Related Article 20 autoimmune diseases that can cause hair loss

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs. Lupus can cause hair loss, skin rash, and other skin manifestations.

In some cases, the hair loss can be permanent, and it can affect the scalp, eyebrows, and other body parts.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. In some cases, psoriasis can affect the scalp, causing hair loss and scaling. The hair loss is not usually permanent, but it can be a source of distress for some people.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints and other parts of the body. People with rheumatoid arthritis may experience hair loss due to the disease itself or the medications used to manage it.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. The disease can cause hair loss, skin thickening, and other skin manifestations.

Treatment Options for Autoimmune Alopecia

There are several treatment options available to manage autoimmune alopecia, including:.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are drugs that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They can be administered as topical creams or injected into the scalp.

Corticosteroids can help to regrow hair in some cases, but they can have side effects like skin thinning and weight gain.

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants are drugs that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They can be used to manage autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause hair loss.

Immunosuppressants can have side effects like increased risk of infection and liver damage.

Light Therapy

Light therapy involves exposing the scalp to ultraviolet light to stimulate hair growth. The therapy can help to regrow hair in some cases of alopecia areata, but it is not effective for all types of autoimmune alopecia.

Hair Transplantation

Hair transplantation involves transplanting healthy hair follicles from one area of the body to another. The procedure can be used to treat scarring alopecia and other types of alopecia that do not respond to other treatments.

Wigs and Hairpieces

Wigs and hairpieces can be used to cover hair loss and improve the appearance of the hair. They are a non-invasive and affordable option for managing hair loss, and they come in many styles and colors.

Conclusion

Hair loss can be a distressing condition, particularly when it results from autoimmune diseases like lupus, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

However, there are several treatment options available to manage autoimmune alopecia, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, light therapy, hair transplantation, and wigs. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is essential to seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment.