Hair Loss Lupus

Lupus erythematosus refers to a skin disorder in which a red, raised rash appears on the face, scalp, or elsewhere. The raised areas may become thick and scaly and may cause scarring. The rash may last for days or years and may recur. A small percentage of people with discoid lupus have or develop SLE.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Approximately 50% of patients with acute SLE may notice hair loss or thinning during an acute phase of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an auto-immune disease which causes inflammation of multiple organ systems. The main signs of the disease are fever skin eruptions on the face and neck area, hands and arms. About half of the people with lupus will have hair loss. Systemic Lupus Eerythematosus mainly effects women between the ages of 20 and 50. It is thought that genetic makeup plays a major role in the development of the disease.

Patients with discoid lupus can experience mild, generalised hair loss, bald spots, or even total baldness.

If discoid lesions appear on the scalp, they can plug hair follicles and cause irreversible hair loss. Discoid lesions occasionally appear on the upper portion of the trunk and on the mucous membranes.