Food You Need To Add To Your Diet
A. Omega 3 Rich Food:
Omega 3 rich food will help reduce the inflammation caused by lupus. Fish such as salmon, shrimp, mackerel are recommended for lupus patients. Walnuts, kidney beans, and seaweed also have a fair share of omega 3 in them.
B. High Calcium Food:
Dark leafy green vegetables, tofu, beans and dairy products contain a lot of calcium. Calcium intake is highly recommended for lupus patients as they may develop bone disorders.
C. Antioxidants:
Antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage. Vitamin A, B and E are the best option for lupus treatment. Add fruits, vegetables, oats, and nuts to your meals. Also, green tea can be great if you are looking for antioxidants.
What Can I Do To Prevent Lupus Flare
While lupus itself cant be prevented, you can make changes to your daily life to help avoid flare-ups of your symptoms. A few things to try can include:
- Avoiding sun exposure: For many with lupus, sun exposure can be an issue. Try avoiding going outside during peak hours when the sun is out, wearing protective clothing and wearing sunscreen.
- Staying in motion: Joint pain can make you want to sit down and rest, but doing low-impact exercises can actually help.
- Maintaining healthy habits: A few habits to keep in mind include making healthy choices when it comes to your food, getting plenty of sleep and cutting back on the stress in your life. There is also a strong link between lupus and heart disease. Make sure you are working with your healthcare team to reduce your risk of heart issues.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you are experiencing the symptoms of lupus, reach out to your healthcare provider. Lupus can take a long time to diagnose because of the wide range of symptoms and the way symptoms slowly build over time. Getting diagnosed is the first step to managing the condition and improving your quality of life.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/19/2021.
References
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Lupus And Dry Brittle Hair Lupus Hair
Lupus, and all that comes with it, can have a serious effect on your hair. Dry, brittle hair that easily breaks off is one aspect that can really be alarming. However, there are simple things you can do to lessen the damage. Continue reading to find out why lupus hair happens, and what can you do about it!
Introduction to Lupus Hair
Lupus can really affect the condition of your hair in many ways, and giving you very dry or brittle hair is one of its most common. Dry hair loses its elasticity, and if it is curled, straightened, processed or colored hair, it gets even dryer. It actually breaks off when styled and, if it is super dry, just sleeping with your head on a pillow can cause your hair to break. Along with dryness, brittle hair can be dull, showing spit ends and frizzing. Short, broken and brittle hair around the edges of the scalp are common signs of lupus hair.
It is important to note that brittle hair is not the same as having true hair loss a condition called alopecia. Alopecia from lupus develops when the immune system attacks the roots or hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. It is a serious problem and can be hard to cure, especially if you have cutaneous involvement. The brittle condition of lupus hair has quite different causes and treatment options. It does not fall out from the root it breaks off at any point along the shaft.
A Brief Anatomy of Hair and Hair Types
How Can Lupus Affect Hair?
In Conclusion
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Skin Rashes And Lesions
While many people often associate lupus with the facial butterfly rash, the reality is lupus can cause a variety of skin rashes and lesions, most of which appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, arms and legs. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, 66 percent of people with lupus develop some sort of skin disease.
There are three main types of cutaneous lupus:
Talk To Your Doctor About Treatments
One of the most important factors for avoiding irreversible hair loss due to discoid lupus is to get treatment, fast. Discoid lesions on the scalp can lead to permanent skin damage that inhibits hair growth. If youve read up on other lupus symptoms and think you have the condition, talk to your doctor. They can provide help with treatments and lifestyle strategies to regulate flare-ups to avoid hair loss.
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The Immune System’s Role In Lupus Hair Lossby Robert True On April 06 2018
Lupus is an autoimmune disease. Often, hair loss is one of the first noticeable symptoms. However, due to the complexity of the condition, it can be difficult to know exactly which aspect of the disease is leading to hair loss.
Here, our team at True and Dorin in New York, NY will explore the immune systems role in lupus hair loss. We will also discuss how to combat these symptoms and how treatment at our hair restoration clinic can help you regain the confidence and self-assuredness to take on the world. Read on to learn more about lupus and hair loss.
Sun Exposure Causes Lupus Hair Loss
As a flare-up is triggered by the sun or UV lights, it can cause the rashes or lesions to occur because the cells on our skin are unable to get rid of the dead cells caused by sunburn. They also are more sensitive to the UV rays causing dysfunction in the cells of our scalp. When discoid lupus causes hair loss, inflammation and scarring damage the hair follicles, which can progress to irreversible baldness.
However, you can prevent the severity and promote healing by using the same hair mask I do for hair loss treatment.
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What Should You Do If You Start Losing Your Hair Due To Lupus
If you are starting to notice patchy hair loss or your scalp is feeling tender and itchy, you should make an appointment with a doctor right away for professional medical advice. They will be able to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe treatment if necessary.
It’s also important not to panic if you start losing your hair due to systemic lupus erythematosus.
There are many reasons why hair loss can occur, and it’s usually not due to something serious. In most cases, the hair grows back once treatment begins or the symptoms go away on their own.
A Full Range Of Hair Restoration Options
As Dr. Grays practice evolved, he expanded treatment beyond surgical restoration to offer a comprehensive range of the latest innovations in emerging for those who need them. Methods such as , , and are resources for those who dont require hair restoration surgery. Dr. Gray has partnered with Cesare Regazzi to offer custom hair prosthesis systems for those who are not a candidate for hair transplant surgery, making HT& RC the only resource in Georgia for the revolutionary , well as all other surgical and non-surgical treatments.
If youâre looking to resolve hair loss issues related to Lupus or any other condition please donât hesitate to .
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Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Dry strands break more easily, so keep your locks luscious with a good conditioner after shampooing. Speaking of shampoo: skip shampoos that might strip hair of natural moisture by avoiding ingredients like sulfates, and opt instead for shampoos that have been developed to nourish both your scalp and strands.
VEGAMOUR’sGRO Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner kit contains a revolutionary chemical-free vegan keratin, Karmatin, a microencapsulated vegan b-silk protein that’s designed to help soothe damaged follicles while making strands soft and shiny.
Can Lupus Hair Loss Be Treated
If hair loss is caused by discoid lesions, it cannot be reversed once scarring is present. However, this does not mean that discoid-lesion-related hair loss cannot be treated at all. Topical steroids and oral medications can help stop the spread of discoid lesions, so it is important to seek treatment early.
Hair loss caused as a side effect of medication is usually temporary and can be reversed when the medication is stopped.
It is most important to treat your lupus first. Once the disease is under control, address your hair loss. Talk to your doctor about hair loss or any other side effects you experience from treatment.
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Limit Uv Light Exposure
Lupus can cause you to be more sensitive to light. This can lead to additional hair loss as the hair and scalp are damaged. There are several ways to limit exposure to UV light.
- Limit your exposure to the sun with layers of clothing. One MyLupusTeam member listed their many accessories for protecting their skin: I have a face mask, scarf, hat, summer jacket that is like wearing air, gloves and sleeves I keep in the car.
- Wear sunblock of SPF 50 or greater on any exposed skin including on your scalp.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella.
- Stick to the shade outside whenever possible.
- Replace or remove any home lights that emit UV light.
Are There Tests To Diagnose Lupus
Your rheumatologist may recognize your symptoms and be able to diagnose you based on your history, physical exam, and laboratory tests alone. In addition, non-lupus causes of hair loss, ranging from fungal infections to thyroid disorders should be ruled out, rather than simply assuming the hair loss is due to your lupus.
A biopsy of the scalp is sometimes needed to determine the exact reasons for hair loss. The procedure removes a small patch of skin that is examined under a microscope. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the scalp before using a scalpel to take a skin sample.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
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What Can You Do To Treat It
Lupus hair loss may be reversible, if you dont have discoid lesions. Hair loss will only reverse itself, however, if youre able to control the disease.
In addition to a corticosteroid and an immunosuppressant to manage symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an antimalarial drug to reduce lupus flares.
You may also receive biologics, which are intravenous drugs that can help relieve lupus symptoms. Follow your doctors instructions and take your medication as directed.
It can take weeks or months for lupus to go into remission. In the meantime, here are tips to help you cope with hair loss:
- Avoid sun exposure. The sun can trigger lupus flares and discoid lesions. Protect your skin and head when outdoors. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen.
- Change your medication. If you believe that your medication is contributing to hair loss, talk to your doctor and discuss alternative drugs, or perhaps reducing your dosage.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may also slow hair loss. Also, ask your doctor about vitamins and supplements that can help strengthen your hair and reduce hair loss. Vitamins for hair growth include biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, and zinc.
- Limit stress. Certain factors can trigger a lupus flare and worsen hair loss. Stress is a known lupus trigger. To help reduce stress, try exercise and meditation. These 10 ways to relieve stress can also help.
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep between eight and nine hours a night
When To See A Doctor For Hair Loss
If youve already been diagnosed with lupus, your alopecia may or may not be caused by the disease, so its important to have a doctor diagnose the underlying cause and undergo the most appropriate treatment.
Bottom line? Hair loss may be an early sign of lupus before the disease is diagnosed,âsaid Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco, board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor at Thank Your Skin. âBut many other disorders can cause hair loss, so consult with your doctor if you notice unusual hair thinning or hair loss.
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Joint Pain And Weakness
More than 90 percent of people with lupus will experience joint pain and weakness, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Most of that discomfort is caused by the inflammation that lupus triggers. Often people feel pain and stiffness in their joints, which is called lupus arthritis.
Lupus can also weaken muscles, especially in the pelvis, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. Additionally, the disease can trigger carpal tunnel syndrome, which leads to pain and numbness in the hands and fingers.
Who Is Affected By Lupus
Anyone can have lupus. It can happen to women, men, children and even newborns. Its much more commonly seen in women than men, with about 90% of diagnosed cases being women of reproductive age. Experts have a difficult time estimating how many people in the United States have lupus because it is difficult to diagnose. Lupus has a wide variety of symptoms that can also be signs of other medical conditions. Because of this, there may be people with lupus who go undiagnosed throughout their lives.
Lupus is also more prominent in certain ethnicities. African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American women are all more likely to develop the condition than Caucasian women.
Your risk of having lupus is also increased if you have a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disease.
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What Is Lupus Hair Loss
Lupus is a known long term autoimmune disease. Just like other autoimmune diseases, this also makes your immune system hyperactive. As a result, your own immune system attacks healthy body cells.
People with lupus often experience joint pain, inflammation, damage to the kidney and lungs. Many develop skin problems, lesions and itchy rashes on the scalp. Hair starts thinning, and in many cases, leads to hair loss. Therefore, experts have termed this condition as lupus hair loss.
While hair loss is a prominent side effect of lupus, it can be an early symptom as well. If you are having extreme hair fall, it may be the first sign of this underlying disease. Hair loss in lupus, can be caused by any of the below-listed reasons.
Managing Hair Loss With Lupus
There are several possible approaches to managing hair loss for people with lupus. They include prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, and cosmetic techniques, including wearing head coverings and changing hairstyles.
Remember that the best way to treat hair loss in lupus is to address the condition itself. When your lupus is under control, hair loss becomes less of an issue. Also, before trying any new treatments even over-the-counter medications confer with your health care provider first.
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How To Regrow Your Hair From Lupus
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to regrow hair lost from lupus may vary depending on the individual. However, some tips that may help include:
Youll Want To Start By Talking To Your Doctor About What May Be Causing Your Hair Loss
When you are experiencing lupus symptoms, it may mean your disease is active. And that can cause long-term damage to your organs. Some hair loss can be reversed or managed with changes to your current treatment or additional medications.
But sometimes hair loss cant be reversed. Just as your clothing and makeup choices are very personal, so is how you choose to handle thinning or patchy hair. Perhaps youll want to try a new style, one thats shorter or is cut a different way.
Be sure to protect your hair, using gentle products and not overdoing it with chemicals or hot appliances. And dont forget about hairpieces and wigs. There are so many styles, colors, and lengths that you may find a style that suits you.
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How Does Lupus Cause Hair Loss
Not all who have lupus may experience hair loss. You may experience hair fall or loss if you have cutaneous lupus. However, cutaneous lupus is often diagnosed in those who have systemic lupus erythematosus.
Lupus may cause scarring or non-scarring alopecia. In scarring alopecia, inflammatory cells affect the follicular bulge at the outer root sheath. This affects the bottom portion of hair follicles and epidermis hair stem cells, preventing sebum regulation. As a result, the hair shaft perforates the root bulb, forming lesions. This causes permanent and irreversible hair loss . Itching and rubbing may further spread the lesions, affecting the entire scalp.
Non-scarring alopecia is caused due to inflammation a primary symptom of lupus. The inflammation may cause round patches on the scalp, affecting the hair follicles and causing hair loss .
While hair loss and alopecia are common in lupus, their causes may not be specific to lupus. In other words, alopecia can be inherent to lupus or just coincidental . These are called non-specific lupus or non-specific skin lesions that may appear during the active phase of systemic lupus erythematosus but are caused due to other diseases or conditions like alopecia areata and telogen or anagen effluvium. Keep scrolling to understand this in detail.