Hair loss, thinning hair, and nail changes are common in people who have different types of lupus. The most common type of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can cause dry, coarse hair to develop along the hairline. These dry, coarse hairs break off easily, causing the sparse-looking hair known as lupus hair.
How does lupus affect hair? Many people with lupus have skin problems, like rashes or sores on the scalp, that can cause hair loss. Hair loss and thinning hair can also be side effects of certain medicines used to treat lupus, like steroids and immunosuppressives.
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.
A variety of scalp conditions that are associated with inflammation can lead to altered hair texture over time. Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis can lead to drier duller hair. Many individuals with FFA and LPP have co-existent seborrheic dermatitis and if present, this should be treated.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system mistakenly attacks a part of your body. When you have alopecia areata, cells in your immune system surround and attack your hair follicles (the part of your body that makes hair).
For some people, living with and managing lupus can cause weight gain. Weight gain may also lead to worsening lupus symptoms and complications associated with obesity. Some potential causes of weight gain that relate to lupus may include: being a side effect of medications such as corticosteroids.
Sudden hair changes in texture could signal a more serious condition. Anemia and insufficient vitamin D levels can bring on thinning hair. A thyroid disease can also result in a sudden change in the texture of your hair.
Chemical treatments and heat styling alike can cause changes in hair texture. Coloring, relaxing, perming, blow drying on high heat, and flat ironing can all damage hair, leaving it dry and wiry.
Why is my hair frizzy all of a sudden? If your hair is suddenly frizzy, it could have to do with your environment—for example, you may not have known you were dealing with dehydrated hair until you entered a humid climate. It could also have to do with a heat styling product you used, a recent dye job, or bleaching.
Sores or red patches on the skin
They often appear on the scalp or face and can cause permanent scarring. They may be red and scaly, but they do not cause pain or itching. Subacute cutaneous lesions, which may look like patches of scaly skin or ring-shaped sores.
Common symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. There is no one test for SLE. Usually, your doctor will ask you about your family and personal medical history and your symptoms. Your doctor will also do some laboratory tests.
The bottom line: Several factors can change the color and texture of hair throughout your lifetime. They include stress, chemical hair treatments, heat styling, genetics, aging, medical conditions and illness. and pregnancy.
Don't worry though, having a variety of textures in your hair is completely normal! The most common reason is genetics. Not only can genetics play a role in your hair texture but your location, along with humidity and the weather can also change the textures in your hair.
It's natural for hair to change textures with seasonal changes. High heat and humidity cause hair texture to change most notably with frizz, while low temperatures can make hair feel parched, brittle or flat.
The main hormones that determine the nature of your hair follicles are Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine, androgens and insulin. A lack of Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine can make hair feel dry and brittle. Whereas an increase in androgens are more closely connected to affecting shape.
Texture Changes: While not as common, stress may also impact the texture of your tresses. “High levels of [cortisol] can, in some cases, cause changes in texture and appearance because it does affect follicle function,” Friese notes.
Inflammation from lupus can also cause fluid to accumulate in the abdominal cavity. This condition, known as ascites, can cause severe abdominal pain, tenderness of the belly, nausea, vomiting, fever, and the lack of bowel movements.
Lupus can also drastically change one's appearance. Patients can have hair loss, rashes and scarring, as well as medication side effects like weight gain, hair loss and stretch marks,” says Dr. Jolly, who has led a number of studies on body image in people with lupus.
Often, people with lupus experience weight loss or gain due to loss of appetite, unhealthy dietary habits, or decreased energy and mobility. If you experience weight loss or loss of appetite, talk to your doctor. S/he can help you determine the cause of the problem and take strides to correct it.