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Lupus Related Hair Loss

Understanding the Connection and Management

Wig Medical provides personal telehealth sessions with a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist to help you manage Lupus and Hair Loss and reach your hair goals.

What is Lupus Related Hair Loss?

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects millions of people worldwide, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. 

 

One common symptom that often goes hand-in-hand with lupus is hair loss. Understanding the connection between lupus and hair loss, as well as effective management strategies, is important for individuals living with this condition. 

 

Hair loss is a challenging aspect of living with lupus, but with proper management and support, individuals can minimize its impact on their quality of life.

We Work with Your Insurance

Most of our clients who need a medical wig or hair prosthetic are covered by insurance.

What is The Connection Between Lupus and Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a prevalent symptom of lupus, affecting up to half of individuals with the condition. 

 

The exact cause of lupus-related hair loss is not fully understood, but it is believed to be multifactorial, involving both immune system dysfunction and inflammatory processes. Lupus can affect the skin and hair follicles directly, leading to inflammation, scarring, and hair loss. 

 

Medications used to treat lupus, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, may also contribute to hair thinning and loss.

“The Wig Medical team of Cranial Prosthesis Specialists are dedicated to helping solve your hair loss challenges.”

Types of Hair Loss in Lupus

There are several types of hair loss associated with lupus.

 

Here are the most common.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)

DLE is a subtype of lupus that primarily affects the skin, causing characteristic discoid lesions that can lead to scarring and hair loss, particularly on the scalp.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

SLE, the most common form of lupus, can also cause hair loss as a result of inflammation and immune system dysfunction. Hair loss in SLE may be diffuse or localized and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes.

Getting Help with Hair Loss

The Wig Medical team are experts at providing medical wigs and cranial prosthesis that's covered by insurance.

 

There are plenty of options to help you reach a sense of comfort during your challenging times.

Management Strategies for Lupus and Hair Loss

Managing hair loss associated with lupus involves addressing the underlying autoimmune disease and implementing supportive measures to promote scalp health and hair regrowth. Here are some management strategies to consider.

 

Consult a Rheumatologist: If you suspect you have lupus or are experiencing hair loss associated with the condition, it's essential to consult a rheumatologist or healthcare provider specializing in autoimmune diseases for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Lupus and Hair Loss FAQs

Lupus can cause hair loss in several ways. The disease can lead to inflammation of the scalp, damaging hair follicles and causing hair to fall out. 

 

This can result in diffuse hair thinning or the development of round lesions on the scalp where hair might not regrow. Moreover, lupus can also induce a state of chronic stress in the body, which can contribute to telogen effluvium, a condition where hair shifts to the resting phase and then falls out. 

 

Additionally, some medications used to treat lupus, like corticosteroids, can also cause hair thinning as a side effect.

Whether lupus-related hair loss is permanent depends on the type and severity of the hair loss. 

 

Hair loss from scarring lesions on the scalp can be permanent if the hair follicles are completely destroyed. However, in cases where the hair loss is caused by inflammation or medication side effects, the hair loss is often reversible. 

 

Managing the underlying lupus activity and adjusting medications can lead to the regrowth of hair, although it may take time.

Treatment for lupus-related hair loss focuses on controlling the lupus itself and managing symptoms:

  • Medications to control lupus: Reducing lupus activity can help reduce scalp inflammation and hair loss. This may include hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants.
  • Topical treatments: Minoxidil (Rogaine) can be applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth in non-scarring hair loss cases.
  • Good scalp care: Using gentle hair care products and avoiding harsh treatments can help protect the hair and scalp.
  • Adjusting lupus medications: If a specific medication is suspected of causing hair loss, a doctor may adjust the dose or switch to a different medication.

Yes, lifestyle changes can support overall health and potentially improve hair health in people with lupus. 

 

These changes may include:

 

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support hair growth.
 

Stress reduction techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or exercise, can help manage stress, which may exacerbate hair loss.
 

Protecting the scalp from the sun, as UV exposure can worsen lupus symptoms and potentially increase hair loss.

For those experiencing significant hair loss due to lupus, there are several ways to manage the appearance:

 

Cranial prostheses (medical wigs): These can offer a natural-looking solution to cover hair loss and can be customized to fit individual needs and styles.


Scalp cover-ups: Hats, scarves, and bandanas can provide coverage and protection from the sun, which is particularly important for individuals with lupus.


Hair styling techniques: Working with a hair stylist who understands lupus-related hair loss can help in finding styles that minimize the appearance of thinning hair.

Medication Management: Treatment for lupus may include medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or antimalarial drugs to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation, which may help alleviate hair loss.

 

Scalp Care: Practicing good scalp hygiene and avoiding harsh hair treatments or styling practices can help minimize further hair loss and promote scalp health. Gentle shampoos and conditioners, as well as avoiding excessive heat or chemical treatments, are recommended.

 

Wig Options: Wigs, hairpieces, hats, or scarves can provide a sense of normalcy and help individuals feel more confident and comfortable while coping with hair loss associated with lupus. Many cancer centers and specialty shops offer wig-fitting services and resources for obtaining affordable or free wigs.

Comprehensive Cranial Prosthetic Services at Wig Medical

Hair loss can feel overwhelming and can take a toll on an individual’s emotional well-being, but there are still options. 

 

Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Wig Medical. 

 

Contact us now to start your journey towards restoring your confidence and finding the right solution for you.

Take your next step towards getting help!

Let us help you with your Lupus and Hair Loss challenges.

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Does My Insurance Cover a Medical Wig or Cranial Prosthesis?

The Wig Medical team will contact your medical insurance provider directly to determine whether you have coverage for a cranial prosthesis. Don't worry; we can explore other options if not.