SLE disease can cause hair loss

Hair loss in SLE is common. Here we will go through what SLE stands for and what does the disease entail?

SLE is short for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and is a disease in which the body's own immune system attacks your body.

Hair loss in SLE

One of the many symptoms of SLE is hair loss. In this disease, your body suffers an inflammation and your hair follicles stop producing hair. The body is set to heal and does not focus on keeping the body's hair production going at all. Fairly quickly into the disease, you may notice hair loss.

Some people lose hair in patches while others lose large parts of their hair. Some people only notice that their hair is thinning. What hair loss looks like for a person with SLE is very individual.

 

Symptom of SLE

SLE is similar to many other diseases and can therefore be difficult to diagnose. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of SLE. Some common symptoms of SLE include :

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Light sensitivity
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Fever
• Weight loss

The disease can also cause serious symptoms such as blood clots, blood changes and kidney inflammation.

Why are some people affected by SLE? 

There are many reasons why people get SLE but there are certain factors that make some people more likely to get it. Some of these factors are: Heredity, smoking and some medications. Nine out of ten people affected by the disease are women.

Some sufferers may not notice the disease at first. Some people have intermittent symptoms while others have more frequent symptoms.

There is currently no cure for SLE, but painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve symptoms. If your internal organs are affected, you may need to be hospitalised for a period of time.

Does hair come back in SLE? 

For the vast majority of people affected by SLE, the hair comes back. Because the disease comes and goes, the hair can come back and grow long when you are in a quieter period of the disease. Sometimes it can take longer for you to notice the hair coming off your scalp, for some people it is quicker.

Today there is help available. If you have questions about hair loss, you are welcome to contact us info@akaciamedical.com.