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In autoimmune disorders, the body’s defenses attack healthy cells rather than diseased or malfunctioning ones. In a number of cases, this directly impacts hair thinning and loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle and preventing the follicles from functioning properly. The amount of hair loss suffered varies depending on the autoimmune condition and how aggressive it is.
What Autoimmune Diseases Can Cause Hair Loss?
Alopecia Areata is one of the most common autoimmune diseases causing hair loss. The autoimmune system specifically attacks the hair follicles, presenting small, circular areas of hair loss.
Thyroid Disorders (such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) can also cause hair loss. Their disruption of the thyroid gland affects hormone regulation tied to hair growth. This usually presents as thinning hair and unusual growth cycles.
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, can also lead to hair loss – especially during flare-ups. During flare-ups, inflammation is caused through the entire body, including the scalp and the follicles. This inflammation, when severe, can even cause permanent hair loss due to scar tissue build-up on the follicles.
Psoriasis, another autoimmune condition mainly affecting the skin, can be problematic then it occurs on the scalp. Inflammation coupled with the build-up of skin cells can result in shedding and thinning hair.
Can You Stop Autoimmune Hair Loss?
At present no, but there are both promising new treatments and ways to slow or partially mitigate the damage. In addition to a variety of treatments specific to the autoimmune conditions involved, there are a number of lifestyle choices that you can make in order to help minimize the effects:
- Maintain a healthy diet and good general health.
- Treat and manage the underlying autoimmune condition.
- Avoid harsh hair treatments.
While these are all important, there is no substitute for a proper diagnosis and bespoke treatment plan. There are also recent advances that hold promise, including microneedle patch-based treatments.
How Do You Treat Autoimmune Hair Loss?
As with all health concerns, treatment plans depend on identifying the root cause. There are a number of FDA-approved options falling under the classification of immunosuppressive medications, which carry with them increased risk of infections. In addition, other options used in treating this form of hair loss include the following:
- Steroids
- Minoxidil (Rogaine®)
- Anthralin (Zithranol®)
- Methotrexate
- Dupilumab (Dupixent®)
- Tofacitinib (Xeljanz®)
The treatment chosen depends on the diagnosis. In short, if your hair loss is due to psoriasis, treatments for psoriasis can help. It should also be noted that some ailments respond to treatment better than others.
LA FUE Hair NYC, Your Hair Restoration Specialists
You are not alone, LA FUE Hair New York is in your corner. Fighting an autoimmune condition is stressful enough without adding hair loss to the equation. Schedule an appointment today to start on your way back to a full and healthy head of hair.