Lupus & Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can cause hair loss. About 45% of lupus patients will experience some hair loss; most often during the beginning of the onset of lupus.  Medication treatment usually will reverse hair loss.

Discoid lupus, which causes rashes and scarring can also cause hair loss. Discoid lupus may effect the hair follicles, and hair loss may be permanent.

                                        INTERESTING FACT:


Seal is a Grammy Award winning vocalist and songwriter who has permanent scarring and hair loss due to childhood discoid lupus. 

 Photos of SEAL

PHOTOS: A picture is worth a thousand words. Here are some photos of hair loss due to lupus:


Discoid Lupus with Scarring Alopecia


Discoid Lupus Scalp and Back

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Diffuse Alopecia

Discoid Lupus Scalp and Face

SKIN: HAIR LOSS (Alopecia) Secondary Lupus Erythematosis


SKIN: Discoid Lupus, Scalp




REFERENCES:


Lupus Foundation of America
Rheumatology Image Bank

Discoid Lupus Erythematosis

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, also know as Discoid Lupus or DLE, is a type of lupus in which skin lesions are present.



These lesions are called atrophic plaques. The discoid lesions are abnormally red and thick. If the lesions occur on the scalp, they may plug up the hair follicles.



The discoid rash causes red raised circles that can be scaly. This rash does not itch.



In describing discoid lupus, pictures are certainly worth one thousand words.

Please view the photos below.
NOTE: These are medical photographs and may not be appropriate for some readers.







Discoid Skin Lesions


 SKIN: Discoid Lupus, Face


 SKIN: Discoid Lupus,Arm


 SKIN: Discoid Lupus, Cheek


 SKIN: Discoid Lupus, Arm


 SKIN: Discoid Lupus, Ear


 SKIN: Discoid Lupus, Scalp


 SKIN: Discoid Lupus, Feet


 MOUTH: Discoid Lupus, Oral


 SKIN: Lupus, discoid - view of lesions on the chest


 SKIN: Lupus Erythematosis, Discoid - collagen vascular disease


                                         INTERESTING FACTS:


Internationally reknowned vocalist, SEAL has discoid lupus.