What autoimmune disease causes hair breakage
What autoimmune disease causes hair breakage Autoimmune diseases can significantly impact various parts of the body, including the hair. For individuals experiencing unexplained hair breakage, understanding the potential autoimmune causes is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. One of the most common autoimmune conditions associated with hair issues is alopecia areata, but other autoimmune diseases can also lead to hair breakage and loss.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. While it often causes complete hair loss in patches rather than breakage per se, the inflammation around the follicle can weaken hair strands, making them brittle and prone to breakage. In some cases, the hair may shed rapidly, and the remaining hair can appear fragile and thin. This condition affects people of all ages and can sometimes progress to alopecia totalis, where all scalp hair is lost.
Another autoimmune disease linked to hair issues is lupus erythematosus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause hair thinning and breakage due to inflammation of the skin and scalp. The inflammation can damage hair follicles directly or cause scarring, leading to permanent hair loss. Additionally, the medications used to treat lupus, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, may contribute to hair thinning or breakage as side effects. The hair loss associated with lupus often presents as diffuse thinning or patchy hair loss, with hair strands becoming brittle and more susceptible to breakage.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland, can also indirectly cause hair breakage. Hypothyroidism, resulting from Hashimoto’s, leads to metabolic slowdowns that affect hair growth. Hair becomes dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. The hair shaft weakens because of decreased keratin production, leading to thinner, fragile hair. Proper management of thyroid function often restores hair health, but during periods of poorly controlled hypothyroidism, hair breakage can be prominent.
Another autoimmune condition, scleroderma, involves hardening and tightening of the skin, including the scalp. This skin fibrosis can impair hair follicle function and lead to hair thinning or breakage. The damage to the scalp skin can disrupt the hair growth cycle, resulting in fragile hair strands that break easily.
In some autoimmune diseases, the primary issue may not be directly with the hair follicles but with the scalp’s overall health and immune response. Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation can weaken hair strands, making them more brittle. Additionally, autoimmune diseases often come with nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or vitamin D deficiencies, which can further exacerbate hair fragility.
In conclusion, several autoimmune diseases can cause hair breakage, either through direct attack on hair follicles, inflammation, or secondary effects like medication side effects and hormonal imbalances. If experiencing sudden or persistent hair breakage, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist. Proper diagnosis and management of the underlying autoimmune condition can help restore hair strength and improve overall health.
