Should I see a rheumatologist for alopecia?

Author: Stephanie Brakus  |  Last update: Friday, June 9, 2023

Hair loss can be caused by autoimmune inflammation in some cases, but there are many other potential causes that a rheumatologist must explore to treat the condition effectively.

Is alopecia a rheumatic disease?

Alopecia. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that affects about 1.7 percent of the population. It can co-occur with rheumatoid arthritis, although this isn't common.

What doctor should I see if I think I have alopecia?

Alopecia areata is treated by: Dermatologists, who specialize in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.

What autoimmune disease is linked to alopecia?

Alopecia areata frequently occurs in association with other autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo, lichen planus, morphea, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, pemphigus foliaceus, atopic dermatitis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, endemic goiter, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, lupus erythematosus, diabetes ...

Is alopecia part of autoimmune disease?

What causes alopecia areata? Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system mistakenly attacks a part of your body. When you have alopecia areata, cells in your immune system surround and attack your hair follicles (the part of your body that makes hair).

Is There Treatment For Alopecia?

What triggers alopecia?

Causes of Alopecia Areata

In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing inflammation. Researchers do not fully understand what causes the immune attack on hair follicles, but they believe that both genetic and environmental (non-genetic) factors play a role.

Can alopecia turn into lupus?

It is more commonly seen with thyroid disorders and vitiligo, but alopecia areata has also been linked to diabetes, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Indeed, individuals with alopecia areata have an increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus.

How do I fix my immune system alopecia?

Treatment options for alopecia areata include: Corticosteroids: anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed for autoimmune diseases. Corticosteroids can be given as an injection into the scalp or other areas, orally (as a pill), or applied topically (rubbed into the skin) as an ointment, cream, or foam.

How is autoimmune alopecia diagnosed?

Typically, a diagnosis of alopecia areata can be made based on the pattern of hair loss and the patient's medical history. In some cases, a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. “When we do a biopsy, we're looking for immune cells around the base of the hair follicle in order to make the diagnosis,” says Dr. King.

How do you stop your immune system from attacking hair follicles?

Baricitinib helps regrow hair by preventing the body's immune system from attacking hair follicles.

Does alopecia show up in blood test?

Can a Blood Test Detect Alopecia? Yes, a blood test can diagnose alopecia. Your doctor may order several blood works to determine the cause of the hair loss along with a scalp biopsy.

What is the fastest way to cure alopecia?

There is currently no cure for alopecia areata, although there are some forms of treatment that can be suggested by doctors to help hair re-grow more quickly. The most common form of alopecia areata treatment is the use of corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can suppress the immune system.

What should be avoided in alopecia areata?

On the AIP elimination diet, you will avoid grains, legumes, nightshades (such as potatoes and peppers), dairy, eggs, coffee, alcohol, sugar, oil and food additives. After a few months, you can work the excluded foods back in one at a time to figure out which foods trigger an inflammatory reaction.

What viruses cause alopecia?

Alopecia areata is sometimes triggered by viral infections such as influenza that causes excess production of interferons (IFN). IFN- γ is one of the key factors that lead to the collapse of immune privilege.

Is alopecia a chronic inflammatory disease?

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder and chronic recurrent inflammatory disease that results in non-scarring hair loss.

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to alopecia?

According to epidemiologic studies, autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), play a role in the comorbid condition associated with alopecia (6).

How do I know if my alopecia is active?

One of the early symptoms of alopecia could be changes to your nail beds. If you notice pitting, small craters, or white patches on your nails, this could be a warning sign.

Can a dermatologist tell if you have alopecia?

Your dermatologist will examine the area(s) with hair loss carefully and look at your nails. Your dermatologist will also ask some questions. This may be enough to diagnose you. Because there are so many reasons for hair loss, testing is sometimes necessary to make sure alopecia areata is the cause of your hair loss.

What vitamins help alopecia?

Alopecia areata (AA) occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicle. Studies have shown a relationship between AA and low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D should be supplemented if levels are low. However, more studies are needed to determine the effect of iron and zinc supplementation on AA patients.

Can anything reverse alopecia?

Can Alopecia Be Reversed? Whether your hair loss is caused by hormones or an autoimmune disorder, regrowing your hair by using new medications and modifying your diet can be possible as long as you start treatment early.

What is the new drug for alopecia?

Baricitinib oral tablets — developed by Eli Lilly and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year — is the first systemic treatment for alopecia areata.

How do I know if my hair loss is from lupus?

But some people with lupus develop round (discoid) lesions on the scalp. Because these discoid lesions scar your hair follicles, they do cause permanent hair loss. Lupus can also cause the scalp hair along your hairline to become fragile and break off easily, leaving you with a ragged appearance known as lupus hair.

Are all types of alopecia autoimmune?

Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, is one of the more common types of alopecia. Not all of them are related to an unusual immune system response, though. Some types of alopecia are related to genetic, lifestyle, or environmental factors, as well as psychological conditions that lead to hair pulling.

Can alopecia areata cause fatigue?

Answer: Alopecia areata and fatigue and cold intolerance

Suppression of adrenal gland function can lead to both fatigue and cold intolerance for example.

Does vitamin D help alopecia areata?

Calcipotriol, a vitamin D analog, has been reported to be topically used in treating alopecia areata with promising results. Combination therapy of vitamin D analogs with corticosteroids might also be used in treating alopecia areata.

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