Sjogren's, a common autoimmune disease, is often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Acute lupus alopecia with curl pattern change in a patient without discoid lupus erythematosus or discrete alopecic patches. The altered appearance of hair and hair texture aided in the eventual diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus with associated proteinuria.
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) can manifest as several associated cutaneous and hair findings. Xeroderma, which is the most common dermatologic manifestation, is usually accompanied by dry and lackluster hair [56, 57]. SS has also been associated with FFA, the second most common autoimmune disease of the hair [58‒60].
While many patients experience dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain, Sjögren's can also cause dysfunction of organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system.
The most common symptom of Sjögren's syndrome is unusual dryness, including: Dry eyes or itchy eyes. Dry mouth (xerostomia), mouth sores or thickened spit (saliva). Vaginal dryness.
Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face.
While Sjogren's patients overall experience higher than expected mortality, most can expect to live a normal lifespan.
In Hashimoto's disease this hair loss most commonly presents in the form of diffuse hair loss across the scalp and eyebrows. Additionally, the reduced functionality of the T3 and T4 hormone reduces overall sebum production, which can give a thin, brittle appearance to your hair.
Medical Conditions and Illness
Sudden hair changes in texture could signal a more serious condition. Anemia and insufficient vitamin D levels can bring on thinning hair. A thyroid disease can also result in a sudden change in the texture of your hair.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus — a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks — occurs in many but not all cases of lupus.
As oestrogen levels drop, hair follicles can constrict or shrink – some women may experience hair loss or thinning, and the hair shaft can become more fragile.
Some symptoms that set lupus hair loss apart include: Thinning all over the head, not just concentrated in certain areas. Hair that feels weak and breaks easily. Increased shedding, with noticeable clumps of hair falling out.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
You develop low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), usually over months to years. Symptoms include fatigue, constipation, weight gain, depression, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold.
In Sjögren's disease, the immune system attacks the glands that make tears and saliva. The resulting inflammation damages the glands, limiting their production of the fluids that normally keep the eyes and mouth moist.
In conclusion, incorporating the right vitamins into your diet can help alleviate some of the symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome. Vitamin D, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are some of the vitamins with promising results for Sjogren's Syndrome.
Lupus can also cause other problems in the abdomen, including peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) and ascites (a build-up of fluids in the abdomen). Symptoms of peritonitis and ascites include: Abdominal pain and swelling. Nausea and vomiting.
Vasculitis: Vasculitis involves inflammation of blood vessels, leading to various symptoms depending on the affected organs. The diagnosis often requires imaging studies and biopsies, making it one of the more challenging autoimmune diseases to identify.
In some, the tongue is so dry that it has the appearance of “crocodile skin.” The eyes may appear irritated or red and may show a visible loss of moisture on the surface.