What autoimmune diseases affect the scalp?

Author: Miss Ariane Gutmann PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, June 19, 2025

Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes thick patches of skin to develop on your scalp or the skin around your scalp. You may feel self-conscious, and it can be unpleasant if it's itchy or painful. However, it isn't contagious, and treatments can help your symptoms improve.

What autoimmune disease affects the head?

Autoimmune encephalitis is a collection of related conditions in which the body's immune system attacks the brain, causing inflammation. The immune system produces substances called antibodies that mistakenly attack brain cells.

What is the hardest autoimmune disease to diagnose?

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.

What is an inflammatory disease of the scalp?

A common cause of scalp inflammation is seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause red, scaly patches to develop on your scalp. Other conditions that can cause scalp inflammation include folliculitis, scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), and others. You can read more about what causes folliculitis here.

How to stop your immune system from attacking your hair follicles?

A treatment plan for extensive hair loss may include:
  1. Contact immunotherapy: Also called topical immunotherapy, the goal of this treatment is to get your immune system to stop attacking your hair follicles. ...
  2. JAK inhibitor: This type of medication calms the overactive immune system, which may allow your hair to regrow.

STOP Autoimmune Hair Loss with These 5 Genius Hacks!

What autoimmune disorder causes the affected hair follicles?

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.

What foods should I avoid for autoimmune alopecia?

Foods to Avoid When Treating Alopecia Areata and Hair Loss:
  • Sugar.
  • High Glycaemic Index (GI) Foods.
  • Alcohol.
  • Diet Soda.
  • Junk Food.
  • Fish with High Mercury Content.
  • Raw Egg Whites.

What autoimmune disease causes scalp problems?

Scalp Psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. It causes raised, discolored plaques on your scalp or on the skin around your scalp that may be dry, itchy and irritating. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can alleviate your symptoms.

How I cured my scalp inflammation?

Some of the most effective topical anti-inflammatory treatments for restoring scalp health include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, coal tar, ketoconazole, tea tree oil, aloe vera, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, chamomile extract, and niacinamide.

Why do I keep getting inflammation in my head?

There are a few things that can cause brain inflammation. One is an infection. Another is an autoimmune disease or a weakened immune system, where the body attacks itself. And lastly, it can be caused by a traumatic injury or chronic mechanical tension of brain tissue.

What autoimmune disease shortens life?

Vasculitis. Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the blood vessels and causes inflammation. It can occur on its own or be caused by other autoimmune disorders, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Severe forms of vasculitis can be life-threatening, according to Dr.

What is the sister disease to MS?

Neuromyelitis optica is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, or is seen as a type of MS . But NMO is a different condition. Neuromyelitis optica can cause blindness, weakness in the legs or arms, and painful spasms.

What is the rarest autoimmune disease?

Asherson's syndrome is an extremely rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the development, over a period of hours, days or weeks, of rapidly progressive blood clots affecting multiple organ systems of the body.

What foods trigger scalp inflammation?

Some of the foods and drinks able to cause scalp inflammation are:
  • Excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Vegetable oils.
  • Processed meat.
  • Foods high in sugar or foods containing high fructose corn syrup.
  • Artificial trans fats.
  • Refined carbohydrates.

Does drinking water help scalp inflammation?

Choose the right hair products — Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, as well as products that are free from harsh chemicals that can further irritate your scalp. Drink more water — Adequate hydration is key to maintaining healthy scalp conditions.

Why do I have crusty scabs on my scalp?

Scabs on the scalp can emerge due to folliculitis, dermatitis, psoriasis or an allergic reaction to chemical products, like hair dye or or hair treatments. It is rare for scabs to form due to severe health conditions, like skin cancer.

What vitamin deficiency causes scalp inflammation?

Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, and inflammation in the scalp can contribute to hair loss. Adequate levels of vitamin D may help reduce inflammation in the hair follicles and scalp. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, which is important for hair structure and strength.

Why is my immune system attacking my scalp?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your body. Your immune system attacks your hair follicles because it thinks they're foreign invaders — bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi — that cause infection, illness and disease.

What is lupus of the scalp?

Chronic Cutaneous Lupus

Lesions most often appear on the face, ears, scalp, neck, and hands. They are usually not itchy or painful, but they may cause dark spots or scars that remain on the skin after they heal. Scarring on the scalp may destroy hair follicles and result in permanent hair loss.

What is the best anti-inflammatory diet?

If you're looking for an eating plan that closely follows the tenets of anti-inflammatory eating, consider the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.

Are eggs bad for alopecia?

While the avidin in raw egg whites can interfere with biotin absorption, it is unlikely to cause significant hair loss unless consumed in excess. By ensuring a balanced diet rich in biotin, protein, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, you can keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

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