Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various systems in the body, including the skin and scalp. When the disease affects the scalp, it causes inflammation of the hair follicles and can lead to scarring hair loss known as "discoid lupus of the scalp".
Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various systems in the body, including the skin and scalp. When the disease affects the scalp, it causes inflammation of the hair follicles and can lead to scarring hair loss known as "discoid lupus of the scalp".
Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various systems in the body, including the skin and scalp. When the disease affects the scalp, it causes inflammation of the hair follicles and can lead to scarring hair loss known as "discoid lupus of the scalp".
The disease is characterised by the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, including the skin and the hair follicles.
Causes & pathogenesis
- Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. The causes include:
- Genetic factors - a familial predisposition to the disease
- Environmental factors - exposure to UV radiation, viral infections
- Hormonal changes - more common in women
- Certain medications that may trigger the disease
- Psychological stress and trauma
- In the scalp, the disease causes chronic inflammation around the hair follicles, destruction of the follicles and the formation of scars.
Symptoms of lupus on the scalp
- Round or elliptical patches of hair loss
- Redness and inflammation in the affected areas
- Thick, sticky scales on the scalp
- Scarring and atrophy of the skin in the areas of hair loss
- A change in skin colour - hyper- or hypo-pigmentation
- Pain, itching or a burning sensation
- Gradual expansion of the affected areas
- No appearance of new hair in the affected areas
Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination by a dermatologist or rheumatologist
A biopsy of the affected skin
showing characteristic chronic inflammation
Blood tests
ANA, Anti-dsDNA, specific antibodies
Sedimentation rate and blood chemistry tests
Imaging of the affected areas and photographic follow-up
Treatment options
The treatment is tailored to the severity and spread of the disease, and is aimed at halting the inflammation and preventing further damage.
- Topical treatments: strong corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors
- Anti-malarial medications: hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine
- Immunosuppressants: methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate
- Steroid injections into the affected areas
- Protection from UV radiation - essential to prevent worsening
- Hair transplantation (only in stable areas with no disease activity)
Course of the disease & prognosis
Lupus of the scalp is a chronic disease that requires long-term follow-up. With appropriate treatment it is possible to halt the progression of the disease and prevent further damage. Areas that have already been affected and are scarred will not grow new hair. Preventing sun exposure and treating flare-ups early are of great importance.
Associated conditions & prevention
- Lupus may affect additional systems: kidneys, heart, lungs, joints.
- For protection and prevention of worsening:
- Strict protection from UV radiation
- Use of a high-protection sunscreen
- Avoiding sun exposure during the hot hours
- Regular medical follow-up
- Early treatment of flare-ups
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimal stress
In summary
Lupus erythematosus is a condition that requires professional, individually tailored treatment. At our clinic we provide accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment, while safeguarding patient safety and giving continuous medical follow-up to achieve the best possible results.
Frequently asked questions
Lupus of the scalp is a chronic disease that requires long-term follow-up. With appropriate treatment it is possible to halt the progression of the disease and prevent further damage. Areas that have already been affected and are scarred will not grow new hair. Preventing sun exposure and treating flare-ups early are of great importance.
You can book a personal consultation with Dr. Rimma Laufer Britva in Kfar Saba via the website form or a WhatsApp message. The consultation includes an accurate diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.
