10 Autoimmune Diseases That Cause Hair Loss & Other Hair Conditions

1. Thyroid Disease

Immune system disorders of this type are caused by hypothyroidism (underproduction of thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (the overproduction of thyroid hormones). Thinning hair is a symptom of both types of thyroid disease. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism can be tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, and muscle aches, among others, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (or Graves’ Disease) can be weight loss, feeling of anxiety or irritability, tremors, and rapid or irregular heartbeat, to name a few. The hormones disrupted in both of these autoimmune diseases are thyroid hormones T3 and T4 and this disruption sometimes leads to hair loss on the head, body, eyelashes, and eyebrows, as stated on Endocrine Web. Hair loss can be in clumps or affect the entire scalp more evenly. You might also notice other hair side effects. With hyperthyroidism your hair might feel finer textured than usual and feel brittle. Those with hypothyroidism can experience dry, coarser feeling hair. The American Academy of Dermatology also reports dry, itchy scalp and dandruff as other possible side effects of thyroid disease. Working with your doctor to treat your thyroid disease is the best way to address this type of hair loss.

2. Alopecia

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease that can cause hair loss on the scalp, face, and body. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), alopecia affects over 6 million people across the nation. Hair loss can affect the whole scalp, can be partial, or may even be limited to small patches. While hair loss associated with alopecia can be extreme, the hair follicle remains alive, which means the hair can regrow. Some alopecia sufferers report a sensation of itching, tingling, or burning on the skin just before losing their hair. There are medical treatments available for alopecia, but often the affected areas of hair loss will grow back on their own, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

While you might not think of arthritis as affecting the immune system, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) describes rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. RA affects the joints, as well as other parts of the body, and can lead to hair loss. Most experts appear to believe that RA itself isn’t so much the cause of thinning hair as the medications taken for RA and stress due to RA flare-ups. Some people with RA also experience scalp inflammation which can trigger hair loss, and an itching or burning sensation on the skin. RA is a disease that is addressed by a medical professional.

4. Ulcerative Colitis

This chronic autoimmune disease of the large intestine causes inflammation and sores in the colon. The World Journal of Gastroenterology stated in a study published in 2015 that hair loss is common in inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. In this study, 66% of patients had diffuse (covering a wide area) hair loss on the scalp, while 34% reported patchy hair loss. Of these, 66% reported their hair loss was at the time of a flare-up. Other symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be diarrhea, pain, and weight loss. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about this disease.

5. Telogen Effluvium

A cause of excessive hair loss, usually after someone experiences a shock or trauma, research published by Skin Appendage Disorders journal stated that there may be an autoimmune or inflammatory type of telogen effluvium associated with Hashimoto’s disease. This disease can cause hair loss, slow hair growth, and overall hair thinning. Other symptoms of Hashimoto’s are dry skin, joint stiffness, brittle nails, and swelling of the thyroid, states Mayo Clinic. Call your doctor if you are concerned about Hashimoto’s disease.

6. Lupus

This chronic disease usually presents as inflammation and pain in the body, often on the face and scalp. Some people experience loss of hair on their head and body. Hair can also become brittle in those with lupus, and according to the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology journal, hair often becomes fragile and may look dry and coarse near the front hairline. Talk with your doctor about options for addressing hair concerns with lupus.

As stated by Mayo Clinic, lichen planus looks like rash-like bumps on the skin that won’t go away. This condition can cause sudden hair loss and often includes redness, scaliness, and itching, as stated by Skin Appendage Disorders journal. You might also notice some swelling on the scalp in affected areas. Talk to your doctor for help improving this disease.

8. Psoriasis and Eczema

While psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, eczema is not. But both can be present when dealing with immune system issues. Those with alopecia, lupus, RA, and ulcerative colitis can experience eczema and psoriasis. One of the most common symptoms of psoriasis is a rash on the skin, which can include the scalp, and often looks like red patches or dryness and can feel itchy or sore. Eczema on the scalp can also be red and scaly and is sometimes mistaken for dandruff.

9. Folliculitis

Not an autoimmune disease, folliculitis is often seen alongside such autoimmune diseases as psoriasis, Crohn’s, type 1 diabetes, and celiac. This condition is the result of infected bacteria causing hair follicles to become inflamed, and can feel itchy and sore.

10. Diabetes 1

Yes, type 1 diabetes is an organ-specific autoimmune disease caused by a response to certain pancreatic cells. People with diabetes 1 are often more susceptible to alopecia. It can also interrupt hair growth cycles, leading to hair loss or thinning.