Self-Reported Alopecia in an Ethnically Diverse Lupus Cohort
April 2018
in “
Rheumatology
”
Studysummary This study found that self-reported alopecia was common in lupus patients, often characterized by changes in hair texture and volume, and was associated with anti-Ro antibodies and significant anxiety.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study investigated self-reported alopecia in a diverse cohort of 67 lupus patients, finding a high prevalence of 59.7%, predominantly among females. Alopecia was commonly described as a change in hair texture and volume over the entire scalp and was associated with other cutaneous SLE manifestations like rashes (62.5%) and oral ulceration (47.5%). The condition was linked to the presence of anti-Ro antibodies but not to age or ethnicity. Patients with alopecia experienced significant anxiety, with a mean stress score of 6.59. The findings suggested that alopecia in lupus patients was more likely disease-related rather than medication-related.
