Alopecia in Lupus: Experience from a Tertiary Referral Centre
March 2012
in “
Indian Journal of Rheumatology
”
New to Alopecia Areata? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → 
Studysummary This study found that while alopecia is a less serious manifestation of lupus, it significantly impacts the quality of life due to its psychosocial effects.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital involved 50 lupus patients and found that 80% suffered from alopecia. The most common type was telogen effluvium (40%), followed by 'lupus hair' (20%), scarring alopecia with discoid lesions (14%), and alopecia areata (10%). There were no instances of alopecia totalis. 'Lupus hair' correlated with higher disease activity, and 30% of participants reported a decline in quality of life due to the recurring nature and scarring of alopecia. The research concluded that although alopecia in lupus patients is not fatal, it has a significant negative impact on their psychosocial health.
