Hair and Nail Involvement in Lupus Erythematosus
March 2004
in “
Clinics in Dermatology
”
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus DLE alopecia inflammatory follicular destruction non-scarring alopecia systemic lupus erythematosus SLE corticosteroids antimalarial therapy hairpieces wigs vasodilating agents inhibitors of platelet aggregation isotretinoin topical corticosteroids lupus hair loss scarring alopecia non-scarring hair loss steroids antimalarials hairpieces wigs vasodilators platelet inhibitors Accutane topical steroids
TLDR Lupus can cause hair loss and nail changes, with treatments available for both.
The 2004 document outlines the effects of lupus erythematosus (LE) on hair and nails, noting that Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) of the scalp occurs in 60% of DLE patients and can lead to permanent alopecia in 34% due to inflammatory follicular destruction. Scalp involvement in systemic LE is less common, and while photosensitivity is less prevalent in DLE, over 50% of patients do not develop lesions after UV exposure. The document also describes non-scarring alopecia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, which is reversible with disease control, and various nail changes specific and nonspecific to LE. Treatment options for LE-related hair loss include corticosteroids, antimalarial therapy, and hairpieces or wigs for permanent alopecia, with early aggressive treatment recommended for DLE of the scalp. For nail involvement, keeping digits warm and using vasodilating agents or inhibitors of platelet aggregation are suggested, along with systemic isotretinoin and potent topical corticosteroids for specific LE types.
