Living With Lupus as a Man – A Major Challenge to Self-Image

June 2025 in “ Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ”

Z. Karakikla-Mitsakou, R. Chotai, Anna Nicolaou, C. Kyriakou Yiasoumi, E. Koskina, A. Cornet

systemic lupus erythematosus SLE hair loss

TLDR Lupus significantly affects men's self-image, with many struggling to fulfill traditional masculine roles.

The study explored the experiences of 182 men with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) across Europe, focusing on how the disease affects their self-image as men. Thematic analysis revealed that 27% of respondents struggled with fulfilling traditional masculine roles due to symptoms like fatigue and pain, while 17% experienced diminished self-worth. Physical changes such as hair loss affected 10% of participants' self-image. Overall, 3 out of 4 men reported significant impacts on their self-image, highlighting the need for tailored support to address these psychosocial and identity-related challenges.

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