For my first article back, I thought that I'd answer a few of the questions from your recent emails. Who knows? Maybe your question is here! (Some of the questions have been edited for content and/or grammar, but they're all from you readers. Keep those emails coming, and I'll keep working on the backlog!)
Q: "I went to my GP 8 weeks ago with a small patch of hair loss. Seven weeks later I went back and this spot was much larger and he said it was Alopecia. He thought I should see a dermatologist. I went to the dermatologist and he said it is either Lupus or Alopecia. I don't want to sound so darn vain but is hair loss permanent if it is Lupus?"
A: Hair loss is a frequent symptom of lupus because of the tendency of the immune system to attack the skin cells and hair follicles. Usually the hair loss is in clumps, and can present with or without a rash, flakes or a raised, red patch. Sometimes, however, the hair loss is generalized, with an overall thinning of hair.
The term "alopecia" simply means "absence or loss of hair" so your dermatologist isn't being particularly helpful. The underlying cause of the hair loss needs to be determined, so that proper treatment can be started. A biopsy of the area may be helpful in determining if your alopecia is due to lupus. If it is, topical steroid creams (along with other treatments for lupus) can be helpful and may regenerate hair growth.
Generalized hair loss can sometimes be reversed with lupus treatments, or your doctor can recommend some other current treatments for hair loss, like Rogaine. There are also great wig and hairpieces available in case your loss is more permanent, or if you just don't want to wait for it to grow back.
Q: "I am trying to find information on lupus and pregnancy. I have had 2 miscarriages and 1 successful pregnancy. The successful pregnancy was before lupus. I would like to find an OB that understands lupus and can follow me through pregnancy."
A: Although I'm living proof that lupus doesn't automatically mean that you can't have a successful pregnancy, every lupus patient is different and every pregnancy is different. If you happen to carry antiphospholipid, anti-Ro, or anti-La antibodies, your risk of miscarriage is higher than if you test negative for these antibodies.
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