Skip to main content

Q. “I am starting to experience hair loss. Can this be connected with my Sjögren’s and what can I do about it?” 

A. Hair loss can be caused by a number of conditions including hormonal or genetic causes, medications, inflammatory conditions of the scalp, autoimmune disorders, or shedding of the hair that can occur after a change in health status. Patients with Sjögren’s can have hair loss, but their underlying Sjögren’s is not always to blame. A thorough history and physical exam by a dermatologist can help to elucidate the underlying cause of the patient’s hair loss and will guide treatment.

As Sjögren’s patients often have a concurrent autoimmune disorder it is important to confirm entities like cutaneous or systemic lupus are not the cause of the hair loss. Control of the underlying autoimmune disease is the priority in this case to improve the hair loss. If cutaneous lupus is present, topical medications, injectable medications, and sometimes-internal medications are needed. Significant illness or major life events, which can affect Sjögren’s patients, can produce a shedding of the hair called telogen effluvium that fortunately is self-resolving. Androgenetic alopecia, a type of hair loss that can be caused by genetic or hormonal factors, and is not related to Sjögren’s, can begin with a widening of the midline part of the hair. Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) 5% foam or solution is usually the first line treatment. 

As a number of other conditions can also produce hair loss, I would encourage you to see your dermatologist to diagnose your type of hair loss and formulate a treatment plan. 

Natalie Wright, MD, FAAD 
Texas

This article was first printed in  the Foundation's patient newsletter for members.