Studies have showed that 75% of autoimmune disease patients are women and autoimmune syndrome continues to be on the rise. In autoimmune syndrome, the immune system somehow loses its purpose and healthy cells and tissues are detected as alien aggressors and are subsequently attacked by the body itself. Any of the body’s system can be affected by this state. Hair loss and skin problems are often the most common symptoms for an underlying autoimmune condition.
Among autoimmune patients, hair loss is most frequently seen in: Systemic and Discoid lupus erythromatosis, Graves disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, Crohn’s disorder, Celiac disease, Scleroderma, Ulcerative colitis, Lichen Planus, Pernicious anemia, Diabetes Type I, Autoimmune hepatitis and Wilson’s disease among others.
Hair growth can be disrupted very easily as hair is almost a barometer to the body’s wellness. The smallest disturbance in bodily function can trigger hair loss, making it one of the first indicators of a more serious underlying symptom.
In an autoimmune state, the immune system destroys its own cells, mistakenly thinking it is an alien agent and in response to this, activates an inflammatory response which in turn is an attempt by the body to maintain and restore homeostasis or stabilize the situation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response and is an essential part of the built-in healing process.
Though some inflammation is part of the healing process, prolonged inflammation, however, is damaging. Hair loss due to auto immune conditions is sometimes treated with anti-inflammatory diets when called for. Suppressed autoimmune states are triggered by specific triggers and identifying these triggers can give relief from repeated attacks. The most common triggers are toxins, prolonged stress, viruses and allergens.
Hair loss triggered by an autoimmune state can be managed with several natural processes including aromatherapy. Aromatherapies in these cases have shown new hair growth in addition to removing stress and anxiety by soothing the nerves, the very triggers that set of an autoimmune response.
Excessive and unusual hair loss must be consulted as soon as it is evident in order to detect and treat the underlying cause as soon as possible.