Disease-related hair loss can occur at any age. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, the average person has five million hairs, and most hairs grow for up to six years before falling out. The NIH says hair loss, along with scalp infections and flaking, are common hair and scalp problems. Less common are disease-related causes of hair loss, which include certain autoimmune and lifestyle-related diseases.
Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is a disease that can cause hair loss. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, SLE is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects connective tissue in any part of the body. An autoimmune condition, such as SLE, is a condition in which your immune system targets the body's cells and tissues, which causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage. Numerous symptoms accompany SLE, including arthritis pain, fever and skin rashes. In fact, the UMMC says, approximately 20 percent of SLE patients have discoid or coin-shaped lesions that can manifest on the scalp and cause severe scarring. Scalp discoid lesions can plug hair follicles and cause irreversible hair loss. The UMMC says that about 50 percent of SLE patients experience temporary hair loss or breakage during severe flare-ups, following pregnancy or after a serious illness.
Diabetes
The Kids' Health website says endocrine or hormonal conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, may interfere with hair production and cause hair loss. Due to impaired blood flow or circulation--a symptom that's characteristic of diabetes--diabetics are susceptible to skin problems, including scalp problems. Reduced blood circulation in diabetics means that less oxygen and important nutrients are able to reach your hair follicles, which may lead to hair loss. Diabetes may cause hormonal imbalances that result in hair loss and impaired hair follicle regeneration. It also places a significant amount of unhealthy stress on your body, which could cause hair loss. If you're diabetic and notice excessive hair loss, seek medical assistance as soon as possible, as this could be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes or a separate underlying disease.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease that can cause hair loss. According to the Mayo Clinic website, hypothyroidism or dysfunctional thyroid is a condition in which your thyroid gland generates an insufficient quantity of certain hormones. Hypothyroidism is especially common in women older than 50. The Mayo Clinic website says hypothyroidism alters the balance of chemical reactions in your body, and that it typically doesn't cause symptoms early. Over time, however, uncontrolled hypothyroidism may lead to numerous serious health conditions, including obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. Hypothyroidism also causes hair to become brittle, thin and fall out. You may notice significant amounts of hair falling out while showering, along with the hair becoming dry, coarse and becoming easily tangled.
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