Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the tissue that lines the joints. Although RA does not cause hair loss, some of the treatments for RA can result in loss of hair in women, which can cause significant discomfort.
Identification
RA can be treated with medications known as disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs. One of the side effects of some of these medications, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases explains, is loss of hair, which may be particularly noticeable in women.
Types
Methotrexate and leflunomide, two DMARDs that can be used to treat RA, suppress the immune system. However, these medications also damage rapidly dividing cells, such as those present in the hair follicle, resulting in loss of hair on the body and head.
Prevention/Solution
In some cases, the San Diego Arthritis Medical Clinic explains, hair loss caused by DMARDs can be prevented by using lower doses of the medications. If the hair loss continues and is unbearable, other medications can be used, such as hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine. Cyclosporine, another DMARD, can actually lead to increased hair growth.
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