Rash in hair

[cheshcat]

My rheumatologist appointment isn't until the end of August. My primary feels I have Rheumatoid (which I probably do) but I still wonder about Lupus.

I do have a rash on my face, which could be Rosacea. But I'm worried about my hair/head rash. My hair is thinning. It could be the Rheumatoid I suppose or another unrelated rash.

I was just wondering if I posted pictures if you could tell me if it looks like a Lupus rash? I can call my dermatologist but I don't know what they can do until I (finally) see my rheumatologist.

Thank you!

[AimeeA]

With lupus it is very important to avoid the sun. If you have a bad head rash, if you are going to be out in the sun for more than a few moments wear a hat or scarf to keep the sun off. Do not sunbathe at all and stay in the shade if you need to be outside.

Also look into shampoos that address head rashes as those can help a lot, those with salicylic acid (anti inflammatory) or nizoral (antifungal). A pharmacist/chemist can help you choose on, or look in anti dandruff section for specialized shampos.

[Cas70]

Get it looked at asap - I left my rash and kept scratching and now have an Alopecia scar i.e. A bald patch. Do not scratch it - I was given Betnovate. this could be related to another autoimmune condition as there are a few of them and are all linked. Look up Sjogren's Syndrome. Keep pushing for a Dermatologist to look at your scalp - they got me my diagnosis! Good luck and keep us posted.

[Elle-26]

My joints were the first sign of my Lupus, Fatigue and wanting to sleep. The next was loss of hair due to scalp lesions ... They were itchy and burned if I scratched them .. Lost all my hair .. I had a fight to find out what the rash was as I was just fobbed off with Alopecia .. It wasn't until the second Consultant I saw took a biopsy that they found it was Lupus .. I was then sent to the Rheumatologist that confirmed Lupus, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Spinal nerve damage and Spondylosis .. I went on to have more tests and found Liver Inflammation, CKD stage 2/3 and Inflammation of the oesophagus (Oesophagitis) with lesions ... I went on to lose my eyelashes and eyebrows .. I think with the rash you have it would be better to see a dermatologist .. xxx

[Shaysuekirk]

I used to get the rash on my scalp before meds. My hair still thins, but I don't have the itchy gross rash anymore. It could be any of the autoimmune diseases. It's hard to wait, but hang in there.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi cheshcat ,

Does the rash/hair loss seem to get worse when you have been in the sun or certain artificial lighting? UV exposure can often be a trigger for rashes and general lupus activity so it is important to protect yourself as well as you can. For tips on protecting yourself, please have a look at our blog article here - lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-.... We also have a blog article about hair loss in lupus which may be of interest lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

I'm afraid that as we are not medically trained, we are not able to comment on whether your rash could be caused by lupus or something else. It may be worth speaking with your dermatologist in case they can prescribe a topical treatment or if they want to do any blood tests/biopsy to test for lupus.

If you would like more information about lupus and how it is diagnosed, you can request or download one of our free packs at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...

[cheshcat]

Thank you all! Yes, I couldn't find my hat a few days ago, I wasn't in the sun long but it caused an outbreak. It's weird in that it's only my shoulders too, which it's never really done before. I have no idea what it is, I wish I didn't have to just guess until my Rheumatology appointment. I tried called and telling them I'm having problems but they said that was the first new patient appointment. I am on the cancellation list to call.

I honestly thought I had MS. But my hands swelled up badly and they told me it was classic rheumatoid hands and my blood work is positive for rheumatoid and my ANA is positive. I'm not sure it explains my neurological problems but my primary said I need to wait for rheumatology for a diagnosis. Until then I have band aide meds.

I do have a prescription cortisone to put on rashes, should I apply that to my head? Does that help if it is a Lupus rash?

Thank you all again! I've been all over the Healthunlocked boards. I'm so close to figuring out what in the world is wrong with me and I appreciate the help here at the Lupus Board <3