6. Hair and Scalp Distress: The Lesser-Known Mark of Pemphigus
While skin and mucous membranes are primary targets, pemphigus also introduces distress to the scalp and hair. This symptom often manifests subtly, taking backstage to the more apparent skin blisters. People suffering from pemphigus might notice an unusual amount of hair falling out, sometimes even in clumps. This hair loss, termed as telogen effluvium in medical lingo, is a startling side effect of the body’s internal conflict.
Delving deeper, the scalp is not spared from the blistering action. Just like the skin, it can develop painful blisters which, upon rupturing, might leave raw patches. These areas are often sensitive to touch and make activities like combing hair an agonizing experience.
The intertwining of pemphigus with hair loss is not just skin deep. The autoimmunity wreaks havoc on the hair growth cycle. While every hair strand has a life cycle, the disease pushes more hair into the shedding phase prematurely. It’s like a timer gone haywire, fast-forwarding the process.
Though this symptom is not always in the limelight, it holds profound implications on one’s self-esteem and body image. While the external manifestations are challenging enough, the emotional toll it exacts amplifies the disease’s impact. (6)
