On Sunday, January 22, 2012 Heidi Klum and Seal announced they are filing for divorce. The two wed on May 10, 2005 and have 3 children together. Heidi’s statement to the press on what led to split, via her rep, was relatable and gracious. “While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate,” the duo says in a joint statement. “We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition. We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children’s sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy.”
Jet magazine reported on June 10, 1996 that at age 23 Seal was diagnosed with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE). DLE is a rare form of Lupus causing scars of the face, ears, and scalp. A majority of people with lupus experience some hair loss whether they have a form of lupus that affects several organs or a form that mainly affects the skin. Most of the time, though, lupus is unlikely to cause complete or permanent hair loss.
“Hair loss can be an early sign of lupus,before the disease is actually diagnosed. Lupus causes widespread inflammation, almost always involving the skin, particularly, on the face and scalp“, says Irvine hair transplant surgeon Dr. Ken Williams. He adds, “inflammation and other systemic medical factors, can cause the hair on the scalp to gradually thin out. Patients may even lose their hair in clumps. or eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and body hair is also possible.
Although lupus-related hair loss can be shocking, the hair will most likely grow back once the lupus is medically treated and controlled by a specialist, such as a rheumatologist. The signs and symptoms of lupus often go into remission for long periods of time, but the disease tends to flare back up unpredictably. If a lupus flare occurs the hair loss may start again.
If your hair is falling out, consult a hair loss specialist to find out why. Unless you’re already being treated for lupus or you have other signs and symptoms of the disease, your hair loss is probably caused by something else. Among the possibilities are genetics, medications, hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
For more information on Lupus please visit the Lupus Foundation of America.
Orange County Hair Restoration Center 