Autoimmune Conditions and Flare-Ups in Skin & Scalp Health

  • Close-up of a man's head showing a bald spot with some hair loss on the top of the scalp, surrounded by short hair and an ear visible on the side.

    Alopecia

    Hair loss caused by immune attack on hair follicles.

  • Close-up of a person's face with numerous red, inflamed acne or skin rash spots.

    Psoriasis

    Accelerated skin cell turnover causing red, scaly plaques.

  • Close-up of a person's cheek showing redness and irritation.

    Eczema

    Inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, dryness, and flaky patches. Can overlap with autoimmune triggers, increasing barrier sensitivity.

  • Close-up of a person with vitiligo, showing patches of skin pigment loss on face, neck, and shoulder.

    Vitiligo

    Loss of pigment in patches due to immune attack on melanocytes.

  • Illustration of a woman’s neck showing the thyroid gland located below the larynx, surrounding the trachea.

    Graves / Hashimotos Disease

    Autoimmune thyroid diseases. Can affect skin and hair through hormonal imbalance.

  • Close-up of skin with multiple red, irritated bumps and scratches, possibly on a person's knees.

    Celiac Disease

    Immune reaction to gluten, may cause dermatitis herpetiformis, itchy bumps on elbows, knees, or scalp.

Typical Signs of Flare-Ups

  • Sudden redness or inflammation

  • Itching, burning, or irritation

  • Increased scaling, flaking, or dryness

  • Hair shedding or thinning on the scalp

  • Painful or sensitive skin in affected areas

Key Triggers for Flare-Ups

  • Stress and hormonal changes: Can activate immune responses.

  • Environmental factors: Extreme heat, cold, or sun exposure.

  • Skincare products: Strong acids, retinoids, fragrances, or alcohol-based products.

  • Diet or medication changes: Certain foods or medications may exacerbate inflammation.

  • Physical trauma: Over-exfoliation, aggressive brushing, or scalp treatments.

Skincare Strategies During Flare-Ups

  • Simplify your routine: Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers.

  • Barrier repair: Ingredients like ceramides, squalane, panthenol, and colloidal oatmeal help strengthen the skin.

  • Soothing and anti-inflammatory actives: Centella asiatica, aloe vera, bisabolol.

  • Avoid triggers: Stop exfoliants, retinoids, strong acids, or other irritants until flare resolves.

  • Hydration is key: Humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin support skin hydration.

Scalp Care During Flare-Ups

  • Use gentle, non-stripping shampoos

  • Avoid sulfates, fragrances, and harsh surfactants

  • Limit heat styling and tight hairstyles

  • Consider medicated or barrier-supportive scalp treatments under professional guidance

  • Treat hair loss or shedding gently: avoid vigorous brushing or chemical treatments

In-Clinic Support

  • LED therapy: Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

  • Barrier-repair facials and scalp treatments: Hydrate, calm, and protect sensitive areas.

  • Microneedling or light resurfacing: Only when skin/scalp is stable.

  • Targeted treatments for hair loss: Immune-mediated hair loss may benefit from polynucleotides, PRP, or other clinically appropriate interventions.

When to Seek Professional Advice

  • Flare-ups are frequent, severe, or worsening

  • Signs of infection (oozing, crusting, redness spreading)

  • Rapid hair loss or scalp inflammation

  • Pain, irritation, or compromised barrier persists despite gentle care

Professional assessment ensures a safe, tailored approach to both skincare and scalp health while minimising the risk of aggravating an autoimmune flare.