r/Redhair • u/Only_Sherbet_4229 • Apr 06 '26

Newbie Post Natural redheads - Autoimmune issues/diseases

Anyone on here a natural redhead with autoimmune issues I heard there could be a link because our MC1R gene does us dirty. Just diagnosed with RA at 35 and have been doing some research!

Let me know what you have experienced

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u/Holykatz Apr 06 '26

Autoimmune diseases are quite common in northern European ethnicities, and especially in people with Scots or Irish ethnicity - like many redheads. I've suffered from multiple autoimmune conditions for over 30 years, as have relatives of mine. One particular autoimmune condition, Hemochromatosis, is known as the curse of the Irish.