Systemic causes of hair loss

Abstract

Hair loss is both a common chief complaint by patients and a clinical challenge for physicians, especially general practitioners, yet few dermatological problems yield as much patient satisfaction when resolved as hair loss. The diagnosis is often attributed to androgen-related hair loss, while other causes, some of which are life-threatening but treatable, are overlooked. We searched for relevant literature on hair loss and supported these findings with our clinical experience to identify seven major systemic etiologies of hair loss, ranging from infectious agents to consumption of unsafe supplements. Many causes are only described in the literature through case studies, though some original articles and meta-analyses are available. Careful history taking, proper examination techniques, and judicious use of laboratory tests are essential to reach at the correct diagnosis in a cost-effective manner when performing patient work-up. Such methodical evaluation of hair loss can result in the appropriate treatment plan and provide significant patient satisfaction. Key messages Hair loss is a common chief complaint and a difficult challenge for both general practitioners and dermatology consultants. We identified seven major categories of systemic hair loss etiology and present a framework for their clinical evaluation. A methodical approach to hair loss can result in the appropriate treatment plan and provide significant patient satisfaction.

Autophagy is essential for maintaining the growth of a human (mini-)organ: Evidence from scalp hair follicle organ culture

“…In line with this concept, another agent that positively regulates autophagy, caffeine [ 49 , 50 ], is sold as a hair growth–promoting cosmeceutical and has been shown to also prolong anagen and stimulate the proliferation of hair MK [ 51 ]. Autophagy inducers, which are the focus of intense ongoing research efforts [ 52 – 55 ], are therefore promising agents for the treatment of hair growth disorders and drug-induced hair loss phenomena characterized by premature catagen induction [ 56 ]. However, currently available chemical inducers of autophagy have limited specificity for the autophagic process and produce several autophagy-independent effects [ 55 ] that may also affect the HF cycle.…”

Hydroxytyrosol prevents dermal papilla cells inflammation under oxidative stress by inducing autophagy

“…In line with this concept, the clinical relevant recommend that that CQ can induce premature catagen, which cause telogen effluvium in patients taking this antimalarial medication . Conversely, autophagy inducers are regarded as promising tools for the treatment of hair growth disorders and drug‐induced hair loss . We also used autophagy inducers rapamycin showed it has the same protective function in DPCs as HT under OS (Figure ).…”

“…[29] Conversely, autophagy inducers are regarded as promising tools for the treatment of hair growth disorders and drug-induced hair loss. [30] We also used autophagy inducers rapamycin showed it has the same protective function in DPCs as HT under OS (Figure 4).…”

Female pattern hair loss: A comprehensive review

“…Conditions such as Treponema palladium infection, malignancy, iron deficiency, hyper/ hypothyroidism, and rheumatologic disorders may be evident with diffuse hair loss. 28,29 An extensive history should be taken prior to making a diagnosis of FPHL. Female pattern hair loss may be evident by itself or with other types of alopecia.…”

“…Medications that may cause diffuse hair loss include anti‐hypertensives, statins, anti‐psychotropic agents, and antivirals. Conditions such as Treponema palladium infection, malignancy, iron deficiency, hyper/hypothyroidism, and rheumatologic disorders may be evident with diffuse hair loss 28,29 . An extensive history should be taken prior to making a diagnosis of FPHL.…”