Alopecia and the Microbiome: A Future Therapeutic Target?
March 2021
in “
Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
”
New to Alopecia Areata? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → androgenetic alopecia alopecia areata dysbiosis bacterial colonization fungal species Staphylococcus species folliculitis decalvans scarring alopecia fecal transplantation microbial metabolites Lindera strychnifolia extract scalp microbiota AGA AA microbiome imbalance bacteria fungi Staphylococcus scarring hair loss fecal transplant microbial byproducts Lindera extract scalp bacteria
Studysummary This review discusses the scalp microbiome's unique features and its potential role in hair disorders, suggesting that microbiome-targeted treatments could offer new therapeutic options, though no clinical results are reported. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The document reviews the potential connection between the microbiome and alopecia, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA). It suggests that dysbiosis on the scalp and changes in bacterial and fungal populations may contribute to these hair loss conditions. Observations include a higher bacterial colonization and different fungal species in AGA patients, and a higher percentage of Staphylococcus species in folliculitis decalvans, a form of scarring alopecia. Case reports and a double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 160 AA participants indicate that treatments targeting the microbiome, including fecal transplantation and microbial metabolites, can lead to hair regrowth. A study with 12 AGA patients showed that topical application of Lindera strychnifolia extract increased hair growth and altered the scalp microbiota. The document concludes that while the exact role of the microbiome in alopecia is not fully understood, it presents a promising area for developing new treatments, though more research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety.
