Alopecia Areata and Toxic Metals
January 2020
in “
Skin appendage disorders
”
TLDR Toxic metals can cause hair loss and should be considered by doctors.
The study by Vicky Yu and colleagues highlighted that toxic metals such as thallium, arsenic, selenium, and mercury are significant but often overlooked causes of alopecia areata. Additionally, cadmium, bismuth, lithium, and copper should also be considered. In a cohort of 1,376 patients in Milan, Italy, 25 cases of alopecia areata were linked to toxic metal exposure, with a prevalence rate of 1.74%, aligning with global rates of 0.57-3.8%. The study also found an association between low serum zinc levels and alopecia areata, suggesting zinc deficiency as a potential underlying mechanism. The authors emphasized the importance of monitoring patients for toxic metal exposure and zinc levels.
