Alopecia Areata and Toxic Metals

January 2020 in “ Skin appendage disorders ”

Paolo D. Pigatto, Silvia Ferrucci, Lucia Brambilla, Gianpaolo Guzzi

alopecia areata thallium arsenic selenium mercury cadmium bismuth lithium copper zinc deficiency serum zinc levels

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.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Alopecia and Associated Toxic Agents: A Systematic Review

26 citations, January 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Thallium, mercury, selenium, and colchicine strongly cause hair loss.

research Epidemiology and Burden of Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

144 citations, July 2015 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease affecting about 2% of people, causing significant disability and often associated with mental health issues and other autoimmune conditions.

research Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss

73 citations, January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

People with hair loss, especially those with certain types, have lower zinc levels, and zinc supplements might help.

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Related Research

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research Serum Zinc Concentration in Patients With Alopecia Areata

October 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica (Print)”

People with severe hair loss have lower zinc levels in their blood.