Association between Smoking and Hair Loss: Another Opportunity for Health Education against Smoking?
January 2003
in “Dermatology”
TLDR Smoking may contribute to hair loss in men.
The document from 2003 discusses the potential link between smoking and hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia. It suggests that smoking may contribute to hair loss through various mechanisms such as damage to the microvasculature of the dermal hair papilla, DNA damage in hair follicle cells, imbalance in protease/antiprotease systems, oxidative stress causing micro-inflammation and fibrosis, and a hypo-oestrogenic state. The author proposes that public awareness of this link could serve as a strong health education tool, potentially more effective than the association of smoking with facial wrinkles or grey hair, since treatments for hair loss are limited. An observational study is mentioned, showing a significant relationship between smoking and baldness in men, but the data was insufficient to draw conclusions for women.
View this study on karger.com →
Cited in this study
research Molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia
AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.
research Treatment of Hair Loss
Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.
Related
research Efficacy of systemic minoxidil and tofacitinib combination in treatment‐resistant alopecia universalis
Using minoxidil and tofacitinib together can effectively treat severe hair loss.
research Electric Hair Follicular Stimulation
Electric Follicle Stimulation may promote hair growth and density with no known side effects.
research Alopecia Areata of the Beard: A Review of the Literature
The document concludes that more research is needed to understand and treat Beard Alopecia Areata due to limited current knowledge and evidence.
research Alopecia areata: Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and unusual cases
Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that can lead to complete baldness, often associated with other autoimmune conditions, and half of the cases may see hair return within a year.
research Dermo-Follicular Proliferation
research The most efficient follicular regenerating unit and the smallest follicular regenerating unit: Potential treatments for hair loss
Identifying specific hair follicle parts could lead to better hair loss treatments.
research Understanding and Management of Female Pattern Alopecia
The conclusion is that the best approach for treating Female Pattern Hair Loss is a combination of different treatments.
research Follicular miniaturization in female pattern hair loss: clinicopathological correlations
Hair loss severity relates to increased miniaturization in female pattern hair loss.