Gut Microbiota in Alopecia Areata

January 2022 in “ Advances in Dermatology and Allergology ”

Karolina Brzychcy, Izabela Dróźdż, Sebastian Skoczylas, Tomasz Płoszaj, Dorota Sobolewska-Sztychny, Małgorzata Skibińska, Joanna Narbutt, Aleksandra Lesiak

alopecia areata gut microbiota Firmicutes Proteobacteria Bacteroidetes microbial richness microbial diversity AA

TLDR Alopecia areata may be linked to imbalanced gut bacteria.

The study "Gut microbiota in alopecia areata" examines the gut microbiome of 25 patients with alopecia areata (AA) and finds a disturbed microflora characterized by an overrepresentation of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and a reduction in Bacteroidetes, leading to a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. This pattern is similar to that seen in other conditions like obesity and inflammatory bowel disease. The study also notes a loss of microbial richness and diversity in AA patients. These findings suggest a potential link between gut microbiota disturbances and AA, highlighting the need for further research to understand this relationship and its implications for treatment.

View this study on termedia.pl →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

research Ulcerative Colitis and Total Alopecia in a Mother and Her Son

23 citations, April 1993 in “Gastroenterology”

A mother and son both had ulcerative colitis and alopecia, suggesting a genetic link in autoimmune disorders and successful treatment with cyclosporine.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community The link between hair loss and gut health

in Research/Science 59 upvotes 4 years ago

The conversation discusses the potential link between gut health and hair loss, with personal experiences of hair thinning and stomach issues shared. Some individuals found no success with common hair loss treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride and are exploring the impact of gut health on hair growth.

community Testimony after almot 4 years of fight (and many tests)

in Treatment 37 upvotes 3 years ago

User tried various hair loss treatments with limited success. RU58841 was effective but caused side effects, now trying Eucapil and continuing Finasteride.

community Lost 65% of hair last 3 years. No regrowth. Also have Seborrheic Dermatitis flare ups. Diagnosed by derm as "alopecia". Started taking 2 supplements I researched and 0 flare up for over 2 months. New hair growing. Scalp healthy. Everything else has stayed the same! Overjoyed is an understatement!!

in Treatment 18 upvotes 1 year ago

After suffering from hair loss and Seborrheic Dermatitis for three years with no improvement from various treatments, the individual found success with COQ10 and PQQ supplements, which led to new hair growth and a healthy scalp without flare-ups. They also plan to start additional supplements recommended by a dermatologist.

community Pattern hair loss could be due to gut bacteria

48 upvotes 5 years ago

Feeding bacteria-free mice with Lactobacillus murinus worsened hair loss, but a regular diet with biotin stopped it. The conversation suggests gut bacteria and diet may influence hair loss, with some skepticism and discussion about other factors like DHT and genetics.

community C’est terrible - at my wits end

in Female 444 upvotes 1 year ago

A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

community Lost density 60% all over scalp in 120 days (4months)

in Update 10 upvotes 9 months ago

A user lost 60% hair density in 4 months, started finasteride and microneedling, and has greasy, flaky, yellowish scalp. They are awaiting biopsy results, and another user suggested trying ketoconazole shampoo.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Twenty Nail Dystrophy with Alopecia Areata in an Atopic Child

April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.