Hair Loss in a Hemodialysis Patient after Repetitive Use of the Antipruritic Drug Nalfurafine: Implications of Impaired Angiogenesis for Hair Loss

A 47-year-old man experienced systemic hair loss one month after starting hemodialysis, coinciding with the introduction of the antipruritic drug nalfurafine. Upon discontinuing nalfurafine, his hair loss was completely resolved over the following five months. The study suggests that the activation of κ-opioid receptors by nalfurafine may have led to blood capillary regression around hair follicles, causing the cessation of hair growth and subsequent hair loss.