Neuroendocrine Perspectives in Alopecia Areata: Does Stress Play a Role?
May 2009
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
alopecia areata psychoemotional stress hair follicle regression neurogenic inflammation corticotropin-releasing hormone substance P hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis HPA axis neuroendocrinological research neuroimmunological research inflammatory skin diseases AA stress hair loss CRH skin inflammation
TLDR Stress might contribute to hair loss in alopecia areata.
The document explored the potential role of psychoemotional stress in the onset and progression of alopecia areata (AA). While a definitive cause-effect relationship between stress and AA had not been firmly established, evidence suggested that stress could negatively impact hair growth, at least in mice. Studies in mice demonstrated that stress could inhibit hair growth and induce hair follicle regression through neurogenic inflammation. The research highlighted the complexity of the brain-skin connection and suggested that altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in AA might result from chronic inflammation rather than stress alone. The findings underscored the need for further investigation into the role of stress in AA and the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting stress pathways.
