Oxidative Stress in Alopecia Areata: A Case-Control Study

OP is using 5% minoxidil and a foligain supplement for hair loss, with blood test results showing high cortisol levels. OP is considering starting finasteride, while another user shares their experience with finasteride and hair loss challenges due to malabsorption issues.

A user noticed a sudden bald spot and others suggested it might be alopecia areata, often stress-induced, recommending seeing a dermatologist for steroid injections. Topical minoxidil was mentioned as a successful treatment by one user.

The conversation discusses alopecia areata and whether diet changes can resolve it. One user mentions that their condition fluctuates without dietary changes, suggesting stress as a possible factor.

The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and inflammation despite using 2.5mg dutasteride daily, ciclopirox, and ketoconazole shampoos. They are considering treatments like hydroxychloroquine and JAK inhibitors due to suspected scarring alopecia and have faced challenges in obtaining a scalp biopsy.

A 20-year-old male has been experiencing hair loss since age 15-16 and is using oral minoxidil, dutasteride, and ketoconazole shampoo, with previous use of oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. He has stabilized hair loss but seeks to rule out inflammatory or immune-related causes, considering a scalp biopsy, and is supplementing with vitamin D3, B12, and iron.

Corticosterone inhibits GAS6, affecting hair follicle stem-cell activity, with potential implications for stress-related hair loss. Ashwagandha and Vitamin K are suggested for reducing cortisol, but their effectiveness is debated.