TLDR Biotin supplements may help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients with low biotinidase activity.
The study investigated the potential link between partial biotinidase deficiency and alopecia areata (AA) by measuring biotinidase activity in 19 patients compared to 19 controls. Initially, patients exhibited significantly lower biotinidase activity (3.0 ± 1.50 mmol/1/min) than controls (4.75 ± 0.80 mmol/1/min). After 40 days of biotin treatment (20 mg/day), patients' biotinidase activity increased (4.40 ± 0.84 mmol/1/min), and 12 out of 19 patients showed clinical remission with new hair growth. The study concluded that evaluating biotinidase activity and biotin supplementation could be beneficial for patients with AA.
17 citations
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July 1994 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” The cause of alopecia areata is likely a mix of genetics, immune system issues, and environmental factors, with more research needed to understand it fully.
161 citations
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March 1992 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Alopecia areata often starts before age 20, is more common in women, and may have a genetic link with other autoimmune diseases.
164 citations
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November 1989 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Juvenile alopecia areata is more severe and has a worse prognosis than maturity-onset alopecia areata.
33 citations
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September 1961 in “Archives of Dermatology” Colchicine causes rapid hair loss by damaging hair follicles.
134 citations
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December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.
13 citations
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January 2016 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Alternative treatments show promise for hair growth beyond traditional methods.
40 citations
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August 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders” Some alternative treatments for hair loss might work, but more research is needed.
September 2023 in “Medicina-lithuania” The study suggests that analyzing DNA can help treat hair loss, but more research is needed.
5 citations
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January 2020 
10 citations
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July 2018 in “Our Dermatology Online” Some vitamins and minerals are important for preventing hair loss, but treating hair loss with them without a known deficiency is not proven effective.
