Functional Analysis of the Stratum Corneum of Scalp Skin: Studies in Patients with Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia
December 2000
in “
Archives of Dermatological Research
”
TLDR Scalp skin barrier affects hair loss; personalized treatments needed.
This study analyzed the stratum corneum of scalp skin in patients with alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. The study found that the scalp skin is a strong barrier against water loss, and that hair loss may be caused by a weakened skin barrier due to increased water loss and decreased skin surface lipids. The study emphasizes the need for personalized treatments for hair loss in patients with alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia based on the unique characteristics of the scalp skin's stratum corneum. The study also found differences in the stratum corneum and steroid atrophy in patients with alopecia areata, and that removing skin surface lipids decreased skin surface hydration.