Ultrastructure Study of Hair Damage After Ultraviolet Irradiation

December 2013 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Nehal Mohamed Zuelfakkar, Ekramy Ahmed El‐Khateeb, Hala S. Cousha, Dina Mohamed Hamed

ultraviolet irradiation UV exposure psoralen plus UVA narrow band UVB hair follicle perifollicular collagen transmission electron microscopy cell injury UV light UVA UVB

Studysummary This study found that ultraviolet treatment for skin conditions such as vitiligo can damage hair, with psoralen plus ultraviolet A causing more follicle damage than narrow band ultraviolet B.

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The study investigated the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on hair in 20 patients with vitiligo undergoing UV treatment, compared to 10 healthy volunteers. It was found that UV exposure led to significant physical changes in hair appearance, with group 1 (psoralen plus UVA) showing more reduced hair follicle thickness and disorganized perifollicular collagen than group 2 (narrow band UVB). Transmission electron microscopy revealed nonspecific cell injury in hair follicles, particularly in group 1. The study concluded that UV treatment could damage hair, and patients should take precautions to protect their hair during such treatments.

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