Vitamin D Status in Patients with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Retrospective Study

April 2022 in “ JAAD International ”

Alexis Arasu, Nekma Meah, Samantha Eisman, Dmitri Wall, Rodney Sinclair

frontal fibrosing alopecia female pattern hair loss vitamin D 25-hydroxy vitamin D vitamin D insufficiency alopecia FFA FPHL

TLDR Women with frontal fibrosing alopecia have similar vitamin D levels to those with other hair loss types, suggesting vitamin D is not a key factor in this condition.

The retrospective study conducted between March 2013 and February 2020 compared the baseline vitamin D levels in 100 women with Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) to those in 100 women with female pattern hair loss. The mean 25-hydroxy vitamin D level in women with FFA was 68.9 nmol/L compared with 65.96 nmol/L in women with female pattern hair loss. Vitamin D insufficiency was observed in 20% of patients from both groups. The study concluded that there may be no additional requirement to measure vitamin D levels in patients with FFA compared to other forms of alopecia. The findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency is unlikely to be implicated in the pathogenesis of FFA. The study's limitations include its retrospective nature, small size, and the overrepresentation of women.

View this study on jaadinternational.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Sunscreen and Facial Skincare Products in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Case-Control Study

26 citations, October 2018 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Regular use of sunscreen may be linked to frontal fibrosing alopecia.

research Vitamin D Status in Scarring and Nonscarring Alopecia

13 citations, April 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

People with certain types of hair loss, especially lichen planopilaris and telogen effluvium, as well as African Americans, Asians, and men, are more likely to have severe vitamin D deficiency.

research The Role of Vitamin D in Non-Scarring Alopecia

32 citations, December 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Low vitamin D might be linked to certain types of hair loss, and supplements could help, but more research is needed.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 415 results

community How I started reversing Male Pattern Baldness naturally ?

in Question 6 upvotes 7 years ago

The user reversed male pattern baldness using a pro-thyroid diet, lifestyle changes, and scalp stimulation exercises, without Minoxidil or Finasteride. They reported reduced dandruff, itchiness, oiliness, and experienced hair regrowth and thickening over 15 months.

community A Different Take on Curing MBP

16 upvotes 5 years ago

Addressing hair loss by focusing on posture, blood flow, and craniofacial development. Methods include improving posture, cardiovascular activity, scalp massages, healthy diet, meditation, using minoxidil, and addressing craniofacial issues.

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 6 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Dutasteride Isn't Working? Get a Scalp Biopsy NOW

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 19 upvotes 1 week ago

Dutasteride may not be effective for everyone due to underlying issues, suggesting scalp biopsies for further diagnosis. Users discuss using higher doses of dutasteride, topical treatments, minoxidil, and pyrilutamide for hair loss management.

community DUPA/Retrograde might not be DHT based...GET A BIOPSY QUICK or permanent Hair Loss!

in Research/Science 38 upvotes 2 weeks ago

DUPA and retrograde alopecia may not be solely DHT-based, and a biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, oral minoxidil, pioglitazone, clobetasol, calcipotriol, ketoconazole, and doxycycline, depending on the specific condition.

community 9 months on Fin - no progress , should I get on Dutasteride?

in Chat 10 upvotes 3 months ago

The user has been using finasteride, minoxidil, and nizoral for hair loss but hasn't seen regrowth, only maintenance. They are considering switching to dutasteride, which is believed to be more effective, but are concerned about potential side effects.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

research Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D Levels Should Be Evaluated in Patients With Diffuse Hair Loss Prior to Treatment

6 citations, January 2020 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii”

Check and treat low iron and vitamin D levels in people with hair loss.

research Vitamin D Deficiency in Non-Scarring and Scarring Alopecias: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

October 2024 in “Frontiers in Nutrition”

Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with certain types of hair loss, like alopecia areata and female pattern hair loss.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss and Androgen Excess: A Report From the Multidisciplinary Androgen Excess and PCOS Committee

49 citations, February 2019 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Use "female pattern hair loss" term, assess androgen excess, treat with minoxidil and other medications if needed.

research Diagnostic Evaluation of Hair Loss: A Narrative Review

October 2023 in “European medical journal. Dermatology”

Hair loss greatly affects quality of life, and dermatologists are crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

research MTOR Signaling in Hair Follicle and Hair Diseases: Recent Progress

September 2023 in “Frontiers in medicine”

The mTOR signaling pathway is crucial for hair health and targeting it may lead to new hair loss treatments.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Comprehensive Review

15 citations, July 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

FPHL is common in women, influenced by genetics and hormones, and can be treated with medications, laser therapy, or hair transplantation.