Discovered remedies for circular hair loss?

US researchers are discovering remedies for circular hair loss

08/19/2014

Hair loss is an enormous psychological burden for many people. In order to counteract a threatening bald head, toupees or hair transplants are usually used. US researchers have now discovered an effective remedy for circular hair loss.

Over a million Germans with circular hair loss
Every day, an average person loses between 70 and 100 head hairs. Permanent hair loss is when they do not regrow. One of the most common forms of hair loss is circular hair loss (alopecia areata). More than a million Germans are said to be affected according to press reports. Although it has been looking for preventive or therapeutic options for years, so far there are no significant successes to announce. Mostly, toupees or hair transplants are still used.

Numerous causes of hair loss
In order to find out the cause of hair loss, hair and scalp are examined with a reflected-light microscope, for example in a trichodermatoscopy. In some cases, a blood test is also ordered to clarify whether iron deficiency or thyroid disease, such as hyperthyroidism, is the cause of hair loss. However, hair loss can also be caused by numerous other diseases, for example, by metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or Crohn's disease, bulimia or anorexia and in rare cases by infectious diseases such as typhus or scarlet fever.

Three patients successfully treated
US researchers now report a success in the treatment of hair loss. In the trade magazine „Nature Medicine“ the scientists write that they succeeded, three at „Alopecia areata“ to treat ill people successfully. It is said that the body's defense system attacks the hair follicles during the illness. Columbia University researchers in New York City have discovered that a certain group of T helper cells are attacking the follicles. To further clarify this autoimmune phenomenon, the scientists initially started an animal study in which rodents were given the agent ruxolitinib or tofacitinib, which is used in the US for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Experts are optimistic
After finding positive results in the test, the researchers examined these in three patients with moderate to severe alopecia who had already lost at least one-third of their main hair. The first results of the study showed that the hair had completely regrown within four to five months. In addition, T cells that attack the hair follicles could no longer be detected in the scalp. Although the effectiveness of the preparations must be finally proven in larger studies, the renowned dermatologist David Bickers told the British BBC: „This is a big step to improving the treatment of alopecia areata.“ And the study's senior scientist, Raphael Clynes, said that the discovery „dramatically positive effects“ for people with circular hair loss will have. (Ad)