New remedy for circular hair loss

Alopecia areata: drug works in case of circular hair loss

09/02/2014

Over one million people in Germany are said to be affected by circular hair loss (alopecia areata). In part, the hair begins to fall out already in childhood. For those affected it now seems to give new hope: In a study in the US showed an active substance promising results.

Human loses up to 100 head hairs per day
Every person loses between 70 and 100 hairs per day on average. If they do not regrow, they talk about permanent hair loss. Circular hair loss (alopecia areata) is one of the most common forms. According to press reports, over one million Germans are said to be affected. Even the Krefelderin Jenny Latz noted as a ten-year-old bald patches on the back of the head, whereupon the dermatologist Alopecia areata diagnosed how „Mirror online“ reported in a recent post.

Triggers not fully explored
Still, the triggers of the disease are not fully understood. It is believed that this is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own T-cells attack the hair root. Causes that can lead to the different types of hair loss, such as iron deficiency or thyroid disease such as hyperthyroidism. However, hair loss can also be caused by various other diseases, for example by metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or Crohn's disease, bulimia or anorexia, and in rare cases also by infectious diseases such as typhus or scarlet fever.

Different treatment options
Alopecia areata sometimes leads to complete hair loss and meets women as often as men and can occur at any age. For Jenny Latz, the treatment options in the mid-1970s were still poor: „In the pharmacy there was cortisone ointment or a scalp tonic“, it says in the „Mirror online“ Contribution. Although they did not help, the hair slowly grew back over time. Such cortisone-containing ointments and tablets are still in use, also is by acting on the hormone balance trying to stop the disease. As the Munich specialist in dermatology, Harald Bresser, reported, a treatment by means of a laser is possible in which the light probably causes a death of the aggressive T-cells.

Active ingredient tested with good results
A recent in the journal „Nature Medicine“ published pilot study now gives those affected a bit of courage. According to scientists of Columbia University, New York, first immune cells, which are apparently responsible for hair loss. The researchers then administered to mice and three patients the drug ruxolitinib, which is currently used only in the treatment of bone marrow disease, the so-called myelofibrosis. Within a few months, all three patients had their hair almost completely regrown in the bald spots. Although the article does not address drug side effects, the drug may induce dizziness, headaches, and other nerve disorders, according to gesundheitsinformation.de.

Skeptical reactions to study results
Study leader Raphael Clynes explained: „We started to test the drug. If the drug is used successfully and safely, it will have a tremendously positive effect for anyone living with the disease.“ The scientists have meanwhile submitted a patent for the therapy. However, there have been skeptical reactions since the study was announced. So said the press officer of the association „Alopecia Areata Germany“, Kerstin Zienert: „Three treated people are not enough.“ She further explained: „We are interested in the development of the disease.“

Glimmer of hope for those affected
Regina Betz is doing research at the Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Bonn. „Genome-wide association studies based on the comparison of genetic systems in patient and control groups provide a good basis for finding agents for potential therapeutic approaches“, so the human geneticist. In this case, agents such as Ruxolitinib could be a glimmer of hope for those affected. „However, they must first be examined in large groups of patients before being used as therapy.“ Jenny Latz got as a 18-year-old wig, but the „It itched terribly and looked artificial“. Only a second fit better. But when she met a man who told her: „You are so beautiful too“, she renounces the synthetic hair. The Krefelderin is committed today by giving lectures and giving advice. Loud „Mirror online“ she explained „Alopecia areata has become my life theme.“ (Ad)