Inflammation causes hair loss!

[ModernHair]

I think we will find out in the years ahead that hair loss is actually related to inflammation in the body, and that DHT kills off the hairs when inflammation is present, but is not the main culprit. I had fairly stable to mildly receding hair until a few years ago in my early 40's when I developed pretty severe internal inflammation as a result of a genetic gluten intolerance, as it turns out (MTHFR double gene mutation).

 

I lost a lot of hair in the years that the cause of the inflammation went undiagnosed. Once the science of gene mapping caught up and the doctors figured it out, I went off of gluten and other inflammatory foods (dairy, grains, sugar, etc.) and my hair loss stabilized in a dramatic way as the inflammation in my body retreated.

 

Hopefully, with my transplants it holds for good but I am not on oral finasteride (although I have recently tried the topical form) and am counting on the dramatic inflammation reduction plus some good shampoos and strong anti-inflammatory vitamin support to hold stable from this point forward.

 

If scientists pursue this path rather than the current mostly dead ends, it may lead to a permanent "cure" for hair loss but it will definitely take some out of the box thinking!

[aletheia225]

Inflammation is clearly not the main culprit in a vast majority of cases. That said, I don't dismiss the idea that some have their hair loss accelerated by inflammation, sensitivities and what not, etc.

[beldarcone]

I have read about what causes hair loss (other than demonic forces) and it is genetic, not inflammation, so the focus should be on that. I learned that aging is genetic. Were you aware of that? So maybe someone can figure out how to reprogram cells to stop aging and balding as well.

[Runerrr]

Beldarcone

I think what he is saying is that there are genetic reasons but that combined with the inflammation is whats causing the hair to fall out. I think this is right because my doctor gave injections of a steroid to slow my hair from falling out and he wanted me to start up on Propecia. So he covered inflammation and genetics. Are you on propecia?

[beldarcone]

No Runerr i decided not to go propecia due to the side effects. Genetics and inflammation together does make sense but what medications are there for inflammation of the scalp? Did the steroid shots help you? Have you looked into hair transplants already? I never thought I would get one but I did and it really was a great choice. I'm not the bald guy in the room anymore.

[ModernHair]

Beldarcone

I think what he is saying is that there are genetic reasons but that combined with the inflammation is whats causing the hair to fall out. I think this is right because my doctor gave injections of a steroid to slow my hair from falling out and he wanted me to start up on Propecia. So he covered inflammation and genetics. Are you on propecia?

 

Spot on...of course genetics play a huge part. Some people will get internal inflammation in their bodies and still not lose any hair. Some of us are extremely susceptible to it. I just think that by reducing internal inflammation (reducing intake of dairy, sugar, grains, etc.) it may have a significant affect on hair loss for those of us that are more affected by it and that one day, maybe the "cure" for hair loss could be related to reducing inflammation in the body rather than focusing on DHT.

[beldarcone]

Runnerr ? Are you still there?

 

Modernhair- I never heard of internal inflammation. It would be awesome if you were right and diet and focus on inflammation cured hair loss but I'm thinking not. I think we're stuck with DHT for now. And hair transplants.

[azdz]

Been reading up on inflamation and hair loss too. I thought I might be able to treat mine with inflamation medicines but most of the stuff online makes it seem like it wouldnt work. What does internal inflamation mean? Does anyone know if rogaine helps with inflamation in the scalp? I might start looking at a hair transplant while still seeing if the inflamation thing is true and if treating it will help my hair.

[Runerrr]

Beldarcone, no I don't think the steroids worked or did anything at all. I asked my doctor to refer me to patients in who it worked and he couldn't give me any so I should have known it would be a waste of time. I guess a hair transplant is in my future as no easier way to get my hair back. So let it be. It's great you got a hair transplant. What was it really like please? Do you mind talking about it openly?

[beldarcone]

Runerrrr, I did a hair transplant and it was the best thing I ever did. Worth every penny. I went to Dr Feller and Bloxham and they did an outstanding job and highly recommend them. Here is a link to one of the patients they just posted. They are very professional and caring people.

 

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/184939-feller-bloxham-great-neck-ny-qik-vid-16-seconds-hair-transplant-magic.html

[beldarcone]

azdz I looked into all the medications for hair loss and found I had to go the hair transplant route. Best thing I ever did. Look for a local doctor and get a consultation. It may cost a few dollars but you will feel good that you just did it.

[ModernHair]

Modernhair- I never heard of internal inflammation. It would be awesome if you were right and diet and focus on inflammation cured hair loss but I'm thinking not. I think we're stuck with DHT for now. And hair transplants.

 

So my doctor practices Functional Medicine so her focus is on things like internal inflammation in your body which can lead to many diseases, especially auto-immune diseases.

 

Inflammation is detected by a blood test which measures C-reactive proteins in your blood as well as testing the Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Most "conventional" doctors won't order these inflammation markers up in routine blood-work.

 

I've watched my inflammation markers come down dramatically by cutting out dairy, sugar and grains in my diet so it's making me wonder if all of that inflammation was the key ingredient in my hair loss as well as others who may be genetically susceptible to hair loss.

[beldarcone]

Then if your inflammation levels are coming down, shouldn't your hair be getting better ? Even the hairs that didn't need transplants ?

[MrGio-WHTCClinic]

Inflammation is clearly not the main culprit in a vast majority of cases. That said, I don't dismiss the idea that some have their hair loss accelerated by inflammation, sensitivities and what not, etc.

 

Some dermatological conditions (e.g. fungal) can indirectly cause hair loss when an individual scratches and creates traction on the skin on the scalp.

[richter101]

I haven't done full due diligence into everyone's responses, but I'd consider agreeing. I have a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Basically causes a condition similar to eczema. And my scalp is quite prone to being enflamed and irritated. It appears during those times it's when I experience the most hair loss. I also researched many articles speaking of how hair loss could be correlated seborrheic dermatitis. So the inflammation could be that linking thread.

[beldarcone]

Some dermatological conditions (e.g. fungal) can indirectly cause hair loss when an individual scratches and creates traction on the skin on the scalp.

 

This is true. I've seen that on people before and told it was a fungal infection. What he is saying here however is that there is an internal inflammation that is present that is causing the hair loss. Maybe yea and maybe neh , but probably too small to be a real effect.

[Runerrr]

Beldarcone,

I think a hair transplant is in my future because I don't put much stock in the inflammation or MPB theories. Or should I be saying I believe the MPB theory is correct but there really isn't medication to really treat it. How much did you pay for your transplant if you don't mind saying ?

[MIssionMan]

ModernHair / others - was particularly excited to read the initial post re inflammation and it's possible Impacts. I Have had serious problems with inflammation throughout my body and joints and this is all linked to all gene that I have called HLA-527 (worth doing some research on it). Anyways, after being a major sufferer for years and experiencing very serious immune issues i am finally on the mend. I started 5 months ago seeing a specialist and the first port of call was to get extensive blood work Done. That tested a ridiculously large range of markers (not cheap I must add) which confirmed a whole host of problems. The second part was to supplement my vitamin intake by cutting out all gluten, dairy and wheat. I'm now experiencing the best health in maybe 8 years but critically I have observed an improvement with my hair as have my family. My crown area is definitely fuller (and observed by family too) which is a very welcome development! This is an area which requires more understanding and discussion but to date I am personally very encouraged by the progress I am seeing

[azdz]

Good stuff here, gents. Does anyone know if a transplant can set off inflamation or make it worse? Does inflamation affect your final hair loss pattern at all either?