I live in an industrial area, particularly manufacture of steel and cellulose, and I have been observing an increasing incidence of AA in patients with no other comorbidities or autoimmune diseases. Only on this Friday, I had 3 new cases (attached photos).
This can be multifactorial. The cause can be the products itself, as well as the by products during the processes. Even being exposed to a concentrated source of heat from a distance may be the cause. Protective Gear or helmets can give off chemical substances that are influenced with the industrial product/byproduct to produce local effects on the scalp. If all three are from the same company/same working location it is worth checking the conditions very carefully. Alopecia areata may also have psychogenic cofactors. keep that in mind also.
Thank you Dr Karasahin! I'm looking for a specific inhaled agent that has been linked to the incidence of AA. I have observed an increasing occurrence of AA in my daily practice, and I want to develop a research project based on such possible association.
Hi Ana! Your observation is very acute. The pathogenesis of alopecia areata is quite complex. Since it is considered as a cell-mediated, inflammatory hair loss disorder with autoimmune mechanisms, it seems possible that some pollutants could be one of the many triggers in alopecia areata. But I am afraid that it is not investigated yet. Of major concern are the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are adsorbed on the surface of suspended ambient particulate matter in air of urban areas. They are released from vehicle exhaust, asphalt roads, burning wood, industrial smoke and industrial waste.
Rajput R (2015) Understanding Hair Loss due to Air Pollution and the Approach to Management. Hair Ther Transplant 5:133. doi:10.4172/21670951.1000133
The pathogenesis of alopecia areataWang, Eddy Hsi Chun2014, https://open.library.ubc.ca/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/24/items/1.0167061
Excellent Dr, I'll look forward, thank you very much!
Regards,
Ana.
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