May 2006 - Posts
There is a rare type of alopecia (meaning hair loss) that occurs when a cancer spreads from somewhere else in the body to the scalp. It is called ‘neoplastic alopecia’ (from the word neoplasm, which means tumor) or ‘metastatic alopecia’ (from the word metastasis, which refers to the spread of cancer).
The susceptibility of the scalp to neoplastic alopecia is higher for women with *** cancer and for men with lung cancer in particular, as opposed to other cancers. It is believed that mucines, a certain kind of protein created by *** and lung carcinoma, degenerates the cells of the outer root sheath of the hair. There are cases, however, of cancer spreading from the *** to the scalp without any evidence of hair loss.
Neoplastic alopecia is considered to be so closely related to signs of *** cancer, that it is common practice that women over the age of 40 who show signs of alopecia areata (unexplained hair loss) must undergo a *** examination. In these cases the hair loss could be a sign of carcinoma before the cancer is clinically detected.
Hair loss can be caused by any number of factors, and a commonly overlooked cause is the inflammatory disease known as folliculitis, which affects one or more hair follicles and, in chronic cases, may lead to hair loss. Its symptoms include rash, pimples and itching skin and it can occur anywhere on the skin where hair grows. If the folliculitis is chronic, a build-up of keratin (the fibrous protein that makes up hair and nails) may occur, resulting in a thickening of the skin known as follicular hyperkeratosis or the presence of keratin plugs, both of which block hair follicles and cause hair loss.
Folliculitis may be caused by infectious agents, the most common being bacteria or fungi. Other causes include nutritional deficiencies, certain drugs (such as steroids), and exposure to chlorated compounds commonly found in industry, usually in electrical conductors. It may also result from the damaging of hair follicles due to friction from clothing, blockage of follicles or even shaving.
Treatment of folliculitis is essential to prevent a chronic case, which can result in hair loss. It can usually be treated by keeping the affected area clean, avoiding friction with the area and limiting exposure to possible contaminates to avoid reinfection. Keep in mind, only chronic cases of folliculitis are likely to lead to hair loss. Hair loss can result from hundreds of possible reasons, of which folliculitis is only one among many. Do your research and avoid common dangers that can lead to your hair loss.
While it is commonly accepted that nutritional deficiencies, such as that of iron or some vitamins, can lead to hair loss, the effects of Vitamin A on your hair growth are a little more complicated.
On one hand, a diet including an adequate amount of Vitamin A, which can be found in foods such as whole eggs, milk and liver, is necessary to avoid a condition called hyperkeratosis. It occurs in the follicles and in the sebaceous glands (the small glands in your skin that secrete oil into your hair follicles) and it can complicate hair growth.
On the other hand, an excess of Vitamin A in your diet can have similar consequences. Too much of this vitamin can prevent proper keratinisation (the growth of a fibrous protein found in your hair and nails), resulting in hair loss or “toxic alopecia”.
It is very important to always take your diet into consideration when hair loss is concerned. Different nutrients, whether in inadequate or excessive doses, may not necessarily affect you in the way you might expect. Proper research is essential for your nutritional and overall health.