Understanding Hair Loss due to Air Pollution and the Approach to Management

Rajendrasingh Rajput

doi:10.4172/2167-0951.1000133

Abstract

Young patients recently shifted to metro cities are presenting with prickling in the scalp, itching, dandruff, oily scalp and pain in the hair roots. Various studies have identified this as ‘Sensitive Scalp Syndrome’ resulting from exposure to increasing levels of air pollution including particulate matter, dust, smoke, nickel, lead and arsenic, sulfur dioxide nitrogen dioxide, ammonia and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which settle on the scalp and hair. Indoor air conditioned environments because volatile organic compounds (VOC) released from various sources to settle on the scalp. The pollutants migrate into the dermis, transepidermally and through the hair follicle conduit, leading to oxidative stress and hair loss. We have used antioxidants, regular hair wash, Ethylene di-amine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) shampoo, and application of coconut oil to provide protection the hair and counter the effects of pollution. In this review, we have evaluated the causes, clinical presentation, mechanism of hair loss due to pollution and discussed the management of hair loss due to air pollution (HDP). Hair loss due to pollution can coexist with or mimic androgenic alopecia. It requires careful history and trichoscopic evaluation to identify and advice a planned hair care program. Patients uniformly show an encouraging response within 6-8 weeks of following the hair care regimen.

Highlights

There is worldwide awareness on respiratory diseases, sinus problems and allergies caused by air pollution
On review of literature we found an interesting study showing single-strand DNA breakage in human hair root cells exposed to mobile phone radiation [13]
Pollution is on the rise all over the world and more so in Indian metros

Summary

Introduction

There is worldwide awareness on respiratory diseases, sinus problems and allergies caused by air pollution. We have evidence that this can occur in indoor environments [1,2,3]. The skin and hair form the first barrier exposed to pollution. Small airborne particles, smoke and gaseous pollution settle on the scalp and hair, causing irritation and damage. The fact was noticed when Industrial Toxicology Research Center, Lucknow, published a study with reference to effects on human hair in 1994 [4]. Hair loss due to pollution (HDP) can coexist or mimic androgenic alopecia just like diffuse un-patterned hair loss, diffuse alopecia areata, early cicetritial alopecia or chronic telogen effluvium can mimic androgenic alopecia. We need to keep an eye for suspicion and correct the damage to deliver a successful clinical outcome

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Discussion

Conclusion