Zeitschrift für Kosmetologie und Trichologie

Human skin is a multi-layered tissue composed of three dynamic compartments, the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The outermost of these – the epidermis terminally differentiates to form the cornified layer – the stratum corneum- that has beautifully evolved to be an effective and impermeable barrier, providing us with watertight skin and a protective shield, which allows us to tolerate and live in all sorts of climatic and environmental conditions.

Background: Hair loss due to stress is a frequent complaint but there is no yardstick to measure stress. Stress increases wear and tear of the cells referred to as the allostatic load which affects the immune, autonomic, neuroendocrine and metabolic functions. Biomarkers of these systems can be evaluated to represent the stress levels. Nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, omega 3, amino acids have a role in improving these biomarkers and reducing stress, resulting in hair regrowth.

Material and methods: We decided clinical and trichoscopic criteria for stress induced hair loss. Twenty five male and twenty five female patients were evaluated for nine biomarkers including resting pulse, blood pressure, BMI, C reactive protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and fasting blood sugar. Patients received a low dose once in three days synergistic nutrient combination program for six months. Trichoscopy, hair density and caliber were checked at a fixed point, at the intersection of midline saggital plane with coronal plane passing through tragus of the ears.

Results: There was 7-14% rise in resting heart rate above 90 beats per minute (mean 99). Blood pressure raised by 10-22% in 63% patients (136/92 mm of Hg). Lipid profile altered by 12-60%, with rise in cholesterol (mean 296 mg/dl), triglycerides (mean 266 mg/dl mg/dl), LDL (mean 192 mg/dl) or fall in HDL (mean 41 mg/dl) was seen in 48% cases. BMI deviated by 10-20% in 40% cases. Fasting blood sugar was raised by 10-30% (mean 132 mg/dl) in 52% cases and raised C reactive protein between 30-70% (mean 4.5), was detected in 56% cases of stress induced hair loss. The raised indices returned to normal or within 5% of normal by the end of 6 months of nutritional therapy. At 6 months there was 18% improvement in hair caliber and 23% improvement in hair density without the use of minoxidil, without finasteride or any hair loss other treatment.

Conclusion: Stress can be measured with neuroendocrine, immune, autonomic and metabolic biomarkers of allostatic load, which respond to nutritional correction and restore hair growth.