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In the case of heavy drinkers, alcohol can cause so much damage to the liver that it stops functioning properly, which can lead to deadly conditions such as fatty liver disease or cirrhosis. Drinking alcohol may cause hair loss for a variety of different reasons, ranging from hormonal changes to poor nutrition. Although it is normal to shed up to 100 hair a day, losing more than this is a red flag that something is wrong with your health. If you’re a heavy drinker, you could be experiencing the toxic relationship between alcohol and hair loss. The 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) is responsible for the generation of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators that play essential roles in anti-inflammatory actions. Alox15-deficient mice show hair loss and increased inflammatory cell infiltration around the hair follicles, which are impaired by resolvin D2 treatment [77].
Likewise, the stress-induced condition known as telogen effluvium is typically temporary, meaning that you can get your hair to grow back by reducing your stress and taking proper care of your body. By elevating your stress levels, alcohol can cause a condition known as telogen effluvium. The individual will likely be given a strict, personalized diet, as well as medications that can help combat any negative side effects they may experience during this treatment process.
Daily Lifestyle Factors Related to Alopecia Areata
If left untreated, the lack of blood can lead to hair follicle death. One study specifically explored the relationship between smoking and baldness. It can damage the hair sober house follicles and impair other factors of the hair growth cycle. Alcohol can increase the production of free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and inflammation.
Improper hydration of the skin can cause a loss in strength and elasticity, which can lead to long-term damage to the follicles and hair shaft (11). In some cases, it may even promote the development of dry skin which can lead to itching and even more opportunity for damage to the scalp (12). These can also contribute to poor health and system inflammation, which is just another contributor of hair loss.
Avoiding Hair Loss with Alcoholism Treatments
Cigarettes abound in nicotine and other harmful components that can affect hair and skin drastically. Smoke damages hair follicles and also impairs the hair growth cycle. Virtually no part of the body is left unharmed by the long-term effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholic drinking. Moreover, there are several ways that hair loss can be triggered by the effects of alcohol. Let’s take a deeper look into how heavy alcohol use causes hair loss.
- Certain types of alcohol in hair care products may either harm or help hair health.
- And malabsorption can lead to malnutrition, which can spell trouble for your tresses.
- A simple blood panel can determine which nutrients may be particularly lacking.
- Read this Patient Information before you start taking finasteride and each time you get a refill.