There are a number of toxic agents that can cause alopecia. In this review, we summarize the known substances that cause alopecia as one of the clinical signs of overdose or toxicity. A search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane for studies describing hair loss of any type as a result of exposure to or ingestion of a toxic agent. The search yielded 856 articles, with 47 studies included in this review.
Agents with the strongest evidence of association to alopecia include thallium, mercury, selenium, and colchicine. Agents with described incidents include boric acid, arsenic, vitamin A, botulinum toxin, Podostroma cornu-damage, and the synthetic opioid MT-45. Conclusions and Relevance: Numerous toxic agents have been implicated in alopecia, and the strength of evidence behind each agent varies. Toxic levels of thallium and colchicine have long been established to cause alopecia compared to agents such as botulinum toxin A and synthetic recreational drugs, which have less literature describing their links alopecia.
Alopecia
Alopecia is the loss of hair from areas of the body where hair would naturally grow, which may occur via natural processes or be an indicator of pathology. Exposure to toxins is one of many etiological mechanisms that may cause alopecia, particularly in acute-onset alopecia associated with generalized symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, as well as skin and nail changes.
Several compounds are identified that cause alopecia when taken at toxic levels, either accidentally or intentionally. These agents include heavy metals, such as thallium and mercury, for which industrial and mechanical workers are at most risk for exposure, dietary supplements, such as vitamin A, and insecticides, such as boric acid. Other reported causes of alopecia include colchicine, arsenic, selenium, botulinum toxin, Podostroma cornu-damage, and the synthetic opioid MT-45. This review summarizes published data primarily in the form of reports or series on patients presenting with any form of hair loss following confirmed ingestion or exposure to a toxic agent.
Hair loss is a common and distressing problem that can affect both males and females of all ages. Chronic telogen effluvium(CTE) is idiopathic diffuse scalp hair shedding of at least 6 months duration. Hair loss can be one of the symptoms of metal toxicity. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are highly toxic metals that can cause acute and chronic health problems in humans.
Hair is considered one of the most defining aspects of human appearance. Alopecia or hair loss is a common and distressing problem that significantly impacts the quality of life. It is often met with feelings of grief, loss of self-confidence, and low self-esteem. Physicians should not underestimate the emotional effects of hair loss. About 40% of patients felt dissatisfied with the way in which their doctor dealt with them.
It was reported that many heavy metals (thallium, mercury, arsenic, copper, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and bismuth) are capable of disrupting the formation of hair shaft through covalent bonding with the sulfhydryl groups in keratin. Pb and Cd are highly toxic metals, and both are prevalent in the environment and accumulate in the body over a lifetime.
In the present study, it is suggested that elevated Cd blood level in the presence of Pb may be the hidden cause of the idiopathic hair fall. Cd's toxic effects are magnified by interaction with other toxic metals such as Pb as co-exposure to Pb, and Cd has synergistic cytotoxicity. Cd and Pb can induce hair loss by many possible mechanisms. This is supported by Pierard, who reported toxic metals ingestion in 36 of 78 patients with diffuse hair loss with Cd identification in two cases. Metal ions were not increased in patients' hair shaft, presenting toxic alopecia, suggesting that they exerted their effect in promoting a premature end of the hair cycle rather than a progressive metabolic alteration of the process of keratinization, so far. In addition, Trueb reported that many heavy metals (thallium, mercury, arsenic, copper, Cd, and bismuth) were capable of disrupting the formation of hair shaft through covalent banding with the sulfhydryl groups in keratin.
Toxic levels of thallium and colchicine have long been established to cause alopecia, as compared to agents such as botulinum toxin A and synthetic recreational drugs, which have less literature describing their links to alopecia
Hair loss can be one of the symptoms of metal toxicity
Compounds that cause alopecia when taken at toxic levels, either accidentally or intentionally; heavy metals, such as thallium and mercury
Many heavy metals (thallium, mercury, arsenic, copper, lead (Pb), cadmium(Cd), and bismuth) are capable of disrupting the formation of the hair shaft through covalent bonding with the sulfhydryl groups in keratin
TRS can effectively remove heavy metals, which can aid in hair re-growth
Testimony 1
My hair has absolutely changed. It is thicker, and the texture is different. I certainly don't think TRS will hurt. Be sure to report back to us.
Testimony 2
I have new hair growth and absolutely no PMS symptoms on TRS. I have 3 sprays a day since January. Also, no more raised bumps on the tops of my arms!
Testimony 3
14 months on TRS, I noticed in the first month no hair dye allergy, which would cause a painful burn and itch/ swelling all over my head, ears, neck; Gone! My hair has grown much thicker faster, so much I cut 10 inches off in July. Literally, my hair has already grown 2 inches.
Testimony 4
I'm 20 months in, and mine is as thick and healthy as it's been for many years!
Testimony 5
I have new hair growth and absolutely no PMS symptoms on TRS. I have 3 sprays a day since January. Also, no more raised bumps on the tops of my arms!
Testimony 6
Here's my gains list:
Improved sleep
Bumps on arms are gone
Skin allergies are gone
Histamine tolerance works again
Skin is MUCH softer and hydrated
Communication is easy -so more sound triggers
No more personal triggers
Laughing is better
Empathy and compassion for humans and animals is easy
I wanna save the world -yo!
I love being alive
I feel happy about future possibilities
ADD issues have been resolved, no more cognitive issues, no need for nootropics
IBS issues are completely gone
OCD issues are gone - my house is kinda disorderly, and I DON'T CARE.
I can relax and sit still, and my skin does not crawl
Rarely feel anxious: still learning to control what I allow myself to feel Less rushing around: days are functional, not scattered. I have so much more fun now, always joking around
Go to bed around 11 pm and wake around 7am feeling energized and ready to party. Monthly cycle is always on time, and while there is pressure, there is NO pain anymore
My SEX drive is back, and skin sensory issues seem to be entirely gone! My eyes are much clearer, and the color has come back to more green. My hair is SO SOFT and grows a lot faster than before! My eyebrows are growing thick again too! LOVE THAT! The phobias I suffered from are no more. I can close my eyes and control my thoughts!
Because of all this, my self-image has changed, and the way I treat others has changed. I feel strong and capable of anything!
My favorite gain: I was able to go back to a classroom and take tests and pass both! I am now a NOTARY PUBLIC and also a LOAN SIGNING AGENT!
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