Hair pigment loss disorder: Causes, indicators, and remedies
Poliosis, a condition characterized by white patches of hair due to a lack of melanin in the hair follicles, can serve as a warning sign for various health conditions. While it may seem harmless, it is advisable to seek medical opinion when signs of poliosis first appear.
Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and the International Journal of Dermatology has linked poliosis to several health issues, some of which can be harmful if left untreated. For instance, the study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that poliosis was more common in people experiencing the eye condition uveitis. Untreated uveitis might lead to other eye conditions, including glaucoma and cataracts.
Poliosis can also be an early warning sign of skin conditions like melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It is essential to monitor any changes in your skin, especially if you have poliosis.
In addition to its association with certain health issues, poliosis can occur as a late side effect of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH), an inflammatory disorder affecting multiple systems. VKH is more common in dark-skinned people, particularly Asians.
Certain medications can also trigger poliosis. For example, medications like minocycline and cetuximab are known to cause hair depigmentation as a side effect. Other medications and conditions associated with hair depigmentation include chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, imatinib and other c-Kit inhibitors, interferon, alopecia areata, vitiligo, chemotherapy, and various genetic conditions like tuberous sclerosis, piebaldism, and Waardenburg syndrome.
While most people with poliosis might choose not to look for medical treatments, preferring to let the hair remain as it is or else dye it, treatments for poliosis do exist. A study published in Dermatological Surgery found that a skin grafting treatment, followed by light-therapy for 4-11 months, managed to reverse poliosis combined with vitiligo. However, these treatments are time-consuming, tiring, and expensive.
It is crucial to remember that untreated thyroid conditions can lead to fatigue, trouble swallowing, depression, memory issues, raised cholesterol, low sex drive, weight gain, among other negative effects. Therefore, if you suspect you may have poliosis or any related conditions, it is advisable to seek medical advice promptly.
[1] Source: National Library of Medicine (NLM) database, accessed on 10th April 2023.
- Research suggests a link between poliosis and certain medical conditions, such as uveitis, a potentially harmful eye condition.
- Untreated uveitis may result in complications like glaucoma and cataracts.
- Poliosis might be an early indicator of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, emphasizing the importance of skin monitoring.
- VKH, an inflammatory disorder affecting multiple systems, can also lead to poliosis as a late side effect.
- Minocycline and cetuximab are medications known to cause hair depigmentation, which can present as poliosis.
- Other factors causing hair depigmentation include chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, imatinib, interferon, alopecia areata, vitiligo, chemotherapy, and various genetic conditions.
- While most people with poliosis may not seek treatment, options such as skin grafting and light therapy are available for those who wish to reverse the condition.
- Untreated thyroid conditions can yield side effects like fatigue, depression, memory problems, and weight gain, among others.
- Having poliosis or related conditions necessitates prompt medical attention to prevent potentially harmful consequences.
- Psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis related to psoriasis, can target the joints, skin, and nails.
- Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition associated with a higher risk of developing other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
- Scientific research has connected poliosis with diseases like multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, diabetes, HIV, and breast cancer, highlighting the importance of medical monitoring when signs of poliosis manifest.
