Like other types of allergies, seasonal allergies come about because the body’s immune system is overreacting to something in the environment. Typically, this is during the shift of seasons when certain plants begin their pollination cycle.
People experiencing allergies know all too well the seasonal allergy symptoms of congestion, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and runny nose. Are there more serious symptoms that can cause hair loss?
Can Allergies Cause Hair Loss?
The good news is that simply being allergic to your environment this time of year is generally not enough to cause you to lose hair. However, in severe cases, the stress of it all can lead to temporary loss of hair.
Can Dust Allergies Cause Hair Loss?
Dust alone is not likely to cause hair loss unless the reaction it triggers induces significant stress. While more studies are needed, there is at least one study that suggests dust mites may affect the immune response in patients with alopecia areata. Specifically, the study says mites may contribute to the early onset of alopecia areata in Chinese patients.
Can Allergies Cause Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss wherein the primary symptoms include hair thinning and increased hair shedding. One of the main causes of telogen effluvium is stress, which disrupts the hair growth cycle. A severe, prolonged bout with allergies could potentially be a stressor that leads to hair loss.
Often though, removing the source of the stressors (in this case allergens) will see the return of hair growth in 3-6 months. If you have bad seasonal allergies, it may help with reducing your exposure to allergens by staying indoors, avoid lawn mowing, change your clothes if you have been outdoors for extended periods of time, and wear a facemask while you do outdoor chores.
Can Hay Fever Affect Hair Growth?
Also called allergic rhinitis, hay fever is an allergic response that has many cold-like symptoms including runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. Commonly caused by allergens (substances the body considers harmful) include pollen and dust mites. Pet dander is also a common allergen. Hay fever – like other forms of seasonal allergies – is not likely to be the cause of hair loss but can be a contributor to stress… that can lead to telogen effluvium.
Can Seasonal Allergies Impact Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease. The words literally mean “bald” and “patchy,” and the disease can cause hair loss on the scalp, face, and sometimes throughout the rest of the body. There are different forms the disease takes, noted by the amount of hair loss. Most commonly, a person may have one or more coin-sized bald patches on the scalp.
It isn’t uncommon for people with alopecia areata (as many as 38%) to also have other atopic conditions. Atopy is the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases.
RHRLI Diagnoses and Treats Hair Loss
If you are experiencing stress-related hair loss, RHRLI can help you create optimal conditions for healthy regrowth. And, if your hair loss has another cause, we can diagnose that too. We offer a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical options from minimally invasive low-level laser light therapy to the ARTAS® robotic-assisted hair transplant system. Whatever the cause of your hair loss, we have a solution to suit your needs. Contact us to arrange a free consultation today.