Stress Alopecia: What is it and Why Does It Occur?

from stress (also known as psychogenic alopecia) is a form of hair loss that occurs in conjunction with particularly stressful periods from a physical and / or psychological point of view.

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Stress-induced hair loss involves a progressive and characteristic thinning, following which the scalp becomes visible, especially in the area that extends from the frontal attachment to the vertex of the head.

The causes are not yet fully known, but various etiological mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain this stress-related manifestation. In the first place, it is known that psycho-physical tension is capable of inducing the release of certain substances, called neuro peptides, capable of resulting in increased hair loss. Furthermore, it has been shown that the nerves present around the follicle, under the effect of stress, release inflammatory mediators that inhibit the growth of the hair shaft.

Some clinical data indicate that stress alopecia generally occurs 2-4 months after the stressful event, but hair loss should subside as the triggers disappear. For this reason, if the phenomenon is recognized, it is possible to intervene on the causes with local and, if necessary, general treatments (with the advice of the doctor) adapted to your case. Proper management of stress alopecia can bring the situation back to normal in a relatively short time.

(environmental, psychological or social) or endogenous, such as:

• Trauma, major emotional changes and shocks (divorce, loss of a loved one, pregnancy, etc.);
• Periods of particular tension or physical and mental fatigue (study, professional responsibilities, family difficulties, debilitation from diseases, etc.);
• States of anxiety or depressive manifestations.

-cortical of the adrenal gland, which results in the secretion of the hormone releasing corticotropin (abbreviated to CRH). adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) The autonomic nervous system and the immune system are also involved in modulating the systemic reaction to stress.

Recent clinical studies have shown, then, that the pilo-sebaceous follicles are surrounded by a dense network of nerve cells, capable of releasing the mediators of inflammation as a response to the stressful stimulus. The result of this reaction is the inhibition of growth. hair.

The synergy of these mechanisms (nervous, endocrine and immune) that are produced by the effect of stress therefore determine an imbalance of the follicles in the growth phase, limiting their regular activity. In addition, tension has been shown to slow hair regrowth after hair loss.