This Morning: Liz Earle discusses supplements for hair loss
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A new study has revealed that bald men are more likely to suffer with severe COVID-19. The interesting findings linked a biomarker relating to hair loss, with severe COVID-19 infections.
Findings presented at EADV’s Spring Symposium suggest that men with genetic characteristics that are sensitive to the male sex hormone androgen are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 disease.
Researchers have discovered the novel biomarker to identify male COVID-19 patients most at risk for ICU admission.
Due to the disproportionate number of men hospitalised with COVID-19, researchers were driven to study a possible association between the androgen receptor (AR) gene with COVID-19.
The research sought to identify the connection between the polyglutamine repeat region located in the AR gene and one’s predisposition to increased COVID-19 severity.
Androgenic alopecia is known to be controlled by variations in the AR gene which affects how sensitive the body is to androgens, including hormones such as testosterone.
The study looked at 65 hospitalised COVID-19 positive men with their AR and polyglutamine repeat length.
It was noted that male Covid patients with a polyglutamine repeat, which is below 22 nucleotides, were significantly less likely to be admitted into ICU than patients with a polyglutamine repeat count over or equal to 22 nucleotides.
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common type of hair loss said to affect around 50 percent of men aged over 50.
It is thought to be caused by both genetic and hormonal factors.
The DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) hormone changes the scalp’s hair follicles, causing them to become smaller and shorter in length and, eventually, the hair follicles shrink completely and stop producing new hair.
This type of hair loss tends to follow the same pattern with the hairline receding while hair starts to fall out from the top of the head.
Currently, there is no cure for male pattern baldness. However, new treatments are constantly being developed to help treat the condition.
The research explores a possible promising new therapy for COVID-19 using a novel androgen receptor antagonist to regulate and possibly treat COVID-19 patients.
The results of this study were submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Professor Lidia Rudnicka, EADV Board Member and Professor at the Medical University of Warsaw said: “This research demonstrates the scientific value of dermatology by offering key insights into the role of genetics and its link to COVID disease.
“It is an excellent example of some of the pioneering abstracts being showcased at The EADV Spring Symposium this year.”
While there isn’t a cure for androgenetic alopecia, there are some ways to treat it.
Using oral and topical treatments can help to slow its progression.
Hair transplant surgery may also be available depending upon the severity of the condition.
A hair loss expert can advise on the most appropriate treatment option.
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