Immunity and hair loss: Things you should know

April, 23 2020 | By Dr. Sangay Bhutia (Hair Transplant Specialist in Delhi)

Immunity is a state of resistance; it is a state of protective mechanism within our body against infectious diseases. It is a wall of defence against outside pathogens and their harmful effects. If it were not for our immunity, we would be sitting ducks for all kinds of diseases. Including those that impact the health of our hair.

Our immune system is designed to repel invading pathogens. And in case they are able to infiltrate, it builds resistance to their harmful effects. What happens when our immune system is weakened? What does low immunity mean for hair loss? What can we do about it? Let us understand.

Hair loss in young men is a dynamic issue. The causes can be one and many. A weakened immune system or low immunity could emerge as a very important reason, not just for hair but also for our overall health. Low immunity makes us susceptible to all kinds of diseases and infections. In that state, we are more prone to viral infections and can fall sick very easily. And that impacts the health of our hair.

You should also be aware of autoimmune reactions. Which means that, at times, our body’s immune system incorrectly attacks the body’s own cells. This can lead to, apart from other problems, a skin disorder that causes hair loss. It is called Alopecia Areata. In Alopecia Areata, the cells in the hair follicles are attacked by our own body, leading to patchy hair fall. Normally, the patches are limited to a small area on the scalp, and for most people, the hair grows back within a year. However, for some people, the problem can be severe and last longer. In such cases, it could lead to total baldness and loss of body hair transplant as well.

As far as hair loss is concerned, genetics is always an important factor. A significant number of people, especially those under the age of 30, with Alopecia Areata, have had at least one member of the family diagnosed with a similar problem.

It must be said that if our immune system is weak, the impact of any disease is compounded. More so in the case of hair fall where follicular cell regeneration is hindered.

The important question is—what can be done? How does one address this problem? One simple answer is—go see the specialist. They are best positioned to answer your questions and offer solutions. An examination of your balding areas along with the necessary tests will be conducted and required medications prescribed. But remember, our body is a sum of its different parts. So addressing one issue will not solve the problem in its entirety. If low immunity or autoimmune disorders are the root problem for hair fall, then the diagnosis has to be wholesome.

Imagine a situation where you have experienced premature balding. The reasons could be one and many. The point remains that you have lost your precious hair. What do you do? You have to take a multi-pronged approach. At one level you would like to see a specialist and consider a hair transplant. On the other hand—you have to be careful of your diet and build immunity. This is very important.

Our lifestyles, all night parties, sleep deprivation, alcohol, or drug abuse, junk food etc. all are big reasons for low immunity. On top of that lack of exercise and stress make matters worse. And if you have a genetic history of hair loss, then you are the chosen one for premature balding. That said, there is no reason for you to lose heart.

Modern medicine and technology have answers to many of our problems. The condition is that we don’t go the extra mile in compounding our existing problems, a lot rests in our own hands.