A study recently published in the journal Cell Metabolism shows that mild skin irritation or injury can trigger an inflammatory response that promotes hair growth. The experiment was carried out on mice, and it was observed that the inflammation activated certain immune cells, which in turn stimulated hair follicles that were in a dormant phase.
How does inflammation influence hair growth?
Researchers explain that this mechanism is not necessarily harmful: inflammation can also help with tissue regeneration. In fact, it could be a natural protective mechanism present in many mammals.
To trigger this irritation, researchers at National Taiwan University have developed a serum that has successfully stimulated hair regrowth in mice in just 20 days. Although the results are promising, experts stress that it is still too early to determine whether the results can be replicated in humans.
According to the study's authors, the serum contains fatty acids that could activate the stem cells in the hair follicles, which are responsible for hair growth. Although no clinical trials have been carried out in humans yet, researchers believe the underlying mechanism could be similar.
What is the current treatment for alopecia?
The treatment of alopecia has progressed significantly in recent years. In androgenetic alopecia, which is most common in men, minoxidil and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors remain the basis of treatment. However, new options have emerged, such as low-dose oral minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma, dutasteride mesotherapy, microneedling, and low-level laser therapy, all of which may improve response in some patients. These treatments allow for a more flexible approach, tailored to each case.
Advances have also been significant in other types of alopecia. In alopecia areata, JAK inhibitors represent one of the most important therapeutic innovations for moderate and severe forms. In scarring alopecia, however, treatment is still focused on halting progression of the disease, as hair loss is irreversible, although several treatments are currently in the research phase.
Overall, current treatment options for alopecia combine classic therapies with new strategies, adopting an increasingly individualised approach. This research also helps improve our understanding of how hair growth can be reactivated.
Can this research be applied to humans?
Specialists point out that results in mice are not always replicated in humans, and further research is required to assess whether these findings can be applied to people. On the human scalp, most hair follicles are already in the growth phase, so the effect could be much more subtle. Moreover, deliberately inducing skin irritation may have undesirable consequences, such as compromising the skin’s protective barrier.
What are the next steps?
The researchers emphasise that the fatty acids used are natural and present in our bodies, which makes them relatively safe. However, further research is needed to determine the appropriate dosage, formulation and frequency of use in people, and, above all, to determine whether they are truly effective and safe in humans.
In summary, this is an interesting and promising line of research, but it still needs further study before it can be developed into a new treatment for hair loss.
INFORMATION DOCUMENTED BY:
Dr Andrea Combalia, Dermatology Service, Hospital Clínic Barcelona.
