Altered Serum Micronutrient Levels in Female Alopecia Subjects with History of Prolonged Use of Cap/Scarf

Abstract

The etiology of most types of alopecia is not fully understood. Excessive use of hat is believed to be a cause of alopecia, but the possible involvement of altered micronutrients (essential elements and vitamins) levels in cap\scarf- induced alopecia has not been explored. This study is therefore embarked on to identify if alteration in micronutrients levels exists in subjects who may have cap\scarf- induced alopecia. Forty female subjects each, constituted the alopecia and control groups, and were selected by random sampling technique. Each subject has a history of prolonged use of cap\scarf of over a period of 10 years. Results show that ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin and globulin are not significantly different in alopecia subjects compared with controls (p>0.05) whereas nutritional indices; albumin, total protein, Zn, Cu, vitamins A & E are significantly decreased (p<0.05) compared with controls, although Mg and Mn are not significantly different (p>0.05). Renal indices; urea and creatinine are significantly increased in alopecia subjects compared with controls (p<0.05). The result of this study suggests that altered serum levels of micronutrients and total protein may exist in individuals who may have cap\scarf- induced alopecia.