Excessive Sweating Can Cause Hair Loss!

Damaged hair caused by excessive sweating

Damaged hair caused by excessive sweating

Its been said that in US, one of the most common causes of hair loss that goes undetected is excessive sweating--known as hyperhydrosis.

According to trichologist Erkkie Harris-Wells the founder of Miyohara International Trichology Clinic, who diagnoses and treats hair and scalp problems: "Excessive sweating can be harmful to the hair and scalp because of the lactic acid in our sweat secretions."

The more scientific explanation is that the lactic acid produced by sweat glands strips away the epithelial sheath, which is the outer protective layer of the hair. As a result, hair loses volume and density, and it becomes porous and dry to the point of brittleness.

"Hyperhydrosis accounts for about 70 percent of hair loss cases for both males and females. While European physicians are accustomed to this type of diagnosis, most American doctors are unaware of the link between hyperhydrosis and hair damage. It can't be treated with a drug like Rogaine. I'm even writing an article to alert hair transplant surgeons to the ways in which hyperhydrosis can compromise their restoration procedures.", further explained by Erkkie.

It was also stated that the excess acid can also cause inflammation of the scalp, and if untreated can produce red, sore pustules that will become infected with bacteria.

source: Miyohara International Trichology Clinic

Answers and Comments for Excessive Sweating Can Cause Hair Loss!

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Jan 19, 2016
RE: Hair Loss and Frizz
by: Anonymous

Treatments are not mentioned because proper treatment depends on the root causing the condition. There are several treatments for Hyperhydrosis or in this case more specifically "Hyperhydrosis for Scalp". But every treatment prescribed could depends on cause. Consultation with Medical Doctors could be a good start but I see they didn't offer you much help and that's a shame! Perhaps you get more help visiting sweathelp.org

The point of article was to link a possible cause of hair loss to excessive sweating and not to remedy a treatment. However, for most excessive sweating conditions there are several topical solutions that could be helpful to you. Antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride and aluminum chloride hexahydrate are among most common over the-counter products for excess sweating. Brands such as Certain Dri, ODABANĀ® or Drysol are very effective and sold in most drugstores and supermarkets.

Jan 19, 2016
Hair loss and frizz
by: Anonymous

The hair around my fringe area has become very thin and frizzy and is causing me much distress! My doctor, dermatologist and hairdresser have offered no solutions but from reading your article I now realise what the cause is. I suffer from extreme hot flushes (which HRT etc hasn't alleviated) and my forehead is continually wet! In your article you have given a cause but not a remedy! How would I stop the perspiration or treat the lactic acid?

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