A new study has found that men who have smoked or currently smoke are significantly more likely to develop androgenetic alopecia (AGA) than men who have never smoked. .
Additionally, the study authors found that people who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day were more likely to develop AGA than those who smoked less.
“Men who smoke are more likely to develop and experience male pattern baldness,” said lead author Aditya Gupta, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and director of clinical research at Mediprobe Research. Dr. London, Ontario, Canada, told Medscape Medical News.
Aditya Gupta, MD
“Patients with male pattern baldness need to be educated about the negative effects of smoking, as this condition can have serious negative psychological effects on those who suffer from it,” he said.
The study was published online January 4 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Analyzing the effects of smoking
Smoking is generally accepted as a risk factor for the development and progression of AGA, or the most common form of hair loss. However, research evidence on this association has been inconsistent, the authors write.
Researchers conducted a review and meta-analysis of eight observational studies to understand the association between smoking and AGA. Regular smokers were defined as current and former smokers.
Overall, based on six studies, we found that men who had ever smoked were 1.8 times more likely (P < 0.05) to develop AGA.
Based on two studies, men who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day are approximately twice as likely to develop AGA compared to men who smoke up to 10 cigarettes per day (P < 0.05) .
Based on four studies, people with a history of smoking are more likely to progress from mild (Norwood-Hamilton stages I-III) to severe AGA (stages IV-VII) than people who have never smoked. It is associated with 1.3 times higher.
Based on two studies, there is no association between AGA progression and smoking intensity (defined as smoking up to 20 cigarettes per day and smoking ≥20 cigarettes per day).
“Although our pooled analysis did not find a significant association between smoking intensity and severity of male AGA, it is possible that a positive correlation exists and is statistically more likely to be detected. It can be detected through high-power analysis,” said Mr.
The researchers pointed to limitations in their analysis, including a reliance on observational studies and a lack of data on nicotine levels, smoking intensity, and cessation among study participants.
Dr. Gupta said additional research is needed to better understand the link between smoking and hair loss and the effects of quitting smoking.
Improving practice and research
Commenting on the findings in Medscape Medical News, dermatologist Arash Babajuni, M.D., of Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, said, “Smoking is not only a preventable cause of serious systemic disease, but also inhibits hair follicle growth.” It also affects the cycle and fiber pigmentation.The prevalence of hair loss and premature graying is higher in smokers than in non-smokers.
Dr. Arash Babajuni
Professor Babajuni, who was not involved in the study, is researching the link between smoking and hair loss and premature graying.
“Evidence of this association can be used clinically to promote smoking cessation and highlight the effects of smoking on hair,” he said. “Smoking status of patients presenting to dermatologists and physicians for evaluation of alopecia and premature hair graying should be evaluated as well.”
This study was conducted without external funding and the authors declared no conflicts of interest. Babajuni did not report any relevant disclosures.
Carolyn Crist is a health and medical journalist who reports on the latest research for Medscape, MDedge, and WebMD.
