Thinning Hair & Acne
Acne is extremely common in teenagers, but many people are unaware that it also frequently occurs in adults. Adult acne may have a benign cause, such as oily skin or exposure to air pollution, or it may be a symptom of something more serious. Autoimmune conditions and hormonal imbalances can cause the skin to break out. Many of these conditions are also accompanied by hair thinning or the loss of hair.
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Mites
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According to the University of Florida, tiny creatures called demodectic mites may cause acne and hair loss in some people. These arachnids are present in 96 to 98 percent of all people and generally don't cause a reaction. They spend their entire lives living inside a human hair follicle, and feed on oils and fluids produced by the body. However, people under stress, fighting cancer or suffering from immune deficiency conditions are much more likely to have both skin and hair problems and high mite populations.
Hormonal Imbalance
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Acne and thinning hair can indicate a hormonal imbalance, such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome. Adrenal tumors and ovarian cancer may also cause these symptoms, since the tumors affect the body's ability to produce hormones. While many women suffer from monthly acne related to their menstrual cycles, acne that persists more than a few days and which is accompanied by hair loss could be a cause for concern.
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Immune Problems
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Immune conditions, such as Lupus erythematosus and rosacea, may cause rashes or lesions on the face which resemble acne. In some people, this rash appears only as a redness in the cheeks. Other people suffer from blisters and sores. According to the Rosacea Guide website, about one-third of patients develop reversible hair loss. This can cause brittle hair which breaks easily, thin spots or entirely bald areas on the scalp.
Considerations
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Acne treatments such as accutane, a drug used to treat cystic acne when no other treatment is effective, may cause hair loss. This type of drug works by decreasing oil production by the sebaceous glands, which are located inside the hair follicle. Lower oil, or sebum, levels can help reduce acne levels, but may also prevent hair from developing properly.
Warning
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It's important to see a doctor for persistent acne, especially when accompanied by hair loss. Home treatment may allow a serious condition to worsen. Conditions like rosacea and Lupus erythematosus can be aggravated by conventional acne treatments. Acidic or abrasive treatments which irritate the skin can increase the chances of a flareup. Hormonal causes of acne and hair problems can eventually become life-threatening.
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