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What Causes Isoniazid Induced Hair Loss?
Question: I have a client whose hair I've been doing for almost 2 years. She gets semi-permanent haircolor and relaxers (alternatively on a monthly basis). I have consistently used the same products and application methods however after her last relaxer service, she experienced severe shedding/fall out of hair to the scalp. She admitted, after the fact, to being on a medication called Isoniazid 300 mg since December 2013 prescribed for the next 6 motnhs. Can Isoniazid cause hair loss?
Brief Answer:
Could be Isoniazid; Straightening is more likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic
I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your concern and I have understood it.
Isoniazid induced hair loss has been reported in the literature. Although rare, a possibility of alopecia caused by isoniazid may be considered in those who are on it. The hair fall is reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.
However, hair relaxers are also a well known cause of hair loss. Hair straightening can be very damaging to the hair and even when performed correctly, can result in loss of up to 20% of the tensile strength of virgin hair. It results in physical damage to the hair with loss of proteins and moisture resulting in dry, brittle hair. Many patients experience hair fall and breakage.
It is best to avoid repeated and frequent sessions, as damage by successive straightening is additive.
It is advisable to perform deep conditioning of the hair every fortnight to protect the damaged hair.
Therefore, in my view the reason for the hair fall in your client could be both hair straightening (more likely, since she takes repeated sessions every other month of hair straightening with possible additive weakening with each session) and also due to Isoniazid (which is rare but a known cause)
regards
Could be Isoniazid; Straightening is more likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic
I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your concern and I have understood it.
Isoniazid induced hair loss has been reported in the literature. Although rare, a possibility of alopecia caused by isoniazid may be considered in those who are on it. The hair fall is reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.
However, hair relaxers are also a well known cause of hair loss. Hair straightening can be very damaging to the hair and even when performed correctly, can result in loss of up to 20% of the tensile strength of virgin hair. It results in physical damage to the hair with loss of proteins and moisture resulting in dry, brittle hair. Many patients experience hair fall and breakage.
It is best to avoid repeated and frequent sessions, as damage by successive straightening is additive.
It is advisable to perform deep conditioning of the hair every fortnight to protect the damaged hair.
Therefore, in my view the reason for the hair fall in your client could be both hair straightening (more likely, since she takes repeated sessions every other month of hair straightening with possible additive weakening with each session) and also due to Isoniazid (which is rare but a known cause)
regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
As mentioned previously, I have been doing this client for almost 2 years using the same products and application per the manufacturer's instruction. The relaxing chemical is applied to the new growth only, meaning it is not applied to the hair/shaft that is previously relaxed to prevent over processing. Additionally, the product that I use comes with an accompanying protective cream that is applied to the shaft of the hair. The only variable is the fact that the customer reported being on Isoniazid 300 mg since December.
Brief Answer:
Isoniazid induced hair fall is a possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thanks for the additional information and clarification.
As I told before Isoniazid is also a likely cause of hair fall and could be responsible in your client. However, the hair fall is reversible on discontinuation OR completion of treatment.
regards
Isoniazid induced hair fall is a possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thanks for the additional information and clarification.
As I told before Isoniazid is also a likely cause of hair fall and could be responsible in your client. However, the hair fall is reversible on discontinuation OR completion of treatment.
regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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