International Journal of Trichology

CASE REPORT
Year
: 2013  |  Volume : 5  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 40--42

Zinc deficiency associated with hypothyroidism: An overlooked cause of severe alopecia


Ambooken Betsy, MP Binitha, S Sarita 
 Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Government Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India

Correspondence Address:
M P Binitha
Haritha, P.O. Beypore, Calicut - 673 015, Kerala
India

Hypothyroidism is a common and well recognized cause of diffuse hair loss. Zinc and other trace elements such as copper and selenium are required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and deficiency of these can result in hypothyroidism. Conversely, thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc, and hence hypothyroidism can result in acquired zinc deficiency. The hair loss attributed to hypothyroidism may not improve with thyroxine unless zinc supplements are added, as demonstrated in our case.


How to cite this article:
Betsy A, Binitha M P, Sarita S. Zinc deficiency associated with hypothyroidism: An overlooked cause of severe alopecia.Int J Trichol 2013;5:40-42


How to cite this URL:
Betsy A, Binitha M P, Sarita S. Zinc deficiency associated with hypothyroidism: An overlooked cause of severe alopecia. Int J Trichol [serial online] 2013 [cited 2023 Jun 6 ];5:40-42
Available from: https://www.ijtrichology.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7753;year=2013;volume=5;issue=1;spage=40;epage=42;aulast=Betsy;type=0