Following an alarming pattern of sudden hair loss, Shegaon in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district is once more within the information for yet one more well being subject – shedding of nails. In accordance with a current PTI report, almost 30 people in Shegaon have been reported with nail deformities, which can be linked to excessive selenium ranges of their blood.
Shegaon had made nationwide headlines in December 2024 and early January this 12 months, following complaints of individuals experiencing sudden baldness and hair loss, additionally resulting from an alleged hyperlink between excessive selenium content material in wheat distributed by way of ration shops. Nevertheless, the claims remained unconfirmed, with a number of consultants disagreeing.
“Twenty-nine individuals have been discovered with nail deformities in 4 villages in Shegaon taluka. In some circumstances, the nails have fallen off. They’ve been given main remedy and can be despatched to a hospital in Shegaon for additional examination,” Dr Anil Bankar, Buldhana well being officer, informed PTI two days in the past. As per preliminary info, he attributes this drawback to the “presence of excessive selenium as those that suffered hair loss are additionally experiencing issues of nail loss,” Bankar added.
To grasp the hyperlink between selenium and hair and nail loss, indianexpress.com spoke to a Bengaluru dermatologist who confirmed that extra selenium within the physique disrupts the traditional perform of keratin, the important thing protein that makes up our hair and nails.
In accordance with Dr Priyanka Kuri, dermatology advisor, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, excessive selenium stage is a situation often known as selenium toxicity or selenosis, and it may result in hair loss and nail abnormalities, together with brittleness, discoloration, and shedding.
“Power consumption of selenium above the tolerable restrict of 400 mcg/day for adults may end up in hair or nail loss, together with fatigue, abdomen points, and a garlic-like breath odour. Overuse of sure dietary supplements and even environmental components have been recognized to be the key contributor behind the event of this situation,” Dr Kuri defined.
What causes brittle nails? (Supply: Pexels)
Learn how to deal with this situation?
In accordance with Dr Kuri, the situation is reversible by lowering selenium consumption, however it is very important detect the problem early for a greater consequence. “Remedy of selenium toxicity primarily entails lowering or eliminating extra selenium consumption — this implies stopping high-dose dietary supplements, avoiding selenium-rich meals in extra, and managing environmental publicity. Often, when individuals scale back publicity, hair and nail loss lessens regularly,” stated Dr Kuri.
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Supportive care, together with a balanced food regimen and sufficient hydration, can help restoration. Nevertheless, in extreme circumstances, medical supervision is critical to watch organ perform and handle systemic signs.
What are you able to do to stop it within the first place?
Dr Kuri shared that prevention entails adhering to the really helpful dietary allowance (RDA) for selenium and avoiding pointless supplementation except suggested by a health care provider. Common blood checks could also be really helpful for people in danger, particularly these utilizing dietary supplements for a long run.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.