Generalized hair loss and selenium exposure

Vet Hum Toxicol. 1995 Oct;37(5):468-9.

Abstract

The manufacture and maintenance of drums used in photocopy machines involves use of a selenium alloy. A worker employed in this type of job for 6 mo presented with alopecia aereta which later deteriorated to alopecia universalis. As selenium intoxication is known to present with a similar clinical picture, selenium levels in blood and nails of this subject were estimated and compared with those found in other workers. We report a case of alopecia universalis due to occupational selenium intoxication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alopecia / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nails / chemistry
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Selenium / adverse effects*
  • Selenium / analysis
  • Selenium / blood

Substances

  • Selenium