Sudden Baldness Mystery In Maharashtra: Experts Reveal Shocking Punjab-Haryana Connection

The cases of sudden hair loss, or 'acute onset alopecia totalis', were reported in 279 persons in 18 villages of Buldhana between December 2024 and January this year. 

The condition developed rapidly, with total baldness occurring within three to four days of the onset of the symptoms.

Source : Unsplash

Maharashtra: Experts have finally found the reason behind the mysterious case of hair loss that surfaced in several villages in Maharashtra's Buldhana district. Several people had complained of sudden hair fall leading to baldness within a few days. 

Now, a medical expert's report has linked the hair loss to high selenium content found in wheat from Punjab and Haryana supplied by local ration shops. After the authorities asked people to stop consumption of the selenium-rich wheat, some people have reported partial regrowth of hair within 5-6 weeks.

The cases of sudden hair loss, or 'acute onset alopecia totalis', were reported in 279 persons in 18 villages of Buldhana between December 2024 and January this year. 

Selenium is a mineral found in the soil and naturally appears in water and some foods. People need a very small amount of selenium, which plays a key role in metabolism.

Many affected persons are college students and young girls. They had symptoms such as headache, fever, scalp itching, tingling, and in some cases vomiting and loose motions, Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar, MD of Bawaskar Hospital and Research Centre in Raigad, told PTI.

What Did The Experts Say On Hairloss?

"Our analysis of wheat from the affected region revealed that it contained 600 times more selenium than the locally grown variety. This high selenium intake is believed to be the cause of the alopecia cases," he said.

The condition developed rapidly, with total baldness occurring within three to four days of the onset of the symptoms in these villages, the medical expert said.

The investigation also found a marked increase in selenium levels in the blood, urine and hair of the affected individuals.

"The blood, urine and hair samples showed a 35-fold, 60-fold and 150-fold increase in selenium content, respectively. This suggests that excessive selenium intake is a direct contributor to the outbreak," Bawaskar said.

"Our team also found that zinc levels were significantly lower in the affected individuals, pointing to a potential imbalance caused by the excess selenium," he said.