Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that can impact many aspects of the body, including hair growth. Although CRPS is most widely known for causing severe, persistent pain and unusual sensory responses, it also affects various physical systems, which can lead to changes in hair, skin, and nails.
CRPS affects the body’s autonomic nervous system, which regulates functions like blood flow, sweat production, and temperature control. These disruptions can result in changes in hair growth and, in some cases, hair loss. CRPS-related hair loss may occur in the affected limb, typically beginning in more advanced stages of the condition.
In early CRPS (sometimes referred to as Stage 1), patients may notice an unusual increase in hair and nail growth on the affected limb. This stage is often marked by intense, burning pain and other changes, such as muscle spasms, joint stiffness, and swelling. This accelerated hair growth is temporary and can be followed by a sudden stop in growth or hair loss as the condition progresses.
As CRPS advances, Stage 2 brings intensified symptoms, and hair growth may slow or cease altogether. Many patients report that hair becomes brittle or thin, and some experience significant hair loss. The body’s response to CRPS in this stage may include increased inflammation, weakened muscles, and visible changes in the skin, nails, and hair. This phase also introduces symptoms such as pitting or grooving in nails, joint thickening, and muscle atrophy, which contribute to the physical transformations.
By Stage 3, CRPS can lead to permanent changes in skin and bone structures, while pain becomes even more intense and widespread. During this stage, the affected limb may show a marked decrease in hair growth, and hair loss can become more pronounced. The body undergoes more extensive trophic changes, which can extend to the entire limb or even spread to other areas of the body. Some patients may develop flexor tendon contractions that restrict movement and further influence changes in the body’s appearance, including hair loss.
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