Nicotine and DHT

I am a current smoker (10/day), who has for months been in a constant battle of giving it up and starting it back again. Aside from the obvious health risks, I’m feeling a kind of burning pain in my scalp where my hair is thinning, and I am wondering if this burning might be precipitated by the nicotine. I’ve read studies that purport nicotine can increase the levels of DHT.

My questions: 1) Is the burning in my scalp a sign of hair loss. 2) Could this burning be related to the nicotine’s effect on DHT levels?

Sidenote: During periods of intense smoke, the burning in my scalp increases, primarily where I’m losing my hair. Conversely, the burning subsides whenever I lay off the accursed habit for more than a week. Any thoughts?

You just answered your own question, as you show clearly a relationship between your smoking and your symptoms. What can I add in the face of such a clear association? Scalp burning isn’t necessarily a sign of hair loss, but if you’re seeing your hair fall out while you feel this sensation, it might be connected.

For further reading, check out this NY Times article — The Claim: Smoking Can Cause the Loss of Hair