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Buldhana’s Growing Health Crisis: Villagers Suffer Hair and Nail Loss
A strange health crisis is unfolding in Buldhana district of Maharashtra. People from multiple villages are losing their hair and now, even their nails.
What’s Happening in Shegaon?
In Shegaon tehsil, over 30 villagers have reported nail deformities. In some cases, nails have completely detached.
This comes just four months after sudden hair loss shocked residents across 15 villages in the area.
Rising Panic Among Locals
The new wave of panic began in Bondgaon. Soon after, nearby villages like Kathora, Kalwad, and Machhindrakhed also reported cases. Two cases even surfaced in Ghui village, which lies in Meher tehsil. District Health Officer Dr Amol Gite confirmed the symptoms. He suggested high selenium levels in the body could be the cause.
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Hair Loss Was Just the Beginning
In December 2024 and January 2025, people from the same region suddenly experienced severe hair fall. Villagers and health workers suspected wheat from ration shops as the reason. It was supplied from Punjab and Haryana.
Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar, a respected doctor from Buldhana, raised alarms. He found selenium levels in that wheat to be 600 times higher than local varieties. However, these findings were not confirmed by earlier government studies.
The Central Government Steps In
Following media reports and public concern, the Union Health Ministry sent a nine-member expert team to Buldhana. This team is led by Dr Tanzin Dikid from the National Centre for Disease Control.
They will assist the state with public health measures and prepare guidelines. Before returning, they will report to both the state health authorities and the Directorate General of Health Services.
Who Is in the Team?
The team includes experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It also features a dermatologist and agricultural scientists like Dr Rattan Tiwari from Karnal, Haryana. Dr Pranali Kamble from the Pune regional health office is coordinating as the member secretary.
Local Leaders Demand Accountability
Former Zilla Parishad Vice-President Sangeetrao Bhongal criticized the slow response from medical authorities.
He demanded full health check-ups for villagers and immediate solutions. “Hair loss cases began in December, yet no official report came out,” he said.
Experts Warn About Selenium Toxicity
Dermatologists confirm that excess selenium causes a condition called selenosis.
This affects keratin, a protein essential for healthy hair and nails. Dr Priyanka Kuri from Bengaluru explained that adults should not consume over 400 mcg of selenium daily. Long-term intake beyond this can lead to hair loss, nail damage, fatigue, and digestive problems.
She added that the condition is reversible but early detection is crucial. Treatment involves stopping selenium supplements and avoiding selenium-rich food. Dr Seema Oberoi Lall from Gurugram echoed similar concerns. She warned against using random supplements without doctor’s advice.
What Can Be Done Now?
Supportive care, hydration, and a balanced diet help in recovery. Severe cases may need hospital care and regular medical monitoring. Experts recommend following safe dietary limits. People should also get tested if they suspect exposure to high selenium.
The people of Buldhana are still waiting for answers.
While health experts are now involved, the mystery behind the hair and nail loss continues.
For now, villagers hope for a swift and effective solution.