The American Hair Loss Association (AHA) indicates that 48% of the US population is suffering from some type of hair loss problem, both due to natural and external causes. The general term for hair loss is alopecia and is a condition that can affect both men (Male Pattern Baldness) and women (Female Pattern Baldness). Androgenic alopecia is the most common variant of this condition.
There are 6 major types of hair loss based from the information given by the AHA:
Telogen effluvium (TE) has undergone very little studies and its causes are still unclear but basically, this condition is characterized by the decrease in number of hair follicles resulting to a thinner volume. The follicles are sometimes considered dormant or permanently inactive. Shedding is expected and is the most obvious symptom. The hair replacement therapy for TE depends on the triggering factor. Hormone medications are the least invasive treatment. Topical hair growth stimulants are another option. Laser hair therapy for TE is rarely recommended mainly because the root causes are still undetermined.
Studies have shown that 2 of every 100 people in the US can get Alopecia Aerata (AA), the third most common type of baldness. This balding condition is categorized as an autoimmune disorder which is usually a comorbidity of other diseases. Hair loss can be partial to full for this case. Like most conditions, one treatment for one person may not work for another despite having the same symptoms. Corticosteroid creams are popular prescriptions among dermatologists although this treatment approach is only successful for the very mildest cases. Severe AA can be managed with pulse therapy or laser hair therapy and majority of reported cases have shown positive results.
Scarring alopecia is also a comorbidity of other diseases such as chronic lupus erythematosus, where many organs of the body can also be affected. The loss of hair in this condition usually comes in patches and shedding is very apparent. This is a permanent condition and no amount of hair replacement therapy can bring back hair growth.
One inborn type of baldness is called hypotrichosis where there is zero hair growth. It is a lifetime condition and there is currently no existing treatment. Hair replacement solutions like wigs and hair pieces are the most feasible way of managing it.
External or environmental factors can also cause alopecia. Fungal infections such as ringworms are one noted cause. Keep in mind that ringworms aren't parasites but a type of fungal infection like athlete's foot. Another type of fungal infection leading to hair loss is called Piedra. Such a condition is determined by the formation of black or white nodules on the base of the follicles, causing hair to become brittle and break off. Cure for mild fungal infection is the use of anti-dandruff shampoos and lotions. There is no need for extreme hair replacement therapy treatments for this condition. Regular application of corticosteroid cream or lotion should do the trick.
Other balding problems also stem from the hair shaft itself has defects. Loose anagen syndrome is one of the most identified type of hair shaft defects. One recognizable symptom is falling hair that is pulled out too easily. Blondes are interestingly more prone to this problem. Laser hair therapy is one effective means of managing loose anagen syndrome. Oral medication is also one solution for minor cases.
