subject: Hair Loss [print this page] Hair loss refers to excessive loss of hair from the scalp due to various reasons.
Symptoms of hair loss-
Hair loss can appear in different ways depending on the cause of the condition. It may suddenly or gradually and can just affect your scalp or the whole body. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent.
Common signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:
Gradual thinning on top of head
Circular or patchy bald spots
Sudden loosening of hair
Full-body hair loss
Causes of hair loss-
Normally people shed 50 to 100 strands of hair a day. As the age increases, hair tends to become thin. Other causes of hair loss include hormonal factors, medical conditions and various drugs.
Hormonal factors
The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition called male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. In susceptible people, certain sex hormones trigger a particular pattern of permanent hair loss. It is most common in men. This type of hair thinning can begin as early as puberty.
Temporary hair loss can also be caused by hormonal changes. This may include pregnancy, childbirth, and discontinuation of birth control pills or the onset of menopause.
Medical conditions
A variety of medical conditions can cause hair loss, including:
Thyroid problems
Alopecia areata
Scalp infections
Other skin disorders such as lichen planus and some types of lupus
Medications
Hair loss can be caused by drugs used to treat:
Cancer
Arthritis
Depression
Heart problems
High blood pressure
Other causes of hair loss
Hair loss can also result from:
A physical or emotional shock
Hair-pulling disorder
Certain hairstyles
Treatment of hair loss-
In some cases of hair loss, hair may resume growth without any treatment. In other situations, treatment may help improve hair growth or hide loss of hair.
Medication
If hair loss is due to some underlying condition, the treatment will aim at curing that disease. This may include drugs to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system such as prednisone.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Finasteride (Propecia)
Surgery
Permanent hair loss, most common type of hair loss, only affects the top of the head. Surgical procedure is used in making the most of the hair left.
Hair transplants: This type of procedure removes tiny plugs of skin, each containing a few hairs, from the back or sides of the scalp. The plugs are then implanted into the bald sections of the scalp. Several transplant sessions may be needed, as hereditary hair loss progresses with time.
Scalp reduction: This procedure surgically removes some of the bald skin on the head. After hairless scalp is removed, the space is closed with hair-covered scalp. Doctors can also fold hair-bearing skin over an area of bald skin in a scalp reduction technique called a flap.
These procedures can treat baldness but are expensive and can be painful. Possible risks include infection and scarring.
Wigs and hairpieces
This is an alternative to medical treatment for baldness. If the patient does not respond to treatment, he may consider wearing a wig or hairpiece. This can be used to cover either permanent or temporary hair loss. Good quality, natural-looking wigs and hairpieces are easily available now days.
