Hair Loss - Hair Loss

Excessive hair loss can affect a person’s self esteem and make them conscious about their look. Before going in for a treatment programme, it’s a good idea to arm yourself with a basic knowledge of hair loss, such as what are the causes, symptoms and types of hair loss. Better understanding and early intervention will help you to control hair loss in time.

Arm yourself with hair loss basics before going for treatment

Hair loss is defined as the process of the thinning of hair on the scalp. Hair loss normally occurs gradually with age in both men and women, however, it is typically more pronounced in men. Some hair loss occurs naturally and should not be a matter of concern - it’s only when hair loss becomes excessive that it may require treatment.

To understand the process of hair loss clearly it’s important to know about the hair growth cycle. The scalp hairs are divided into two phases – Growth Phase and the Resting Phase. At a given point of time, almost 90 percent of our hairs are in the growth phase, which lasts for 4-5 years. Scalp hairs grow about one-half inch a month during the growth phase. Following the growth phase, the resting phase starts, which last for up to 4 months. During this period, hairs fall out naturally and are replaced by new hair that grows from the same follicle located just beneath the skin surface. This is a normal ongoing process, where a person may lose up to 50-100 hairs daily. This hair loss is normal and should not be a matter of concern.

Symptoms of hair loss

Some of the most commonly noticeable symptoms of hair loss include thinning of hair, excessive hair fall on clothes after combing, receding hairline and the gradual appearance of bald patches. Listed below are hair loss symptoms according to the type of hair fall:

• Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia): Typical symptoms include receding hairline at the temples and balding at the top of the head. Gradually male pattern baldness could lead to partial baldness (some hair around the ears, the sides and back of the head remains) or complete baldness. Women with this condition typically have gradual thinning throughout the scalp.


• Alopecia areata: In this condition, hair loss occurs in small, round, smooth patches. In some patients the condition may spread to the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) or to the entire epidermis (alopecia universalis). Soreness and itching may precede the hair loss.


• Traction alopecia: Bald patches may occur if you regularly wear certain hairstyles, such as pigtails, braids or cornrows, or if you use tight rollers. Hair loss typically occurs between the rows or at the part where hair is pulled tightly.
  

Causes of hair loss

Listed below are some of the most common causes of hair loss:

• Hormonal causes: This is one of the most prominent causes of hair loss in men. Male pattern balance occurs due to the combination of a hormone called DHT and genetic factors. Women may also be affected due to hormonal hair loss especially in the post-pregnancy period or after menopause


• Heredity: Genetic factors are said to play a major role in hair loss. Male pattern baldness – the most common cause of hair loss, is also said to be hereditary in nature.


• Poor nutrition: A balanced nutritional diet is important for the maintenance of healthy hair. Poor nutrition, especially a diet devoid of protein, can cause excessive hair loss.


• Psychological imbalances: Too much stress in life can also lead to excessive hair loss.


• Diseases: Hair loss may also occur because of certain medical conditions, such as high fever, severe infection and major surgery.


• Medicines: Prescription drugs such as blood thinners, heart medicines and some drugs used to treat gout, arthritis, acne, or psoriasis, may cause temporary hair loss in some people. Cancer treatment drugs, especially those used in chemotherapy may also cause hair loss.

Types of hair loss

Types of hair loss can be usually defined by the symptoms and the causes. It’s important to consult a doctor to understand the type of hair loss you may be suffering from to form the right diagnosis. Listed below are some of the most common types of hair loss:

• Male pattern baldness: Male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men. The condition commonly affects men in their thirties, although younger men may also be affected by male pattern baldness. Genetic and hormonal factors are said to be the chief cause of male pattern baldness. In this condition, hair loss occurs in a well defined pattern beginning at both temples and at the crown. This usually results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of head. Male pattern baldness in some men can progress to complete baldness.


• Alopecia areata: This condition is marked by the occurrence of coin-sized bald patches on the scalp or beard. Sometimes the condition becomes severe or recurrent and the patient may even lose eyebrows and lashes (alopecia totalis) or all body hair (alopecia universalis). This type of hair loss is probably caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, allergies, immune and autoimmune system responses and emotional stress.


• Trichotillomania: This condition is marked by bald patches on head, among eyelashes, pubic hair or brows. Patients with trichotillomania suffer from an impulse control disorder or form of self-injury characterised by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, facial hair, nose hair, pubic hair, eyebrows or other body hair that results in noticeable bald patches. Trichotillomania often begins during the individual's teenage years. Chief causes of the condition can be depression or stress.


• Telogen effluvium: This condition is marked by a general thinning of hair. It occurs when hair follicles are shifted into the telogen (or resting) phase prematurely. Telogen effluvium can be triggered by nutritional status, stress, medication, childbirth, febrile illness and surgical operation.