Hair Loss: Definition, Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
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What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss affects the entire body or scalp, is temporary or permanent. It results from inherited reasons, hormonal changes, illnesses, or aging naturally. On their heads, men are more prone than women to have hair loss.
A severe loss of scalp hair is typically referred to as baldness. Hereditary hair loss as people age is the most typical cause of baldness. Some people do not like to use treatments or disguises when their hair loses its volume. Some conceal it with hats, scarves, makeup, or alternative hairstyles. Others decide to utilize one of the available remedies to stop additional hair loss or to encourage growth.
Before starting any regimen, consult the doctor about the reasons behind hair loss and treatment choices.
What is the other term for Hair Loss?
Alopecia, another name for hair loss, is a condition brought on by a disruption in the body's normal hair growth cycle. The 100,000 hairs on the average scalp go through growth, rest, shedding, and regrowth cycles.
How does Hair Loss function?
Various factors cause hair loss, and the underlying mechanisms vary depending on the cause. The following are some common acts and procedures associated with hair loss:
Hair Growth Cycle: The hair growth cycle contains three basic phases.
New hair growth is currently underway. The length of the anagen phase varies depending on heredity and where the hair is placed on the body. For example, the anagen phase of scalp hair lasts several years, whereas the anagen phase of hair on the brows or body lasts only a few months.
During the anagen phase, which creates the hair shaft, hair follicles produce new cells. The rapid division and differentiation of these cells causes hair elongation. Hair grows at about half an inch every month during this stage.
Following the anagen phase, hair follicles enter the catagen phase, a brief transitional state. During this time, a few weeks have passed. During catagen, the structure of the hair follicles changes. When this happens, the blood supply to the hair follicle is severed at the base. As a result, hair growth is halted.
Following the catagen phase, hair follicles enter the telogen resting phase. Telogen stage usually lasts a few months. The hair follicles are dormant during telogen and do not produce new hair. The follicle anchors the existing hair, which keeps it in place.
After the telogen phase, the cycle repeats itself, and the anagen phase begins again. Shedding occurs when new hair pushes out the old hair from the follicle. The average hair loss during the growth cycle is between 50 and 100 hairs each day.
Hair loss occurs when the hair growth cycle is disrupted or when the balance between hair growth and shedding is disrupted. Hair loss is caused by various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, illnesses, medicines, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and physical damage to the hair follicles.
It is important to understand that not every hair is in the same phase simultaneously. The fact that some hairs are actively developing while others are resting or shedding is attributable to each hair follicle's independent operation.
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What are the different types of hair loss?
Each type of hair loss has its characteristics and underlying reasons. There are various types of hair loss. Some types of hair loss are listed below:
1. Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania, often known as a hair-pulling disorder, is a mental illness characterized by recurrent desires to pull out hair from the scalp, brows, or other body regions despite strong willpower.
Hair removal from the scalp typically results in patchy bald regions, which is exceedingly unpleasant and impairs one's ability to function in social or professional settings. Trichotillomania’s go to extraordinary lengths to conceal their hair loss.
Some people with trichotillomania have mild symptoms that are easily managed. Some people have a strong compulsive need to shave their hair. Many people no longer pluck their hair because of various treatment options.
Signs and symptoms
The following signs and symptoms usually accompany Trichotillomania:
- Repeated hair pulling, generally from the scalp, brows, or eyelashes, but often from other body regions, and the origins change over time.
- Increasing tension is felt before or when attempting to stop pulling.
- a sense of contentment or fulfillment following hair removal
- Short hair, thinning or bald regions on the scalp, or other body parts, such as sparse or nonexistent eyelashes or brows, are all obvious indicators of hair loss.
- Preference for specific hair kinds, hair-pulling tendencies, or hair-pulling patterns
- tearing hair out and chewing, biting, or eating it
- Experimenting with or applying shaved hair to the lips or face.
- making futile attempts to stop or reduce the frequency of pulling out hair.
- Severe anxiety concerns or problems in relationships, jobs, education, or both.
Trichotillomania causes many people to chew their lips, nibble their nails, or pick at their skin. Trichotillomania patients generally pluck their hair in private and try to hide the disease from others.
Hair pulling is for people suffering from Trichotillomania.
- Focused: Some people actively pull their hair out to relieve tension or anguish; for example, they pull their hair out to satisfy a strong desire to do so. Some people develop elaborate hair-pulling rituals, such as selecting the perfect or biting pulled hair.
- Automatic: Some people unknowingly pluck their hair, for example, while bored, reading, or watching TV.
Depending on the situation and mindset, the same person engages in targeted and automatic hair-pulling. Two attitudes or routines that cause hair tugging include brushing and resting the head on the palm.
Trichotillomania and emotions are linked:
People with trichotillomania often pull out their hair as a coping mechanism for unpleasant or stressful emotions such as stress, worry, tension, boredom, loneliness, weariness, or frustration.
Many trichotillomania finds solace and relief in the wonderful feeling of pulling off their hair. People keep tearing their hair out to maintain these positive feelings.
Trichotillomania is a chronic (persistent) illness. If symptoms are not treated, they change in severity over time. For instance, women have worsening symptoms due to menstrual cycle-related hormonal changes. Some individuals' symptoms return for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated.
Causes of Trichotillomania
Trich is not completely understood. Following are some of the causes:
- an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like imbalance of brain chemistry
- Puberty causes a shift in a child's hormone levels.
- Some people develop an addiction to hair-pulling. The more time passes, the more they want to shave off their hair.
Risk Factors
Due to the following causes, trichotillomania is more likely to happen:
- Family history: Trichotillomania is a hereditary ailment that manifest in people with close relatives who have the condition.
- Age: Trichotillomania commonly appears throughout infancy, usually begins before the age of 13, lasts until the beginning of adolescence, and most frequently occurs between the ages of 10 and 13. Although it often becomes softer and disappears independently, babies frequently pull their hair out.
- Stress: Some people are exposed to very stressful circumstances, or events develop the illness known as trichotillomania.
Even though many more women than males get trichotillomania therapy, this is because women are more inclined to see a doctor. Young influences seem to affect boys and girls equally.
Complications
Even while it does not appear like a serious illness, trichotillomania has a significant influence on life. Potential problems are:
Patients with trichotillomania often express feelings of shame, remorse, and humiliation. The condition causes them to experience low self-esteem, despair, worry, and drug or alcohol misuse.
- Problems with social and professional functioning
Self-consciousness about hair loss makes one avoid social situations and employment possibilities. Trichotillomania uses fake eyelashes, wigs, or hairstyles to mask bald spots. Some people shun personal interactions out of concern that their condition be revealed.
In addition to causing infections, scars, and other skin damage to the scalp or the area where hair is pulled, persistent hair pulling has a long-term impact on how hair develops.
A huge, matted hairball (trichobezoar) form in your digestive tract due to eating hair. Weight loss, nausea, intestinal obstruction, and even death develop over time due to the hairball.
2. Alopecia Areata
The immune system damages hair follicles in alopecia areata, a condition that results in hair loss. The areas of the skin that produce hair are called hair follicles. Although alopecia areata affects anybody region, the head and face are the most often affected areas. Usually, hair falls out in spherical patches about the size of a quarter, but sometimes, there is greater hair loss. Most patients are healthy and asymptomatic.
Every person's alopecia areata presents differently. While some individuals experience hair loss intermittently throughout their lifetimes, others only do it once. Additionally, healing is uncertain; although some people's hair regenerates, others do not.
Alopecia areata is not treated; however, several remedies aid in quickening new hair growth. There are several tools at people's disposal to assist them in dealing with hair loss.
Who is prone to Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata affects anyone. It affects men and women equally and all racial and ethnic groupings. Although it begins at any age, it is most common in people in their twenties, thirties, or adolescence. It is more severe and progressive in youngsters under the age of 10.
Although many people do not have a family history of the disease, the risk increase if someone has a close relative who has it. Alopecia areata is more common in persons with autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis, thyroid disease, or vitiligo, as well as allergy conditions such as hay fever. Alopecia areata develops due to mental stress or sickness, but this is not always true.
Types of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is classified into three types:
The most common type of hair loss results in one or more patches of baldness the size of coins appearing on the scalp or in other places of the body.
Alopecia totalis causes people to lose nearly all their scalp hair.
Alopecia universalis distinguished by the complete or nearly complete hair loss on the scalp, face, and other body regions.
Symptoms and warning signs
Although nails occasionally change, hair is the most affected part of alopecia areata. Most people with the illness are healthy and have no further symptoms.
Circular or oval patches of hair on the scalp begin to come out rapidly when alopecia areata initially manifests. Short, broken hairs or "exclamation point" hairs with a base thinner than a tip is typical along the edges of the patch. Usually, the exposed regions show no signs of a rash, redness, or scarring. Before losing their hair, some individuals have experienced tingling, burning, or itching in certain skin areas.
The alternatives are as follows:
The hair regrows within a few months. It appears white or gray initially but eventually returns to its original color.
- New bare areas occur. While new bare patches emerge, the old hair patch regenerate occasionally.
- When smaller patches connect, larger patches are formed. Alopecia totalis, a rare disorder, describes the eventual loss of hair from the entire scalp.
- Alopecia universalis is a type of disorder that causes full-body hair baldness.
- Hair normally grows back, although there are more hair loss episodes.
- People who have more hair that regrows completely on its own.
- Less severe hair loss.
- The age of onset is later.
- There are no nail changes.
- There is no family history of the condition.
Changes to the nails
Some people, particularly those who have experienced considerable hair loss, have ridges and pits on their nails.
Causes of alopecia areata
Hair follicle cells are attacked by white blood cells, which causes them to contract and noticeably slows hair growth. What triggers the body's immune system to assault hair follicles in this way is unknown.
Genetics is implicated since alopecia areata is more likely to impact someone with a close relative who has the condition, even though it is unknown why these changes happen. Every fifth person with the disorder has a family member who has it.
Contrary to widespread belief, there is not much proof that stress contributes to alopecia areata. Though the condition is brought on by extreme stress, most recent research suggests a hereditary connection.
3. Telogen Effluvium
A frequent temporary hair loss condition called "telogen effluvium" is brought on by excessive telogen hair loss after a bodily shock. Hair keeps growing. Due to the shape of its roots, telogen hair is often referred to as club hair.
It must be differentiated from anagen effluvium when toxins, inflammation, or drugs (as in alopecia areata) interrupt active or anagen hair formation. The tip of anagen hair is pointed or tapered.
Telogen effluvium affects whom?
Any gender or age group is affected by acute telogen effluvium. Women between 30 and 60 are more likely to have chronic telogen effluvium without a clear triggering event.
Why does telogen effluvium occur?
Typical causes include:
- Loss of weight, an atypical diet, or a nutritional deficit (such as a lack of iron)
- a few medicines
- Thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
- ceasing to use of birth control pills
- flying internationally while experiencing jet lag
- Erythroderma is a scalp-specific skin condition.
- Significant sun exposure.
What telogen effluvium signs and symptoms are present?
Symptoms and signs of telogen effluvium include:
- The hairbrush, shower drain, or pillow show signs of increased hair loss.
- Dry hairs that fall out readily.
The scalp must seem healthy for telogen effluvium to be present. It is inappropriate to have additional symptoms such as rash, stinging, burning, irritation, or peeling.
4. Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis is a fungal scalp infection that affects both the skin and the hair. Ringworm of the scalp is another name for this condition. Tinea capitis signs and symptoms include hair loss, dry, scaly areas, redness, and itching. Tinea barbae is a similar condition that affects the beard region.
Tinea capitis primarily affects preadolescent children, with an incidence peak between the ages of three and seven. Adults, particularly those with compromised immune systems, are vulnerable. Although tinea capitis affects most of the world's population, the prevalence of a certain fungus species that causes tinea capitis differs geographically. Risk factors include animal contact, crowded dwellings, a lower socioeconomic level, warm, humid environments, and contact sports. Infection patterns are changing due to the introduction of antifungal medications, population shifts, and improved hygiene habits.
How often is Tinea capitis?
Tinea capitis is routinely treated by dermatologists and primary care specialists. Infections are detected everywhere in the world. It is especially common in hot, humid countries such as Central America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
What are the signs and symptoms of tinea capitis?
The child's scalp has full or partial tinea capitis. Some warning indications include:
- Red patches with edema.
- Eruptions that are dry and scaly.
- Itching to the extreme.
- Alopecia, or hair loss in patches.
- Scalp flaking and dandruff-like.
- There is only a slight fever.
- Lymph nodes that are swollen.
Due to inflammatory tinea capitis, a child's scalp develops uncomfortable, puffy regions. They are known as kerion. Pus-oozing crusted blisters on the kerion is possible. Inflammatory Tinea capitis causes scars and hinders a child's hair from coming back.
When hair shafts with black dot tinea capitis break at the surface, black dots form, Tinea capitis is characterized by gray areas and short hair stubs.
What causes tinea capitis?
Tinea capitis is caused by dermatophytes, which are mold-like fungi. Dermatophytes with the designations Microsporum and Trichophyton are the most common causes of infection in the United States. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. It typically grows in tropical climates.
Tinea capitis is a highly contagious illness. Tinea capitis is transmitted to children by contact with ill people, animals, or soil. They get it if they utilize products or touch surfaces that have fungus on them. Tinea capitis survive for an extended period on contaminated surfaces and things.
What are the risk factors for tinea capitis?
Tinea capitis thrives in warm, humid environments. The following are the most common risk factors:
- Residing in a tropical location.
- Visiting regions where it is hot and sticky.
- Sharing an area with other people.
- Participating in a contact sport.
- Having minor head wounds.
- Not giving youngsters a bath or washing regularly.
- (Hyperhidrosis) Excessive sweating.
- Common objects and materials include hats, hairbrushes, and athletic gear.
- A weakened immune system is caused by cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS.
5. Traction Alopecia
Continual, chronic strain or pulling on the hair follicles results in traction alopecia, a hair loss. Hairstyles that place excessive stress on the hair, causing harm and hair loss, are the main culprits. People who use hair styling methods that require pulling or twisting their hair or have tight haircuts are more prone to develop traction alopecia.
A few crucial details about traction alopecia are as follows:
Causes:
The most frequent cause of traction alopecia is tight ponytails, braids, buns, cornrows, weaves, or hair extensions that pull on the hair. The hair follicles are subjected to persistent stress from these hairstyles, resulting in damage and hair loss over time. Hot irons and rollers are two examples of hair styling tools that, when misused or overused, have the potential to cause traction alopecia.
In areas where tension is applied, traction alopecia is characterized by progressive hair loss. Thinning hair first signifies hair loss before progressing to a receding hairline or bald spots. The parts of the scalp most frequently affected are the sides, temples, and front hairline. However, it appears anywhere on the scalp when the hair is frequently pushed out of place. In rare cases, the affected area grows uncomfortable or irritated.
People with traction alopecia are more prone to have tight hairstyles or undergo hair treatments involving ongoing stress. A person's hair is more likely to break or be damaged by traction if tightly curled or coiled.
6. Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia is a common hair loss caused primarily by heredity and hormones. It is referred to as male or female pattern baldness. The hair gradually thins out, usually at the crown of the head or along the hairline.
In persons with androgenic alopecia, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes hair follicles to become sensitive. DHT is created from testosterone by the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. When DHT binds to hair follicle receptors, it gradually miniaturizes them. Shrinkage results in shorter, finer hair strands; eventually, there is no real hair growth.
In men with androgenic alopecia, the hairline normally recedes, followed by thinning around the crown and partial or complete baldness. Conversely, women often experience widespread hair thinning, part line broadening, and general scalp hair loss.
A combination of genetic and hormonal factors influences how androgenic alopecia develops. A family history is essential because the condition tends to run in families. Hormones, notably androgens, influence its beginning. Both men and women have androgens. However, the disease is more common in men due to higher testosterone levels.
Even while androgenic alopecia is considered a normal and natural part of aging, it substantially impacts a person's quality of life and sense of self-worth. Several treatment options are available to reduce hair loss or increase hair growth. These include medications such as finasteride or minoxidil, which help to diminish DHT's effects on hair follicles. Low-level laser therapy and hair transplant surgery are viable alternatives for more difficult conditions.
Anyone suffering signs of androgenic alopecia must consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a clear diagnosis and expert treatment plan. They advise on the best remedies based on a person's condition and needs.
7. Scarring alopecia
Scarring alopecia, known as cicatricial alopecia, refers to a group of hair loss disorders characterized by permanent damage and scarring of the hair follicles. Unlike other forms of hair loss, scarring alopecia destroys hair follicles, making it challenging for new hair to grow.
Causes of scarring alopecia vary and include,
- lichen planopilaris
- discoid lupus erythematosus
- infections
- folliculitis
- cellulitis
- physical trauma
- radiation therapy
- certain medications.
The main distinguishing feature of scarring alopecia is the presence of inflammation and subsequent scarring in the affected areas.
Symptoms of scary alopecia include,
- itching,
- burning,
- and tenderness in the affected areas
Scaring alopecia is treatable with topical or oral anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medicines. Hair transplantation is an alternative treatment option.
Due to the irreversible damage caused to hair follicles by scarring alopecia, hair can't regrow in the affected areas. The inflammation must be controlled, the progression of the disease must be halted, and the patient's existing hair must be preserved as much as possible during treatment.
Those experiencing keloid alopecia symptoms must seek immediate medical attention from a dermatologist or hair loss specialist. To control the disease and reduce the likelihood of further hair loss, they provide a precise diagnosis, identify the underlying cause, and devise an appropriate treatment plan.
8. Hypotrichosis
Hypotrichosis is an extremely rare illness characterized by little to no hair production on the scalp, including the brows, eyelids, and other body regions where hair normally forms. The hair in the affected areas is short, dry, and scratchy, with a proclivity to break easily. Tight curls, lighter coloration, and other oddities are conceivable.
Congenital hypotrichosis is a congenital disability usually associated with several genetic illnesses—different types of hypotrichosis result from various genetic pathways and causes. Hypotrichosis manifests in various ways; some are inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive pattern, while others result from unintended genetic changes.
The symptoms and severity of hypotrichosis vary widely from person to person, even within the same family or disease. Depending on the underlying genetic illness, people with hypotrichosis develop symptoms unrelated to hair in addition to those described above.
Clinical examination, family history, and, in some cases, genetic testing are used to pinpoint the specific genetic mutation responsible for the condition.
The disorder is primarily inherited because the underlying genetic defect that causes hypotrichosis is untreated. The bulk of therapy options focuses on symptom control and hair health promotion. To cure the aesthetic concerns caused by hair loss, gentle hair care treatments, moisturizing the hair and scalp, and adopting cosmetic tactics such as wigs or hairpieces are used.
A dermatologist or medical geneticist specializing in hair difficulties is the best place to get a good diagnosis, counselling, and treatment for hypotrichosis. Ongoing genetic research promotes future advances in hypotrichosis knowledge and therapy.
9. Cicatricial alopecia
Scarring alopecia, known as cicatricial alopecia, is a kind of hair loss in which hair follicles are destroyed and scarred permanently. It is a rare condition in which the affected areas have little to no hair development. Hair is typically short, rough, dry, and prone to breaking in these areas. It has unusual characteristics such as lighter colours or tightly curled hair.
Cicatricial alopecia is frequently associated with several genetic disorders and is usually congenital, meaning it exists at birth. Numerous hereditary factors influence the progression of the condition.
The afflicted areas are frequently clinically investigated, and cicatricial alopecia is diagnosed. A biopsy is performed to assess the degree of scarring and rule out other causes of hair loss.
Because scarring replaces hair follicles, cicatricial alopecia is permanent, and hair regrowth is impossible. The therapy aims to reduce inflammation, halt disease development, and preserve the patient's current hair. Corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medicines are used locally or orally to reduce inflammation.
Anyone suffering from cicatricial alopecia must see a dermatologist or a hair loss specialist. They correctly diagnose the disease, determine the underlying cause, and create a customized treatment plan to control the condition and prevent additional hair loss.
10. Loose Anagen Syndrome
The unusual hair disorder known as loose anagen syndrome is distinguished by a hair shaft that is easily pulled apart and loosely attached. Young children, particularly girls, are usually impacted, and it frequently exists from birth. Loose anagen syndrome patients have thin, sparse hair that does not grow long. The disease is hypothesized to be caused by a defect in the inner root sheath and the anchoring of the hair shaft to the hair follicle. Individual hair removal does not cause pain or discomfort. The syndrome usually improves and becomes self-limiting as the hair becomes more firmly set with age. However, in certain cases, it endures far into adulthood. There is no known cure for loose anagen syndrome, and therapeutic options are limited. Gentle hair care procedures, such as not overbrushing or pulling, are recommended to avoid hair breakage. Often, no therapy is required for the sickness to heal.
What are some Causes of Hair Loss?
Each day, the average person loses 50 to 100 hairs. The simultaneous growth of new hair typically hides this. Hair loss happens when new hair does not grow to replace the lost hair.
One or more of the following causes of hair loss are common:
(Family history) Inheritance
The most frequent reason for hair loss is an inherited illness that develops as people age. Other names for this condition include androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness, and female-pattern baldness. Men typically have bald spots and a receding hairline, while women typically experience thinning hair at the scalp's crown. Typically, it happens gradually and in regular patterns.
Medical issues and hormone changes.
Hair loss is temporary or permanent depending on the disorder, which is brought on by thyroid issues, hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or other conditions. Alopecia areata, an immune-related sickness that results in patchy hair loss, ringworm on the scalp, and trichotillomania are a few instances of medical conditions.
Prescription drugs and dietary supplements.
Some medications, including those prescribed for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart issues, gout, and high blood pressure, result in hair loss.
- Head-focused radiation therapy.
- It is possible that hair does not grow back in the same way as previously.
- a highly charged scenario
- . Several months after physical or mental stress, many people realize their hair is thinning.
- Procedures and hairdos.
Autoimmune disorders and hair loss
The immune system erroneously targets the body's cells and tissues in autoimmune diseases. Some specific autoimmune diseases target the hair follicles and result in hair loss. The following is a synopsis of how autoimmune illnesses cause hair loss:
- Autoimmune reaction: In people with specific autoimmune diseases, the immune system develops an immunological response against hair follicles because they are perceived as foreign or abnormal. As a result of this immunological reaction, autoantibodies are created, and immune cells target the hair follicles.
- Inflammation: Inflammation develops when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. By interfering with their normal function, inflammation causes hair follicles to shrink or die.
- Hair Follicle Damage: The continual autoimmune attack and inflammation injure hair follicles, preventing them from forming healthy hair strands. The severity of the damage ranges from temporary hair loss to permanent hair follicle destruction.
- Hair Loss Patterns: Autoimmune diseases result in many hair loss patterns. Alopecia areata, a common autoimmune condition, causes circular or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp or other body parts. Alopecia universalis, or universal hair loss, occurs in more severe cases.
- Hair Regrowth: As the autoimmune response subsides, hair regrows independently without medical intervention. However, hair loss continues or becomes chronic in certain people, culminating in permanent hair loss.
Not all autoimmune diseases cause hair loss, and different people are affected differently by autoimmune disorders. Specific autoimmune disorders linked to hair loss include alopecia areata, lupus erythematosus, and several autoimmune thyroid illnesses.
Treating the underlying autoimmune disease and reducing inflammation are frequently required for controlling autoimmune hair loss. Immunosuppressive medications, corticosteroids, topically applied therapies, or immunomodulatory therapy is used. A healthcare physician or dermatologist must be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and the best action. Treatment plans are tailored to the specific autoimmune illness and the circumstances of each patient.
11. Nutritional deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies lead to hair loss by interfering with the healthy development and maintenance of hair follicles. The following is an outline of how nutritional deficiencies result in hair loss:
To treat hair loss caused by nutritional deficiencies, it is frequently required to change one's diet to guarantee enough vitamin intake. Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats is one method to do this. Supplementing with dietary supplements or specific nutrients is recommended in certain conditions. It is best to consult a medical professional or qualified dietitian to determine the underlying nutritional inadequacies and develop an effective treatment strategy.
How common is hair loss in men?
Hair loss is a highly prevalent concern among men. Hair loss may be gradual and extending over a long period of time or it may be sudden due to certain extreme health conditions. Recognizing the triggering factors of hair loss and adequate awareness may help men fight off the potential causes of early hair loss.
Alopecia is the medical term used for hair loss. Hair loss is more prevalent in men as compared to women due to various sexual hormones. Studies show that 60% of men may experience the onset of hair loss by the time they are 35 years of age or above. By the age of 50, men may experience baldness on more than half the area of the scalp. Alopecia advances with age but it may also occur in adolescent men due to the genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness.
Sudden loss of hair is an alarming and distressing situation. This condition is also known as acute telogen effluvium which means the sudden loss of scalp hair due to stressful mental or physical conditions within a span as short as a few months. It begins with thinning of hair at the top of head usually and eventual loss of hair in the area.
The physical conditions that give rise to this state may include chronic stress and fatigue, traumatic experiences, accidents, undergoing surgery for treatment purposes or an untreated mood disorder.
Hormonal imbalances cause sudden hair loss in cases of increased sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a male sex hormone. DHT is a potent variant of testosterone that develops male sexual characteristics. In cases of imbalance or increased sensitivity of receptors to this hormone, men may experience various side effects among which hair loss is most prominent.
Individuals receiving treatments for various disorders may complain of sudden hair loss. Such medications include chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment, antidepressants, or anticoagulants.
Dietary deficiency of various minerals such as magnesium and zinc are reported to potentiate sudden hair loss. It is important to take meals rich in vitamins and minerals to combat the onset of sudden hair loss.
Although the loss of hair may be quite upsetting for many men, the good news about sudden hair loss is that it can be easily reversed once the underlying conditions are treated. It requires no medicine or invasive procedures such as hair transplantation.
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, healthy routine, regular health assessment of hormone levels and selfcare are enough modifications to treat the sudden hair loss in men.
How common is hair loss in women?
Hair loss is considered primarily a male problem. However, that is not entirely accurate. Females may experience greater degrees of hair loss than males. Hair loss in women is due to various physiological reasons and some diseases. Below we will discuss in detail the prevalence of hair loss in women and the factors that cause hair loss.
- Prevalence of hair loss in women:
Women are affected more by hair loss than one may imagine. Studies show that by the age of 50, every 2/3rd female may experience hair loss. As age advances, hair thinning, and eventual hair loss becomes a common experience. The difference between male and female pattern hair loss is that males experience local baldness (mostly on top of the head) and females experience diffuse pattern baldness.
- Causes of hair loss in women:
Hair loss in women is due to different causes and mechanisms that we discuss below.
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances cause hair thinning and thus hair loss in women. Hormones are constantly kept in check and regulated in a normal female body. Normal or adequate levels of hormones are essential to regulate various functions in the female body that includes the maintenance of hair follicles and rich hair growth as well.
However, in times of pregnancy and childbirth, certain hormones may be elevated than normal while others hit the bottom levels. In such conditions, females may experience severe hair loss during and after a few weeks of childbirth. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) causes an increase in male androgen hormones that leads to male pattern hair loss and baldness.
Such hormonal imbalances need to be recognized and treated appropriately to avoid any permanent or long-term hair loss impacts.
Genetic predisposition: The genetic predisposition to hair loss in women is less than that of males. It often manifests as receding front hairline or alopecia at various small spots on the scalp. Females with androgenetic hair loss experience an early onset of hair loss that seems to be due to no apparent causes of a hair loss issue. It affects female confidence at a younger age and requires appropriate care and treatment from a dermatology expert.
Health Conditions: Health conditions unrelated to the disturbance in the female reproductive system or the dysregulation of female sex hormones may also cause hair loss in women.
Thyroid disorders cause the weakening and death of hair follicles due to inadequate levels of thyroid hormones. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune cells attack the hair follicles and cause severe hair loss. Various other disorders include anaemia, Cushing’s syndrome, and skin conditions like psoriasis that cause active weakening and shedding of hair follicles.
This form of hair loss may be reversed when the underlying health condition is improved or altogether treated and subsided.
Medications: Certain medications prescribed for certain health conditions may lead to hair loss for as long as the medicine is taken. Such medications cause hair loss in both men and women. These include antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, and chemotherapy drugs.
Hair Treatments: Hair treatments include the application of various dyes or chemicals that add to the hair's shine. These chemicals may show visible results for a week or two but cause severe hair damage in the long run as they contain toxic chemicals. Women that tie their hair uptight may also complain of hair loss in their front line or the parting line. Similarly, heat treatments, such as hair straighteners or curlers cause hair breakage and eventual weakening of hair.
A proper hair care routine avoiding excessive hair heat and chemical treatments with loose hairstyling may ease the effects of excessive hair loss. The use of silk covers on pillows may also add to the smoothness and shine of natural hair.
A healthy diet with all the major and minor vitamins, minerals and daily exercise maintains hormones and blood circulation throughout the body that adds to the nourishment of hair follicles as well.
Do the causes of hair loss in Men differ in Women?
Hair loss is a concern that both men and women share equally. Some of the causes of hair loss may be similar between them while other factors may be different. It is important to understand the different factors causing hair loss for each man and woman for better target and treatment plans. The article below will demonstrate the causes of hair loss that vary between the two genders.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances are one of the primary reasons for excess hair loss.
In men, the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone causes the regulation of male sexual characteristics that include the distribution of body hair as well. Hair loss is usually followed by an imbalance in the DHT hormone. Excess DHT hormone binds to the hair follicles, shrinking the root and follicle of hair that leads to hair thinning and eventual loss of hair.
In women, oestrogen and progesterone are responsible for the regulation of female sexual characteristics. Dysregulation of both oestrogen and progesterone leads to hair loss along with other clinical manifestations. In certain conditions such as pregnancy, childbirth, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and menopause, females may experience thinning and eventual loss of hair.
Hormonal imbalances are treatable conditions. Once treated, the hair is bound to regrow.
Hereditary: Genetics play an important role in the kind of hair loss in both men and women. The inherited forms of hair loss are harder or impossible to treat due to the absolute fixation of hair data in the DNA.
Men inherit their hair loss pattern from the maternal family. It begins with the gradual thinning of hair on the front line or the crown. Eventually, it results in hair loss and male pattern baldness. Baldness in men is mostly complete and at the top of their head with no hairy areas in between.
Women inherit their hair loss pattern from both the paternal and maternal sides. Seems like nature realized that women are made too strong and would need troubled genes from both sides for the hair fall! Hair loss pattern in women begins with diffuse hair thinning and hair loss. Women experience hair loss in diffuse patterns rather than local just like that in men. Women are rarely completely bald, however, in their middle to late age they have thin braids and complain of hair loss quite often.
Foreign Factors: Apart from genetics and hormonal imbalances, foreign factors like lifestyle may also influence the strength of hair and cause hair loss.
Men working in factories are exposed to heat and toxic chemicals. One such example is factories handling Thallium. In chronic cases of thallium poisoning, due to working around this element, occurs baldness. In such factory workers, hair loss from the lateral sides of both the eyebrows and baldness are observed.
Women may experience hair loss due to excessive styling, heat, and chemical treatments. Women tend to style their hair uptight which leads to eventual loss of hair in the parting line. Tension hair loss, or traction alopecia, is the loss of hair due to excess pulling or tension on the hair shaft. This leads to the weakening of the hair shaft, the follicle holding it and thus hair loss results.
Covering the head in extremely hot or dusty weather and limiting the use of unnecessary toxic chemicals may reverse hair loss. Be it men or women, seeking help from a dermatology expert helps with regaining strength both in hair and in confidence!
What are the signs and symptoms of Hair Loss?
After understanding the significance and causes of hair loss, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of hair loss as well. Early recognition and detection of hair loss help with early treatment and eradication of any underlying condition that causes it.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of hair loss that need medical attention from a dermatology expert.
Thinning hair: Thinning hair is the diameter-wise shortening of hair strands. Thinning hair on the scalp is a bit-by-bit process that is the first one to be observed among the other signs and symptoms of hair loss. It is due to various causes such as uptight hairstyling, genetic predisposition, health conditions or medications that affect both men and women equally.
Thinning hair is followed by a visible decrease in hair volume and strength. It is prominent in the parting line or the lines along a regular hairstyle.
Receding hairline: Receding hairline is the row-by-row depletion of hair from an area on the scalp. Common causes of receding hairline in women are traction alopecia and androgenetic hair loss, whereas, in men, it is common as age advances and with certain medications.
Receding hairline is a common and concerning complaint among men over the age of 35 years. It follows an M-shaped pattern over the scalp that spares both the temples but starts just here in an upward fashion towards the top of the head.
Receding hairline is common in women as well except that it is not as prominent as that in men. Early detection and tending to the receding hairline help with an early and easy treatment.
Excessive hair shedding: Hair shedding is the noticeable and heavy hair fall. In extreme states, it results in empty patches on various areas on the scalp with not a single strand of hair. Hair shedding is due to various reasons such as excessive heat or chemical hair treatments, use of damaging shampoos and conditioners, dietary deficiency of essential minerals and vitamins, chemotherapy treatments or an underlying medical condition.
It is only natural to lose up to 100 hair strands per day. However, it is a medical concern in cases of excess hair fall just by brushing or running fingers through the hair.
Excessive hair shedding is a situation of great distress and discomfort. Terminating the use of new shampoo or conditioner formula and consuming a diet rich in iron and zinc must regrow the hair in acute cases of increased hair shedding. However, if the situation persists, one must consult a physician to detect an underlying medical condition (if any) or a dermatologist to treat the hair loss.
Observable bald patches: Bald patches on the scalp confirm a sign of an underlying autoimmune condition, alopecia areata. It is characterized by round or irregular oval-shaped bald patches on the scalp with otherwise normal hair all around the patch.
Alopecia areata occurs when the body misunderstands the hair follicle as a foreign body. The immune response upon triggering attacks the hair follicles and begins to destroy them. It is followed by a period of no hair growth in the respective region that results in a bald patch.
Such signs must be addressed upon initial notice as they help with the early detection of potential health disorders. Bald patches due to autoimmune disorders are easily reversible through medications once the diagnosis is made and treatment is started.
Body hair changes: Hair changes such as hair thinning and hair loss on the scalp are noticed more as compared to that on the rest of the body. Hair changes in the body also point towards hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications. The affected areas include eyebrows, hairless patches on the arms or legs, eyelashes, and the rest of the body. One must attend a healthcare professional if such signs and symptoms of hair changes persist as early detection helps with reducing the progression to worsening states.
How to know if my hair loss is normal or excessive?
It may be a challenging task to determine if the experienced hair loss is normal or excessive. Losing 60-100 strands of hair per day is normal as the cell’s turnover takes place and the older hair is replaced by new ones. The following are some of the ways by which we can determine if hair loss is normal or excessive.
Know your family history: Genetic data plays a crucial role in the determination of hair characteristics which includes when to lose it as well. Androgenetic alopecia, or genetic hair loss, is the most common and inherent pattern of loss of hair that runs in the family from parents to their children.
Individuals with early balding genes in their family may be helpless as they begin to lose hair rapidly and before time. It generally follows a foreseeable hair loss course with limited treatment options as the genes are carried on for life.
Hunt for signs of thinning hair: Close examination of the overall thickness of hair all over the scalp is necessary to rule out normal or abnormal hair loss. Thinning hair is a sign of abnormal hair loss as the hair follicles are unable to provide the hair with proper nutrition thus it is soon followed by hair shedding.
One must consult a healthcare expert once the decrease in size of their hair braid or ponytail is noticeable within a short time.
Observe the hairline: Emptying or widening hairline is the one of the earliest signs of determining excess hair loss. A prominent “M” shaped pattern in males is a significant sign of abnormal hair loss. Similarly, females mostly lose hair from the frontline thus a broad forehead is a sign of excess hair loss in females that needs medical attention.
Check out the amount of daily hair loss:A little amount of hair loss every day is normal and need not worry about. To determine if the daily amount of hair loss is normal or not, one needs to closely assess the quantity every day. Quantitative hair loss can be determined by:
- Looking at hands for the quantity of hair loss after a head massage.
- Assessing the head pillow every morning for signs of hair loss.
- Gently comb hair in the washroom sink to observe the hair loss.
- Keeping a check on the shower drain to evaluate hair loss after a shower.
An increase in the observable usual quantitative loss of hair is an evident sign of hair loss that calls for a consultation with the doctor.
Health and Lifestyle: Apart from genes, several other controllable factors affect hair loss. These include hormonal imbalance, medical conditions, medications, eating habits and lifestyle.
Take a judgemental look at your lifestyle and assess the kind of consumed foods, routine, and hairstyling. An unhealthy diet deprives the body of its essential nutrients which results in hair loss. Combing hair harshly or styling it into a tight bun everyday result in widening hairlines and hair loss.
Adequate measures must be taken to get rid of excess hair loss and regain hair strength.
Visit a healthcare professional: Visiting a healthcare professional is helpful in case the hair loss persists even after taking careful measures. Hair loss is often a gradual process thus a detailed medical history of any experience or present distress provides a lead on detecting the cause of hair loss. Additionally, the doctor may require you to take some blood tests as well that hint at hormonal imbalances or an undetected ongoing infection in the body. Attending a healthcare expert is a plus also because there may be a possibility of an underlying medical health condition causing excess hair loss that was unknown to you before the visit.
The degrees of hair loss vary from person to person, gender to gender and the living conditions of their immediate surrounding. Some people may have a thinner braid since always while others have thick braids since the beginning. Any change in the original hair fashion is a health concern and it is only wise to visit a healthcare professional for a consultation on the matter.
Can hair loss cause itching or a burning sensation on the scalp?
Hair loss is a common concern among adults and older adults. Its prevalence is increasing due to unhealthy diets and the sedentary lifestyles of present populations. The itching and burning sensation on the scalp are usually associated with skin diseases and lesions that result in hair loss from the affected area.
Hair loss does not cause itching or burning sensation on the scalp. There are quite a few mentionable diseases that damage the hair follicle and result in hair loss. Such diseases of the scalp also cause itching and burning sensation over the area, and it may look like it is coexisting with hair loss as an early symptom of the disease process, which is not the case mostly.
In the following discussion, a definitive answer to this question is given that is also backed by evidence.
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease of selected regions of the body. It mainly affects the skin tissues that are rich in oily and sebaceous glands, that includes the scalp as well. Seborrheic dermatitis affects the glands through its infectious and inflammatory disease process with the help of various bacterial and fungal intruders. As the inflammation takes over the glands, it entails the local tissues as well causing severe itching and discomfort in the scalp. The affected individual thus resorts to scratching the itchy area and damaging the weakening hair follicles, thus hair loss occurs.
Scalp psoriasis, or psoriasis, is an autoimmune condition that eventually causes hair loss from the affected scalp region. Psoriasis begins with heaping and piling up of skin tissues that seed local irritation and itching. As the disease process advances, it takes over the hair follicles as well which brings about hair loss.
Traction alopecia is the loss of hair due to excess tension or pulls on the hair shaft. Traction alopecia is common in females that prefer to style their hair in an uptight fashion. The excess pull on the hair shaft is felt over the scalp as an itching and pricking sensation that is due to the tension on hair follicles. By and by, the weakening of the hair follicle and hair loss occur.
From the above discussion, it is evident that hair loss does not cause itching and burning sensation in the first place, rather it’s the underlying skin diseases or certain kinds of hairstyling that result in these symptoms.
Is hair loss an indicator of a medical problem?
Hair loss is a common concern all over the world. Hair loss itself is not a medical problem, but yes, it is an indicator of underlying medical problems. In the discussion below, we will throw light on how certain undetected health conditions may manifest themselves using hair loss as an early sign and symptom of the respective condition.
Hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormones) and Hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormones) are disorders occurring because of thyroid organ dysfunction. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause hair loss. Hair loss due to hypothyroidism occurs all over the body along with other symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, general body aches due to joint and muscle pain and depression. Whereas hair loss due to hyperthyroidism may be in the form of patches and thinning hair all over the body, along with other symptoms such as weight loss, mental instability, tremors, and heat intolerance.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immunity acts against its hair follicles. It leads to gradual weakening and thus damaging hair follicles. Alopecia areata may impair by a few too many hair follicles, depending on the extent of immune reaction. It is thus divided into the following versions:
- Patchy alopecia areata: hair loss in the form of patches.
- Alopecia areata totalis: complete loss of hair from the scalp.
- Alopecia areata universalis: complete loss of hair from all over the body.
Alopecia areata occurs at any age due to unknown reasons. It requires immediate consultation with a dermatologist or a general health specialist.
Iron deficiency anaemia is a type of anaemia that occurs due to low levels of iron in the body. The red blood cells of a normal blood flow are highly dependent on iron supply. Inadequate levels of iron thus cause inadequate oxygenation of the tissues in the body and nutrition is compromised. In all these instances, hair follicles are also deprived of nutrition and hair loss occurs. Hair loss is thus one of the early symptoms of patients with iron deficiency anaemia as hair follicles require normal levels of iodine and iron to grow some strong hair.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is an autoimmune condition that may attack the hair follicles as well. Other symptoms of lupus include high fever, rashes on the body, butterfly rash on cheeks, aching muscles and joints, chest pain and various issues with kidney function.
Diabetes Mellitus is another metabolic disorder that causes hair loss. Diabetes brings about impaired blood flow to the body tissues that renders hair follicles deficient in nutrition. Thinning hair and thus excess hair loss occurs in patients with diabetes.
From the above discussion, we can conclude that hair loss is an indicator of medical problems. It is advised to maintain a proper hair care routine and monitor the amount of hair loss daily. Immediate consultation with a healthcare specialist in cases of excess hair loss over a short period is important for early medical intervention and treatment.
How does hair loss diagnose?
Losing a few strands of hair every day is only normal. There is no need to worry about a usual amount of this much hair loss. However, sudden issues with hair such as thinning hair, widening hairline or excess hair loss are surely a health concern.
Hair loss itself is not a medical condition, however, it is an effect of many medical conditions. Diagnosing hair loss is a challenging task but made easy with the help of a trichologist (a healthcare expert in treating hair and scalp diseases). Following are some of the methods by which hair loss is diagnosed and treated.
Health History: Various health disorders lead to excess hair loss that one might not be aware of. Similarly, the medications taken for so and so medical conditions may also cause hair loss. Providing a detailed medical and health history to the doctor helps with accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Scalp Examination: A thorough scalp examination helps with ruling out various causes of hair loss. Scalp examination detects any redness, inflammation, tenderness, fungal intrusion, or any other disorder that may give rise to hair loss. Once detected, the trichologist prescribes medications accordingly and hair loss is subsided.
Hair Pulling Test: Gently running fingers through the hair or slightly pulling it causes some of the weakened hair to come off. In normal settings, just a few strands of hair are expected to fall. However, in disease conditions, hair loss is excess that can be appreciated on the palm and fingers of a hand. This is a tried and tested procedure to detect the amount of hair loss over centuries.
Blood Test: Blood status is a clear insight into one’s health. Various laboratory tests are run on a small blood sample. These tests include blood sugar, thyroid function, immune function, anaemia, iron levels and hormones. Unusual activity that might be ongoing in blood aids in diagnosing the respective health condition and devising a treatment plan.
Hormonal Profile: Assessing the levels of hormones such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), oestrogen and progesterone assists in determining the hormonal causes of hair loss. Imbalances in the mentioned hormones are met with appropriate drug treatment and hair loss is reversed.
Trichoscopy: Trichoscopy is a procedure practised by trichologists with the help of a trichoscope. Trichoscopy is a non-invasive technique that asses the scalp skin with a portable device called a trichoscope. This device helps with providing a clear view of the scalp, any irregularity over it, the integrity of the hair shaft and the follicle attached to it.
Phototrichogram: As the name suggests, phototrichogram takes magnified photographs of the scalp with the help of a high-resolution camera. This technique is used for educational and monitoring purposes. Once the diagnosis is made with the help of clear photographs, the treatment is started. As the patient visits for a regular follow-up, the photographs are taken again and compared to the previous ones. It helps with patient involvement and encouragement in pursuing the appropriate treatment as the results begin to show through the photographs.
The above-mentioned ways to diagnose hair loss are some of the many. With the help of recent advancements made in the field of medicine, there are even more methods of detecting the causes of hair loss and tending to them. Raising adequate awareness among the masses regarding their hair loss problem, the probable cause and its treatment is the need of time as most people assume that hair loss is associated with advancing age only.
How can a dermatologist determine the cause of my hair loss?
Dermatologists are healthcare experts in diagnosing and curing health conditions related to skin, scalp, nails, and hair. It is a wise choice to visit a dermatologist if one has hair concerns or problems. Hair loss is a common concern, and many people may share similar causes thus a healthcare expert takes little to no time in determining its cause.
First, a detailed medical history plays a pivotal role in detecting the exact cause of hair loss. A health history may include queries about:
- your past and present illnesses,
- any sort of medications that you may be presently taking for your health concerns,
- any traumatic experience such as accidents or surgery that you underwent,
- if you smoke or consume alcohol
- in case someone in your family had excess hair loss issues in the recent past.
These and many more health-related questions may help your dermatologist in understanding the condition in a better way.
Second, hair and scalp examinations are important to further narrow down differentials. Scaly deposits or signs of inflammation on the scalp are related to various skin conditions that contribute to hair loss. Weak hair and easy breakage determine the health of hair follicles and require a nutritional assessment of the patient. The doctor also needs to know if the hair loss issue is in the form of patches or diffuse.
Third, laboratory tests are required to confirm the diagnosis drawn by your dermatologist. These tests include blood tests mainly to assess thyroid functions, immunoglobulin, and hormonal activity.
The above-mentioned ways to diagnose the root cause of hair loss are only basic. Most hair loss cases are diagnosed and treated by following the above rituals alone. In complex cases, your dermatologist may require you to cooperate furthermore by following additional protocols to understand the cause in a superior way.
How long does the diagnostic process typically take for hair loss?
The diagnostic process of every health condition depends on the duration and severity of the disease. Similarly, hair loss issues may be solved within a few appointments or may require a detailed inspection that must take weeks to months to finalise. Let’s explore a step-by-step diagnostic process of hair loss and see how long each take.
Initially, a consultation with a dermatologist is the kickstart to understanding and curing the hair loss problem. The expert may ask for a detailed health history along with examining the scalp for signs of inflammation that potentiates hair loss. Both health history and health examination are done within the first visit.
Next, the doctor may advise to run certain tests to ensure the diagnosis he has in mind. These tests include blood tests that assess hormonal levels, immunity number and their response, ferritin levels and thyroid hormones.
Laboratory tests must be taken right away and wait for the reports to come which may take a week or more. These tests are supposed to be shown to the dermatologist and let him conclude a diagnosis based on the original health history, examination, and test reports.
Once the diagnosis is made, the dermatologist ought to devise the right treatment plan. This plan includes lifestyle changes such as hair treatments and hair styling, nutritional supplementation, and medications for strong hair growth. Each person responds differently to the plan that depends on their body functions and the severity of hair loss. Hair loss may subside within a month or so for some while for others it may take up to six months or more. It is recommended to always trust the process and wait for apparent hair growth results.
Are there any scalp tests or biopsies that can be performed to diagnose hair loss?
Yes, there are scalp tests and biopsies that can be performed to diagnose hair loss. Diagnostic procedures for hair loss are helpful as it issues adequate evidence of the causes behind excess hair loss.
The hair Pull test is one of the tests for diagnosing hair loss problems. The dermatologist gently holds on to a few hair strands and calmly tries to pull a few. Normally, just one or two must fall out of the many. In case of excess hair loss, many hair strands come off with each pull. This indicates weakened hair follicles and strands. With the help of these test results, the doctor makes the diagnosis keeping the rest of the examinations in mind as well.
Scalp biopsies are performed on patients with scaly scalps or inflammatory deposits on the scalp. A small piece of hair-free scalp is incised and taken out under local anaesthesia. This flap is then examined under a microscope to view the ongoing conspiracy that is causing excess hair shedding. Signs of inflammation are usually due to bacterial and viral infection thus a piece of the original cut piece is sent for culture as well. This further narrows down the diagnosis as to which intruder is causing the inflammatory cascade and damaging the hair follicles.
The above discussion proves that scalp tests and biopsies are performed by healthcare experts which helps a great deal with making the right diagnosis and starting appropriate treatment.
Can a blood test be performed to determine the underlying cause of hair loss?
Yes, a blood test can be performed to determine the underlying cause of hair loss. Since we understood that there are various causes of hair loss such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or dysregulation of certain markers in blood. A blood test is a preliminary investigation that provides valuable information on the latent or budding causes of hair loss.
Complete Blood Count (CBC), as the name suggests, provides a count of blood cells. It includes the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Hair loss is usually associated with deficiency or incapability of the red blood cells to carry adequate amounts of oxygen or nutrition (anaemia). In such cases, one can deduce that the deprivation of hair follicles from nutrition is a possible cause of hair loss.
Thyroid Functions Tests (TFTs) is a used to determine the levels of thyroid hormones in the body. Be it low levels of thyroid hormones or high, both cause hair loss. Similarly, hormone levels are determined by blood. In males, an imbalance in Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone causes hair loss. Whereas in females, hormonal imbalances of progesterone and oestrogen cause hair loss. These useful markers provide enough evidence to claim the related causes of hair loss with the help of a blood test.
Iron, zinc, and iodine are essential nutritional needs for healthier hair follicles. Patients with iron deficiency anaemia have low levels of ferritin (iron transport protein in the blood) in their blood flow. With the help of a blood test, the levels of ferritin are determined and thus one can find out if nutritional deficiency is a cause of hair loss or not.
The above discussion suggests that running a blood test is an absolute indication to determine the different underlying causes of hair loss.
What are the common treatments for hair loss?
Hair loss is a common concern among many people all over the world. Such a common issue calls for many advancements in its treatment and it is needless to mention that the call has been responded to. There are many ongoing theories and experimental practices regarding hair cloning and gene therapy to find a permanent solution for hair loss problems. In the article below, we explore the common treatments for hair loss.
Hair Loss Cure: The term ‘cure’ literally refers to the elimination of the health condition with the complete termination of any further medical intervention. It’s unfortunate to say that there is no such complete cure for hair loss. The medications used for hair loss are supposed to be taken for as long as it works or as needed. Research and progress in the field of medicine are ongoing regarding hair loss issues and better outcomes are expected in the coming decades.
Hair Loss Treatment: The term ‘treatment’ now refers to eliminating a health condition with the help of medical intervention alongside it. Different treatment modalities for hair loss are designed according to the patient’s need and response to the medicine.
Minoxidil and Finasteride are popular drugs for hair loss. Minoxidil improves blood circulation thus providing rich nutrition to the affected area and promoting hair growth. Finasteride, on the other hand, works with treating hormonal imbalances. Finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to excess dihydrotestosterone. Thus, lowered level of DHT is proven to reverse hair loss due to hormonal imbalance in men. Minoxidil is advised for both men and women, but finasteride works for men only due to the hormones concerned.
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure to treat hair loss. Hair autografts from the hairy scalp or any other area of the body are taken out. These hairs are then fixed intricately in the tiny made pores over the bald areas of the scalp. The purpose of this procedure is to provide healthy and strong hair follicles to the hair-free area to resume hair growth. Hair transplantation is commonly practised today, especially for those on which the above medicines won’t work.
Hair treatment for hair loss: Hair treatments for hair loss include the conventional methods of gently massaging the scalp with rich plant extracts and essential oils such as castor oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, and many others. It also includes consuming foods rich in iron, zinc, vitamins D & E, and omega-3 fatty acids that aid in growing strong smooth and shiny hair.
Excess heat and chemical treatments are discouraged as they damage the hair shaft over time. Combing the hair gently, making a loose hairstyle to avoid traction alopecia and regular cleaning of the scalp to avoid buildup of oily debris over the scalp are some of the healthy choices and hair treatments for hair loss.
The above treatment methods work for most of the people hence mentioned here. These may not work for others; thus, it is advised to always consult with a dermatologist for hair loss problems before trying different methods that could further damage the hair.
What is the most advanced treatment for hair loss?
The hair Transplantation technique called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is considered the most advanced treatment for hair loss. It provides several advantages over conventional methods of restoring lost hair, such as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). FUE is a meticulous and sophisticated procedure to restore hair lines in a way that looks natural.
FUE procedure involves the extraction of active hair follicles under the effect of local anaesthesia. These donor follicles must have rich and strong hair growth. These hair follicles are extracted from areas with dense hair growth such as the back of the scalp. These hair follicles are planted carefully just like seeds in areas with minimal to no hair. These hair follicles are distributed in the fashion of a natural-looking hairline.
FUE procedure is advantageous in the following ways:
- No risk of transplant rejection as the donor and recipient is the same person.
- The transplanted hair colour and texture are like the rest of the scalp and body hair due to similar hair genes.
- Minimal health risk due to the involvement of local anaesthesia.
- A minimally invasive procedure that causes no excess bleeding, and no need for stitches or bed rest for days.
This procedure has shown positive results within six months for many people. While for a few others, this procedure brought only minimal hair growth. A detailed consultation with a dermatologist before going for the procedure is advised. The doctors run necessary tests such as blood tests, genetic data to understand the family hair loss pattern and other tests to look for signs of any underlying health condition that might hinder the expected outcomes of the FUE procedure.
What is the best hair loss treatment for women?
Hair loss is a common experience shared by many women. Women are severely affected by low self-esteem and decreased confidence due to hair loss in their frontal or frontoparietal region. In the article below, we will discuss the best hair loss treatments for women while keeping in mind the causes of their hair loss.
Lifestyle Modifications: Consuming foods rich in essential minerals, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids must help with hair growth. Practising loose hairstyling, gently massaging the hair with natural oils, and regularly cleaning the scalp have helped a lot for many women. Reducing the levels of stress, exercising daily and monitoring health from time to time must be practised regularly to protect the hairline.
Minoxidil Medicine: Minoxidil medicine is available in the form of creams and sprays. It is applied topically on the hair-free region to increase the vascularity in the respective area. Increased blood supply results in adequate nutrition of hair follicles and hair growth occurs.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a popular non-invasive procedure to restore normal hair growth. In this procedure, some amount of blood is taken from the patient and centrifuged to obtain the blood plasma only. Blood plasma is then injected bit by bit into the scalp. It has many growth factors that promote hair growth and bring about an increase in hair density.
The above methods are tried and tested for the hair loss treatment of women. These methods are highly advised by most dermatologists. Consulting the doctor is a wise choice to handpick the treatment plan according to one’s needs.
What is the best hair loss treatment for men?
Men are affected by hair loss at some point in their life irrespective of their health or genetic history. Hair loss is a stressful experience, and most men fear the day they must experience hair loss in their routine. In the article below, we will discuss the best methods to decrease and treat hair loss issues in men while keeping in mind the causes of hair loss in men.
Minoxidil Medicine: Minoxidil medicine is an over-the-counter drug that is recommended for use in every man with hair loss problems. Minoxidil is a topical cream or spray that causes vasodilation of the blood vessels upon application. This results in increased blood supply to the affected area and active nourishment of the hair follicles.
Finasteride Medicine: Finasteride Medicine is a drug that lowers the levels of DHT. One of the reasons behind male pattern baldness is increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent form of testosterone hormone. This hormone causes shrinkage and depletion of hair follicles. Finasteride acts by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone thus saving the hair follicles from further damage. This drug has shown a great deal of improvement in hair loss issues and is recommended for use in all men with hair loss due to hormonal imbalance.
Hair Transplantation: Hair transplantation is a popular surgical intervention to treat hair loss. It is a permanent hair loss treatment with better results. Hair transplantation involves the extraction of hair follicles from a high hair density area such as the back scalp and carefully transplanting it in the areas with no hair growth. With appropriate care, this procedure gives the best outcomes by eradicating hair loss.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a hair loss treatment method that involves the use of laser devices emitting low-level laser light or red light. This red light stimulates the hair follicles and encourages their hair growth. It is a non-invasive procedure and is thus tried by many to induce hair growth. It is an expeditious procedure that can be performed by oneself as well with the right device at home.
The above procedures are regularly practised by expert dermatologists. Most of them claim these procedures to be highly advantageous with a high success rate by showing the results as well. It is advised to consult an expert before going with one of the above treatment methods. A doctor picks the most appropriate treatment according to one’s need which saves time, energy, and money.
How much does hair loss treatment normally cost?
Hair loss is an exhausting experience and seeking hair loss treatment is a common observation. Hair loss treatment expenses depend on various factors such as the severity of hair loss problems, the kind of treatment required and the location at which an individual is seeking appropriate treatment. In the article below, we discuss hair loss treatment costs and expenses to keep in mind before one may opt for it.
Influencing factors in hair loss treatment costs: Hair loss costs mainly depend on the treatment options. Conventional hair care remedies, shampoos and massage oils cost the least per month. Whereas surgical procedures for hair loss may cost a fortune. Similarly, some countries offer healthcare services at lower prices and use government funds for it while others offer private healthcare systems where one must pay in grants. It is important to carefully consider the treatment option that works best according to the health history and eliminate the root cause of hair loss.
Hair loss is a cosmetic issue that sorely affects self-confidence. Most people help themselves with treatment options according to their affordability. Some options may not work for an individual, so they opt for an advanced option. Following these various treatment stages may also cost a lot thus it is advised to consult a dermatologist that will design an appropriate treatment plan according to the genetic data and gravity of hair loss.
Hair loss treatment cost in the UK: The cost of hair loss in the UK is affected by similar factors that are discussed above. Additionally, treatment costs also vary in different parts of the country. In the listings below, we will discuss a general run-through of the treatment costs of hair loss in the UK.
Hair care products: Good quality shampoos, conditioners, essential hair massage oils and hair masks that come from a well-known brand must cost no more than £50 per month.
Hair loss medications: Popular hair loss treatment drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride are made by different pharmaceutical industries with varying brand names. These medications cost around £100 per month when regularly bought and used. To rediscover your hair confidence and reclaim your vibrant hair, refer to our revolutionary Welzo Hair Loss Medications which are made from the perfect elements and delivered right to your doorstep.
PRP procedures: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a popular procedure to treat hair loss. Platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp where hair growth is needed. Multiple sessions are required for hair PRP to work. This is an effective procedure that costs more than £250 per session.
Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a well-known treatment option for hair loss. In this procedure, red light is emitted from the laser device and directed at the scalp with hair loss. This red light stimulates the hair follicles and drives their growth. Like PRP, the LLLT procedure also provides effective results at or over the price of £250.
Hair Transplant: While some may hesitate at the label of surgical procedure on hair transplant, others may confidently choose this option as a permanent hair loss treatment. A hair transplant involves the extraction of hair follicles from a hair-dense area and fixing them intricately into a hair-free area. This procedure costs the most due to its delicacy and utmost focus. A hair transplant in the UK costs £5000 to £15000.
The above article aims to provide insight into hair loss treatment options, their significance, and their costs. It is important to confirm affordability with the doctor before aiming for a particular treatment option.
Does hair loss treatment cover by insurance?
National Health Service (NHS) in the UK focuses mainly on health conditions that are threatening one’s life. Such health conditions include cancers, heart problems and other terminal illnesses. Hair loss is more of a cosmetic issue than a life-threatening disorder thus NHS do not grant insurance for hair loss treatments in the UK.
Hair loss is an emotionally upsetting issue that creates a weak sense of self-image and interferes with self-confidence. As distressing as it may be, it is still not a deadly health condition that requires insurance for immediate medical intervention. It is understandable also because of the limited resources of the state. Health education, mass awareness, basic care and medicinal supply for the whole country stand before the cosmetic issues that a group of people may face.
However, it is possible to get insurance from NHS for the underlying health conditions that cause hair loss. Such conditions include alopecia areata, thyroid organ dysregulation or hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Hair loss symptom of that medical condition is brought to the attention along with the other clinical manifestations that require insurance for medical care.
Insurance coverage for hair loss treatments by private health companies may have varying terms and conditions that need to be carefully understood. Most of which usually offer partial support for well-approved and expensive hair loss treatments such as hair transplant options. It is still important to go through the policy and understand the criteria of inclusions and exclusions, partial or complete coverage and the waiting interval before applying for it.
Consultation with a doctor for a suitable treatment option and then with a well-informed person for insight on insurance policies is judicious prudence.
Are there any potential side effects of hair loss treatments?
Almost all health cases with medical intervention bear the cost of side effects. Hair loss treatments have their own set of potential side effects that have come to light in only a handful of people. In the article below, we discuss the side effects due to various hair loss treatments.
Medications: Minoxidil and Finasteride are two different medications that are used for hair loss treatments. Minoxidil is a topical medication that may cause dryness or scalp irritation after its application on the scalp. Finasteride is an oral medication that interferes with the excess conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone hormone. Since Finasteride aims at sexual hormones, it is reported to cause sexual dysfunction upon chronic consumption in some men.
LLLT and PRP: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) are minimal to non-invasive procedures for hair loss. These procedures may cause itching and local dryness during the initial 24 hours after the procedure.
Hair Transplantation: Hair transplantation is a surgical but delicate procedure to treat hair loss. Some of its early side effects include scarring, occasional bleeding, risk of infection and temporary shock loss. Shock loss refers to the loss of both transplanted and existent hair which is nothing to worry about as it's normal initially.
Hair loss treatment has minimal side effects that last for a small amount of time. It is still advised to consult your doctor upon its manifestations.
How much hair loss is normal?
Most people believe that hair with a lot of volume, movement, and shine is healthy. It is easy to assume that a clump of dropped hair strands in the sink results from a health problem. Nonetheless, hair loss affects people of all ages.
When an individual thoroughly washes hair in the shower, the loose or separated hairs from the scalp congregate near the drain. Even though it appears to be a lot, it is most likely normal hair loss.
Consult a primary care physician or dermatologist if an individual notices unusual signs of hair loss, such as bald spots, patchiness, or clumps of hair falling out.
Can hair loss be prevented with treatment?
Yes, hair loss can be prevented with treatment. The result of treatment depends on the type of treatment taken, commitment to self-care and the individual’s body function elements.
Treating an underlying health condition may treat the resultant hair loss as well. Similarly, hair loss due to hormonal imbalance is preventable with the help of hormone-related drugs such as finasteride. Females that experience baldness are treated with the use of minoxidil sprays that have shown excellent results.
Hair transplantation is currently considered a permanent solution to hair loss in both men and women. Many people are pursuing this treatment option and are satisfied with visible results within a few months.
It is also important to understand that not all forms of hair loss are possible to prevent or treat. Hair loss due to genetic susceptibility is an exhausting experience in which individuals experience partial or complete baldness at any age of their life irrespective of their health status. Similarly, hair loss related to advancing age is not helped with medications and most people simply bears it.
The key to knowing if hair loss is preventable or getting the right treatment is by visiting a dermatologist. After taking a detailed health and family history, it is easy to determine whether the form of experienced hair loss is treatable or not.
Can you purchase hair loss medication at an Online Pharmacy?
Online shopping is preferred by many in today’s times. Since COVID-19 lockdowns, most people find it more convenient to search for things online and shop instead of looking for items out there.
Yes, it is practicable to purchase hair loss medications at an online pharmacy. Many credible online pharmacies offer to supply hair loss medications upon receiving a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Online pharmacies are also convenient in a way that well-packaged testing kits or medicines are delivered right to the doorstep just a click away.
- When purchasing any sort of medication online, it is important to do mandatory research on the online pharmacy. Go through the reviews on their official page or shopping site. Consider both positive and negative reviews before shopping. Ask around and see if someone tried this platform before and learn about their experience.
- Confirm the legal presence of the online pharmacy so that you get the best products from a responsible and tending business. Make sure that the online pharmacy is run by a person or team with adequate knowledge about pharmacy and medicine.
- Upon shopping and arrival of the product, confirm the tight seal on the received product. Do not accept it if the seal is broken. Confirm the presence of an approval sign or stamp on it by the healthcare authorities in your country before consuming the received medication.
Hair loss medications can be bought from well-known and reputable online pharmacies such as Welzo as it ensures its legitimacy, provide consultation, run its safety checks by following proper protocols and assure to delivery of the best quality products.
Conclusion
Hair loss is caused by genetics, hormonal changes, illnesses, medicines, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and physical damage to the hair follicles. Trichology is the study of health disorders, treatment and cosmetic appearance related to hair and scalp. Trichologists classify hair loss into various types in which Alopecia Areata is a type of hair loss that affects anyone and is most common in people in their twenties, thirties, or adolescence.
There are many treatment options available to treat hair loss by both medical and surgical interventions. Consultation with a doctor is important to know the cause of hair loss and get the right treatment accordingly.
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