Overview
Hair loss, also known as alopecia or baldness, refers to hair loss from the head or any part of the body. Typically includes at least the head. The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body. Swelling or scar is usually not present. In some people, the cause of hair loss is psychological distress. By eating the right foods, such as pulses and those that are high in iron and fat, always eat breakfast, reduce your stress, reduce hair and wash it more, avoid hair loss and reduce it.
There are many ways. Hair loss can only affect your scalp or your entire body. This may be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or medications. Anyone can experience hair loss, but it is more common in men.
Baldness usually refers to hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people like to let their hair fall untreated and untouched. Others may cover it with hairstyles, makeup, hats, or scarves. And still, others choose one of the available treatments to prevent hair loss and restore growth. Before pursuing hair loss treatment, talk to your doctor about the reason for your hair loss and treatment options.
Facts about hair loss
- Medical health screening for hair loss may include blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), iron levels, vitamin B, thyroid function test (TFT), and biopsy of the scalp.
- Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that is produced by autoimmune destruction of hair follicles in local areas of the skin.
- Medications indicated for hair regrowth include minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia).
- The prevention of hair loss includes good hair hygiene, regular shampooing, and good nutrition.
- Thyroid disease, anemia, protein deficiency, secondary syphilis, chemotherapy, and low vitamin levels can cause hair loss.
Cause of hair loss
This cycle of hair loss occurs when the cycle of hair growth and flow is interrupted or when the hair follicles are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue. Hair loss is usually related to one or more of the following factors:
- Radiation therapy to the head: Hair may not grow back as before.
- A very stressful event: Many people experience normal thinning of hair after several months of physical or emotional trauma. This type of hair loss is temporary.
- Some hairstyles and treatments: Excessive hairstyles or hairstyles that pull your hair tightly, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Hot oil can cause hair healing and permanent hair follicles inflammation that causes hair loss. If there are scars, then hair loss may become permanent.
- Family history (heredity): The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. It usually occurs with gradual aging and in a predictable pattern – a recurring hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair in women.
- Hormonal changes and medical conditions: A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia aerate, which causes hair loss, ringworm-like scalp infections, and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will likely give you a physical exam and ask about your medical history and family history before making a diagnosis. Following tests are performed by a doctor:
- Blood test: To help uncover medical conditions related to hair loss.
- Pull test: To see how many hairs come out your doctor gently pulls several dozen hairs. This helps to determine the stage of the shedding process.
- Scalp biopsy: This test may help to determine whether an infection is causing hair loss.
- Light microscopy: To examine hairs trimmed at their bases your doctor uses a special instrument. Microscopy helps uncover possible disorders of the hair shaft.
Preventions & treatment
These tips can help you prevent hair loss:
- Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns, or ponytails.
- Avoid essentially twisting, rubbing, or pulling your hair.
- Treat your hair gently while washing and brushing. The wide-toothed comb can help prevent hair pulling.
Avoid harsh treatment such as hot rollers, curling iron, hot oil treatment, and permanent.
- Avoid medications and supplements that can cause hair loss.
- Protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.
Stop smoking. Some studies show an association between smoking and baldness in men.
- If you are being treated with chemotherapy, ask your doctor about the cooling cap. This cap may reduce your risk of losing hair during chemotherapy.
Effective treatments are available for some types of hair loss. You may be able to reverse hair loss or at least thin out further. With some conditions, such as hair loss (alopecia errata), hair can regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications, a surgery that promotes hair growth and slows hair loss.
