Hair Growth Cycle And Hair Loss
The normal hair growth cycle lasts 2 to 3 years. During this phase, each hair grows about 1 centimeter per month. About 90% of the hair on your scalp is growing at any given time. About 10% of the hair on your scalp is, at any time, in the resting phase. After 3 to 4 months, the resting hair falls out and replaces new hair. As part of this cycle it is normal to shed some hair each day. However, some people may experience an illness that causes hair loss.
In the era of a growing list of issues and concerns, hair loss can create additional stress and anxiety. For most people, excessive hair loss is gradual, meaning it occurs over a long period of time. This is specifically true for male-pattern baldness. Hair loss is considered excessive when it results in bald spots or hair that is quite thin. In some cases, hair may fall out suddenly. It is usually caused by a sudden shock – either a physical or emotional shock – to your body.
Basic Reasons Of Hair Loss
- Harmonal changes can cause hair loss
- Medical conditions and medications
- Physical and emotional shock
- Traction hair loss
- Diet lacking proteins , iron and nutrients
Illness that causes hair loss:
Some illness that causes hair loss are described below:
1) Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a scalp disorder chracterized by the thining and shedding of hair resulting from the early entry of telegon phase. It is a condition where the child remains in the telogen (natural shedding) phase of the growth cycle. This causes hair to fall more, sometimes even into the fist. Telogen effluvium is usually a temporary condition that resolves over time. It is advisable to see a doctor to find out the cause.
There are 5 potential alterations in the hair cycle that could lead to this shedding; immediate anagen release, delayed anagen release, short anagen syndrome, immediate telogen release, and delayed telogen release.
Hence, a doctor will be required to treat any underlying causes of telogen effluvium. If a doctor suspects that specific medications are causing hair loss, they may replace them.
2) Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by pulling force being applied to the hair. For Example, hairstyle which causes it to break and come loose. However, hairstyles associated with this condition include:
- Tight buns or ponytails
- Braids
- Cornrows
- Extensions
If traction alopecia continues, a person may develop bald spots and thinning of hair.
So. in the context of self-care, avoiding tight hairstyles will usually prevent further damage.
3) Eating disorders:
Another illness that causes hair loss is, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia not only stress the body. But important nutrients are also removed from the cells that help healthy hair growth. Now a days, people used to stay on diet. In this method they skip the most important proteins, nutrients and vitamins which causes hair loss.
4) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
This hormonal disorder can cause problems with hair growth, causing damage and thinning. Moreover, in this disorder some people face with thickness of facial and body hair while other face the thinning and hair loss problems.
5) Trichotillomania:
Trichotillomania (pronounced trik-o-till-o-MAY-nee-uh), also referred to as “hair-pulling disorder,” is a mental disorder classified under Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders and involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, and other areas of the body, despite repeated attempts to stop or decrease hair pulling.
6) Nutritional deficiencies
Lack of nutrients can cause hair loss. Excessive diets that are very low in protein and some vitamins, such as iron, can sometimes shed excessive hair. A person should see a doctor for a blood test to see if they have a nutritional deficiency, which can cause their hair to fall out.
7) Birth control pills
People may experience hair loss while using birth control pills. Others may experience hair loss after several weeks or months when they stop taking them. If people are taking birth control pills, they should must take care of diet because it can cause many deficiencies and diseases.
8) Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause hair loss. It is on the scalp, or tinea capitis, can cause temporary bald areas on the head.
Symptoms include:
- A small spot that enlarges, causing baldness, baldness on the skin
- Brittle hair that breaks easily
- Itching in affected areas, red spots of skin
- Blisters on blisters
- Ring-like patch, with a red outside and inside the circle matching skin tone
If herpes does not heal on its own, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication. Alternatively, they may prescribe an antibiotic, such as “Griseofulvin”.
By what means hair loss diagnosed?
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have an excess of hair loss. He or she will probably ask you some questions about your diet, any medications you take, and whether you have recently had an illness, and how you take care of your hair. If you are a woman, your doctor may ask questions about your menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Your doctor may want to do a physical examination to look for other causes of hair loss. Finally, your doctor may order a blood test or biopsy (taking a small sample of cells to examine under the microscope).
Treatment of hair loss:
Depending on your hair loss, treatments are available. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, your doctor may prescribe a different medicine. Identifying and treating the infection can help prevent hair loss. Hair loss can be prevented by correcting a hormone imbalance.
Medications can also help slow or prevent the development of normal baldness. One drug, minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine), is available without a prescription. It is applied to the skull. Both women and men can use it. Another drug, Finasteride, is available with a prescription. It comes in tablets and is for men only. It may take up to 6 months to tell you if one of these medicines is working.
Selfcare
To prevent the illness that causes hair loss, people want to try:
- Lifestyle changes to reduce stress
- Eating a nutritious diet that includes protein, fat and some vitamins and minerals
The following can also help prevent hair loss:
- Use mild shampoo and conditioner to avoid losing weight to the hair
- avoiding tight hairstyles
- Limiting the use of heating processes that can damage hair
- Styling products and tools are also common culprits in hair loss. Examples of products or tools that can affect hair loss include:
- blow dryers
- heated combs
- hair straighteners
- coloring products
- bleaching agents
- perms
- relaxers
If you decide to style your hair with heated tools, only do so when your hair is dry. Also, use the lowest settings possible.
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