Hair loss

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, refers to the gradual or sudden loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. It can occur due to various factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, or stress. Common types include male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), and telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding). Hair loss can impact self-esteem and requires individualized treatment approaches, including medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures like hair transplants, depending on the underlying cause and severity.

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing Hair Loss, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or consult with a Dermatologist.

Causes

Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.
Hormonal Changes: Imbalances such as during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can lead to hair loss.
Medical Conditions: Scalp infections like ringworm, autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata, and chronic illnesses can contribute.
Medications: Certain drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, and high blood pressure may cause hair thinning.
Stress: Physical or emotional stress can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, causing hair to enter a resting phase prematurely.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins D and B12 can affect hair health.
Hairstyles and Treatments: Excessive styling, tight braids or ponytails, and harsh chemical treatments can weaken hair.
Age: As people age, hair follicles shrink, producing finer hair or ceasing growth altogether.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants, UV radiation, and harsh climates can damage hair follicles.

Risk Factors

• Genetics: Family history of hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia, is a significant risk factor.
• Age: Hair loss becomes more common with age, especially after 50 years old.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders can contribute to hair loss.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., alopecia areata), scalp infections, and chronic illnesses can cause hair loss.
• Medications: Certain medications, including those for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure, may lead to hair loss as a side effect.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and protein can affect hair health.
• Stress: Emotional or physical stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium).
• Hairstyles and Treatments: Excessive styling, tight hairstyles (like braids or ponytails), and harsh treatments (bleaching, perming) can damage hair follicles.
• Smoking: Smoking has been linked to hair loss and premature graying.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollutants, UV radiation, and harsh climates can weaken hair and contribute to hair loss.

Symptoms

• Increased Hair Shedding: Finding more hair than usual on pillows, clothes, or in the shower drain.
• Thinning of Hair: Noticeable reduction in hair density, especially on the scalp.
• Visible Bald Spots: Areas on the scalp where hair completely stops growing, leaving patches of bare skin.
• Receding Hairline: Hairline moving backwards from its original position, often forming an "M" shape.
• Gradual Thinning on Top of the Head: Progressive thinning of hair on the crown or top of the head, common in both men and women.
• Full-Body Hair Loss: Sudden or gradual loss of hair all over the body, which may indicate underlying health conditions.
• Scalp Itching or Tenderness: Sensitivity or discomfort on the scalp, sometimes accompanied by redness or inflammation.
• Changes in Hair Texture: Hair becoming brittle, dry, or more easily breakable.
• Loosening of Hair: Hair follicles becoming weaker, leading to hair that falls out more easily even with gentle pulling.
• Patches of Scaling or Discoloration: Areas of the scalp that appear different in color or texture, potentially indicating a scalp condition contributing to hair loss.

Diagnosis

• Medical History: Understanding the patient's medical history, including family history of hair loss and any recent illnesses or medications that could contribute.
• Physical Examination: A thorough examination of the scalp and hair to assess the pattern and severity of hair loss.
• Pull Test: Gently pulling on several hairs to determine if excessive shedding is present.
• Scalp Biopsy: In some cases, a small tissue sample from the scalp may be examined under a microscope to diagnose conditions like alopecia areata or scarring alopecia.
• Blood Tests: Checking for underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, or autoimmune diseases that can cause hair loss.
• Hair Analysis: Microscopic examination of hairs for signs of infection or structural abnormalities.
• Phototrichogram: Using specialized equipment to measure hair growth and density.
• Scalp Imaging: High-resolution imaging techniques to visualize the scalp and hair follicles.
• Dermoscopy: Magnified examination of the scalp using a dermatoscope to detect subtle changes in hair follicles.
• Consultation with Specialists: Referral to dermatologists or trichologists for further evaluation and specialized treatment recommendations.

Treatments

Medications: Prescription medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) can help slow hair loss and promote regrowth in some individuals.
Hair Transplant Surgery: Involves moving hair follicles from areas with thick hair growth to balding or thinning areas. Techniques include follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Involves extracting and injecting the patient's own blood enriched with platelets into the scalp to stimulate hair follicle growth.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Non-invasive treatment using laser devices or combs to stimulate hair follicles and promote thicker, fuller hair.
Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter or prescription shampoos, foams, or creams containing ingredients like ketoconazole or corticosteroids that may help reduce hair loss or promote hair growth.
Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy diet, managing stress levels, and avoiding harsh hair treatments or styles that pull on the hair can support overall hair health.
Scalp Micropigmentation: A cosmetic tattooing technique where small dots of pigment are applied to the scalp to create the appearance of thicker hair.

Preventive Measures

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Ensure your diet includes essential nutrients like vitamins (particularly B vitamins and biotin), minerals (such as iron and zinc), and proteins to support hair health.
Practice Good Hair Care Habits: Avoid excessive heat styling, harsh chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles that can damage hair follicles and lead to breakage.
Keep Scalp Clean and Healthy: Regularly shampoo and condition your hair to keep the scalp clean and prevent clogged follicles that could inhibit hair growth.
Avoid Stress: Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or hobbies that promote mental well-being, as stress can contribute to hair loss.
Limit Use of Hair Products: Reduce the use of hair products containing harsh chemicals or alcohol, which can strip moisture and weaken hair strands.
Protect Hair from Environmental Damage: Shield your hair from excessive sun exposure and pollutants by wearing hats or using protective sprays.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain overall hydration, which supports healthy hair growth.
Consult a Dermatologist: If you notice excessive hair shedding or thinning, consult a dermatologist to identify underlying causes and explore treatment options.

Do's & Don’t's

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing Hair Loss, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or consult with a Dermatologist.