Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be a distressing condition that affects both men and women. August is designated as Hairloss Awareness month. Over 80 million Americans suffer from hair loss or hair thinning, with an estimated 80% of men experiencing hair thinning at some point in their lifetime. There are several types of hairloss.
Androgenetic Alopecia (pattern hair loss) can be divided into male and female pattern baldness. Men typically have a receding hairline and thinning on the crown while women have overall thinning with a preserved hairline.
Alopecia Areata consists of three separate conditions: Patchy hairloss which involves a sudden onset of round or oval bald patches, Alopecia totalis which is the complete loss of scalp hair, or Alopecia Universalis which is the complete loss of scalp and body hair.
Telogen effluvium is triggered by stress, illness, surgery, or hormonal changes and causes diffuse thinning and excess shedding of hair due to a disturbance in the hair growth cycle.
Anagen effluvium is caused by medical treatments like chemotherapy and affects the hair in the anagen (growth) phase.
Traction Alopecia results from prolonged tension on the hair from tight hairsyles like braids, ponytails or extensions.
Cicatricial (scarring) Alopecia is permanent hair loss due to inflammation that destroys hair follicles and causes scarring. This includes conditions like lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia.
Causes of hair loss
The most common cause is genetic, especially with androgenetic alopecia. Hormonal changes like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid issues can also cause hair loss. Medical conditions like autoimmune diseases, scalp infections and skin disorders may also lead to hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies and certain medications may contribute to the problem as well.
How to treat hair loss
Treatment options depend on the root cause of the hair loss. They include medications like Minoxidil (Rogaine), Finasteride (Propecia), Spironolactone, and Steroids. Hair transplant surgery, scalp reduction and PRP (platelet rich plasma) are procedural options to address hair loss. Proper hair care, including gentle handling of hair, avoiding tight hairstyles and using gentle shampoos may help. Eating a balanced diet will ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals.
When to call us
If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, or more than usual hair loss when combing or washing your hair, it’s best to consult a dermatologist at Elevated Dermatology in Parker, Colorado. They can diagnose the cause of your hair loss and recommend appropriate treatments.