Hair loss is medically termed alopecia. It can be partial or complete. Hair loss can occur naturally or due to an underlying condition or medications.
The symptoms of alopecia depend upon its type, the cause of the condition, and the individual's overall health.
There are many types of alopecia, each with a different cause.
This variant of alopecia affects around 50% of men by the time they turn 50. It is also called androgenic alopecia and is often hereditary. Male pattern baldness is suspected to be associated with an excess of a hormone that influences hair follicles. In this form of alopecia, the hairline recedes, and the hair becomes thin. Hair loss begins when the individual is in his late 20s or early 30s.
It's not widely known, but baldness can affect women too! Female pattern baldness is a common condition that may have a hereditary component. However, scientists are unclear about what causes it. This pattern of hair loss is more common in post-menopausal women, indicating that it may be due to hormonal changes.
This type of alopecia is also called patchy baldness, as one notices the appearance and resolution of bald patches occurring in cycles. It may occur suddenly, and recurrence may occur frequently. Alopecia areata can affect men, women and children of all ages, though it is more common among teenagers and young adults. This condition may be hereditary.
You can develop this type of alopecia if you tie your hair in a tight bun, braid, or ponytail or use chemicals or heat. Traction alopecia shows up as tiny bumps on your scalp that look like pimples. The hair on the front and sides of the head is mainly affected. Depending on your hairstyle, hair loss may also occur in other parts of the scalp.
This type of alopecia is characterised by permanent hair loss caused by rare conditions like discoid lupus and scleroderma. In scarring alopecia, hair follicles are destroyed, and hair does not regrow. It affects males and females and is more common among adults.
There can be many causes, and many times, a combination of them results in hair loss. Alopecia is typically related to one or more of the following factors:
While hair loss is often the final result, signs and symptoms of hair loss that appear earlier include:
Hair gradually thins as people age. In men, hair begins to recede at the hairline on the forehead, whereas women experience a broadening or widening when they part their hair.
Many people lose hair in small tufts, giving patchy bald spots on the scalp, eyebrows and beard.
A sudden physical or emotional shock or trauma can cause hair to loosen, followed by tufts of hair that fall out when combing, washing, or even gentle tugging. This is temporary, and hair usually grows back.
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Several factors can increase your risk for alopecia, such as:
Alopecia is distressing, but several effective treatments exist for most types of hair loss. While some forms of alopecia can be reversed, few can be slowed down with treatments.
Another medication that is used to treat alopecia is finasteride. This is a prescription drug for men and can be taken as a pill. Men who take finasteride experience slowing hair loss, and one needs to keep taking it to maintain its effects.
Everyone experiences hair fall multiple times in life. When hair loss is more than hair growth, it can result in baldness, which often affects one’s confidence. Don’t let hair fall affect your life! Book a consultation with our expert dermatologists to evaluate your scalp and hair health.
Alopecia areata is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another.
There is no way to prevent alopecia, but treatments can help reduce symptoms and slow down the rate of hair loss.
Alopecia can be temporary or permanent, depending upon the cause. Certain types of alopecia are progressive (male and female pattern of hair loss), whereas others, like alopecia areata, are permanent and cannot be treated.
This varies. Some people have frequent bouts of hair loss, while others have a few and never have another. While hair regrows in a year or so with treatment, it is possible to accelerate hair regrowth and reduce hair loss. Treatment also reduces the frequency of alopecia.
Today, there is no cure for alopecia areata. However, treatment options available today help regrow hair. Consult a dermatologist to learn more about the best treatment for you.
The most common and characteristic sign of alopecia areata is unpredictable and patchy hair loss.
If you are struggling with alopecia, the most common treatment plan involves using a corticosteroid to stimulate hair regrowth and minoxidil to maintain the regrown hair.
In alopecia areata, the immune system cells attack the hair follicles, causing hair loss.
Yes, emotional stress can trigger alopecia. However, this is usually not permanent, and the hair regrows once the stress is removed. You can opt for medical treatment to hasten hair regrowth.
If you have lost a significant quantity of hair due to alopecia, you must seek medical treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. Other ways you can support hair regrowth are:
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