Hair Loss

Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common condition that can affect both men and women. It can cause psychological distress often leading to issues in personal and social life. 

The hair on our scalp is continually being shed and replaced in a cyclic manner. Normal hair loss is approximately 100 hairs per day; the average scalp contains about 100,000 hairs.

Thinning of hair can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, age, nutritional deficiency, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions like thyroid, and some medications. The good news is that in many cases, hair loss is only temporary and completely reversible. However, some cases can be chronic and progressive. Regrowth is possible with the right care and early treatment. This is why it’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options sooner rather than later. 

Types of hair loss include:

1. Androgenetic alopecia: This is the most common type of hair loss and is caused by an underlying genetic predisposition coupled with hormonal factors. It affects both men and women. In men it leads to a receding hairline and thinning of hair on the crown area progressing to baldness in some; and in women leads to widening of the part and thinning over the frontal scalp. 
2. Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches on the scalp and other parts of the body.
3. Telogen effluvium: This is a temporary hair loss condition characterised by excessive shedding of hair that occurs after a major physical or emotional stressor, such as surgery, childbirth or severe febrile illness.
4. Traction alopecia: This is hair loss caused by tight hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as braids or cornrows.
5. Trichotillomania: This is a condition in which a person compulsively pulls out their own hair.
6. Anagen effluvium: This is hair loss that occurs during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and is often associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
7. Scarring alopecia: This is hair loss that results from scarring of the scalp from certain skin diseases. 
8. Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in certain nutrients such as iron or vitamin D can cause hair loss.

Treatment

Treatment for hair loss depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, hair loss may be temporary and will resolve on its own. In other cases, treatment may be necessary to stop or slow down the progression of hair loss and promote hair regrowth.

Treatment options may include:

1. Medications: There are several medications available that can help to slow down or stop hair loss, and in some cases, promote hair regrowth.
2. Platelet rich plasma(PRP): This involves injecting platelet rich plasma into areas with thinning hair. 
3. Low-level laser therapy: This involves using a special type of light to stimulate hair growth.
4. Hair transplant surgery: This involves transplanting healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp to the balding area. 

In some cases, camouflage techniques like scalp micropigmentation, which involves tattooing tiny dots on the scalp to create the appearance of a shaved head or fuller hair or wigs can be used. 

It is important to see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment of hair loss. A dermatologist can help determine the underlying cause of hair loss and develop an individualized treatment plan.