Summary about Disease
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, refers to the partial or complete loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body where hair normally grows. It can be temporary or permanent and can affect people of all ages and genders. The causes are varied, ranging from genetics and hormonal imbalances to medical conditions and medications. Different types of hair loss exist, including androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness), alopecia areata (autoimmune), and telogen effluvium (stress-related).
Symptoms
Gradual thinning on top of the head (most common type).
Circular or patchy bald spots.
Sudden loosening of hair.
Full-body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
Scaling patches that spread over the scalp (associated with some infections).
Causes
Heredity (Family history): Androgenetic alopecia.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid problems.
Medical conditions: Alopecia areata, scalp infections (ringworm), trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), lupus, diabetes.
Medications and supplements: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, blood thinners, antidepressants, NSAIDs.
Stressful events: Physical or emotional shock.
Poor nutrition: Lack of protein, iron, or other essential nutrients.
Hairstyling: Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause traction alopecia.
Medicine Used
Minoxidil (Rogaine): Topical solution or foam to stimulate hair growth.
Finasteride (Propecia): Oral medication (for men) to slow hair loss.
Corticosteroids: Injections, creams, or oral medications to reduce inflammation (for alopecia areata).
Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp): Topical medication to stimulate hair growth (for alopecia areata).
Other treatments: Light therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, hair transplant surgery.
Is Communicable
No, hair loss itself is generally not communicable. However, some underlying causes, such as fungal scalp infections (e.g., ringworm), can be contagious.
Precautions
Gentle hair care: Use gentle shampoos and conditioners, avoid harsh treatments.
Healthy diet: Ensure adequate protein, iron, and other essential nutrients.
Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques.
Avoid tight hairstyles: Minimize hairstyles that pull on the hair.
Consult a doctor: Seek medical advice for sudden or excessive hair loss.
Protect from Sun: Protect the scalp when in sun.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of hair loss varies depending on the cause:
Telogen effluvium: Hair loss usually peaks within a few months of a stressful event and recovers within 6-9 months.
Alopecia areata: Hair regrowth can be unpredictable, ranging from spontaneous regrowth in a few months to chronic relapsing hair loss.
Androgenetic alopecia: Hair loss is usually gradual and progressive over many years.
Treatment-induced hair loss: Hair usually regrows after discontinuing the medication or treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: Examining the scalp and hair.
Medical history: Asking about symptoms, family history, and medications.
Blood tests: To check for thyroid problems, iron deficiency, or other underlying conditions.
Scalp biopsy: Removing a small sample of scalp tissue for examination under a microscope.
Pull test: Gently pulling on a few strands of hair to see how many come out.
Trichoscopy: Using a dermatoscope to examine the hair shafts and scalp.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline varies greatly depending on the type of hair loss:
Androgenetic alopecia: Gradual thinning over years or decades.
Telogen effluvium: Sudden shedding a few months after a trigger.
Alopecia areata: Sudden appearance of bald patches.
Scalp infection: Gradual development of scaling, inflammation, and hair loss.
Important Considerations
Hair loss can have a significant impact on self-esteem and mental health.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.
Some types of hair loss are irreversible.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and management.
Be wary of unproven or fraudulent hair loss treatments.