Finding hair in your brush is normal. We shed. But if a person starts losing an unusual amount of hair it can be cause of concern. People usually lose up to 100 hairs each day. But there may be a more significant reason for your hair loss when you start seeing your scalp or bald spots.
So, what are these various causes, and how do you know if they are to blame for your excessive shedding?
- ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA- Androgenetic alopecia is another term for male or female pattern baldness. It is a quite common cause of hair loss. Both male and female pattern baldness is genetic. Males tend to lose hair from the temples and crown of the head. In females, hair usually becomes thinner all over the head. Many females who experience androgenetic alopecia develop it after going through the menopause. This means that hormones may have something to do with it.
- PREGNANCY- Some women may experience excessive hair loss shortly after giving birth. This is due to a decrease in ESTROGEN level. This type of hair loss is a temporary condition and usually resolves within a year or sooner.
To help hair return to its normal condition, try:
- using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner
- using products designed for fine hair
- avoiding intensive conditioners or conditioning shampoos as these can be too heavy for fine hair
- applying conditioner to the ends of the hair, rather than the scalp, to avoid weighing hair down
3. TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM- it’s a condition where the hair remains in the TELOGEN (natural shedding) phase of the growth cycle. This causes more hair to fall out, sometimes in handfuls.
Telogen effluvium is usually a temporary condition that resolves over time. It is advisable to see a doctor to find out the cause.
Some possible causes include severe stress, surgery, childbirth, rapid weight loss, thyroid problems, certain medications.
4. ANAGEN EFFLUVIUM- causes large amounts of hair to fall out rapidly during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
The condition may cause hair to fall out from the head, as well as from other parts of the body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
Causes of anagen effluvium include chemotherapy, radiation, fungal infection, autoimmune disease. If a person has anagen effluvium as a result of undergoing hair will often grow back 3-6 months after stopping chemotherapy.
5.ALOPECIA AREATA- is an autoimmune condition that causes hair to fall out suddenly. The immune system attacks hair follicles, along with other healthy parts of the body.
Hair from the scalp, as well as eyebrows and eyelashes, may fall out in small chunks.
If a person has this condition, they should see a doctor. A doctor may prescribe medication to help the hair grow back
6. FRONTAL FIBROSING ALOPECIA (FFA)- is a form of lichen planopilaris that is characterized primarily by slowly progressive hair loss and scarring on the scalp near the forehead. In some cases, the eyebrows, eye lashes and/or other parts of the body may be involved, as well. Although it has been suggested that FFA may be due to hormonal changes or an autoimmune response, the exact cause of this condition is not yet known.
7. TRACTION ALOPECIA- is hair loss due to pulling hair into tight hairstyles, which causes it to break and come loose. Hairstyles associated with this condition include:
- tight buns or ponytails
- braids
- cornrows
- extensions
If traction alopecia continues, a person may develop bald spots and thinning of the hair.
8.MEDICATIONS- Certain medications have side effects that can cause hair to fall out.
Examples of such medications include:
- blood thinners, such as warfarin
- Accutane, to treat acne
- Antidepressants, including Prozac and Zoloft
- Beta-blockers
- cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as Lopid
If a person thinks hair loss may be due to a medication they are taking, they should consider seeing a doctor for an assessment. The doctor might be able to reduce the dosage or switch the person to a different medication.
9. NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES- Zinc and Iron deficiency are the most common nutritional links to hair loss. But some evidence indicates that low intakes of the following vitamins and nutrients could also be to blame fats. Vit D, B-12, C, A, copper, selenium, biotin.
10. RINGWORM and OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS- RINGWORM is a fungal infection that can cause hair loss. Ringworm on the scalp, or tinea capitis, can cause temporary bald areas on the head.
Symptoms include:
- a small spot that gets bigger, causing scaly, bald patches of skin
- brittle hair that breaks easily
- itchy, red patches of skin in the affected areas
- oozing blisters on the scalp
- ring-like patches, with a red outside and the inside of the circle matching the skin tone
If ringworm does not heal by itself, then a doctor may prescribe an antifungal medicine.
Many other medical conditions can lead to abnormal balding, including: Lupus, Renal failure, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Liver disease, Diabetes.
Skin conditions such as Psoriasis and Dermatitis can occur on the scalp and interfere with hair growth.
If a person notices that they are losing more hair than usual, they may have an underlying condition. In that instance, they should see a doctor and seek advice on what the best treatment options are.
Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats, or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss and to restore growth. If you are one on them and like to hear more about Treatment Options available in our Clinic don’t hesitate to contact us! info@cocobeautyclinic.com or 01704569990
Regards,
A