Alopecia refers to hair loss from any part of the body where hair normally grows, most commonly the scalp. It can be temporary or permanent and may result from various factors, including genetics, autoimmune disorders, hormonal changes, or external factors like stress or medical treatments.
Types of Alopecia
- Alopecia Areata:
- An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks hair follicles.
- Causes patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, or body.
- May progress to:
- Alopecia Totalis: Complete scalp hair loss.
- Alopecia Universalis: Total loss of hair on the scalp and body.
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness):
- A hereditary condition.
- Common in both men (male pattern baldness) and women (female pattern baldness).
- Men: Receding hairline and thinning at the crown.
- Women: Widening of the part and thinning over the top of the head.
- Telogen Effluvium:
- Temporary hair shedding due to stress, illness, hormonal changes, or medications.
- Hair enters the resting phase (telogen) prematurely and falls out.
- Traction Alopecia:
- Hair loss caused by excessive tension on hair from tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or extensions.
- Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia):
- Hair loss caused by scarring of the scalp due to inflammation or injury.
- Hair follicles are permanently destroyed.
- Trichotillomania:
- A psychological condition characterized by compulsive hair-pulling.
- Anagen Effluvium:
- Rapid hair loss caused by medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Tinea Capitis:
- A fungal infection of the scalp that leads to patchy hair loss.
Causes
- Autoimmune Conditions: Alopecia areata results from the immune system attacking hair follicles.
- Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia runs in families.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium.
- Medical Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, or certain medications.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of iron, vitamin D, or protein.
- Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections of the scalp.
- Trauma or Injury: Scarring or burns on the scalp.
Symptoms
- Patchy hair loss on the scalp, beard, or body.
- Widening of the part or thinning hair.
- Excessive hair shedding during brushing or washing.
- Scalp itching or redness (infections or inflammatory conditions).
- Smooth, round bald patches (alopecia areata).
Diagnosis
- Medical History: Reviewing symptoms, family history, and triggers.
- Physical Examination: Inspecting the scalp and hair loss pattern.
- Pull Test: Checking the number of hairs that come loose when pulled.
- Scalp Biopsy: Analyzing scalp tissue to identify conditions like scarring alopecia or infections.
- Blood Tests:
- To check for underlying conditions like thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies.
Treatment
- Medications:
- Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine): Stimulates hair growth.
- Oral Finasteride (Propecia): For male pattern baldness.
- Corticosteroids: To suppress the immune response in alopecia areata.
- Immunotherapy: For severe alopecia areata cases.
- Antifungal Treatments: For tinea capitis.
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Reducing stress through relaxation techniques.
- Surgical Options:
- Hair Transplants: Moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another.
- Scalp Micropigmentation: Creating the illusion of hair through pigmentation.
- Other Therapies:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Injecting plasma to stimulate hair growth.
- Light Therapy: Low-level laser therapy to improve blood flow to hair follicles.
- Cosmetic Solutions:
- Wigs, hairpieces, or extensions to cover hair loss.
Prevention
- Avoid tight hairstyles that strain the scalp.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins.
- Practice good scalp hygiene to prevent infections.
- Manage stress through mindfulness or therapy.
When to See a Doctor
- Sudden or unexplained hair loss.
- Signs of scalp infection like redness, itching, or scaling.
- Persistent or worsening thinning of hair.
- Bald spots or patches.
Prognosis
The outcome depends on the type and cause of alopecia. While conditions like telogen effluvium are often temporary, autoimmune types like alopecia areata can be unpredictable. Treatment can help manage symptoms and promote regrowth in many cases.
