Hair Loss

Hair loss that is also known as alopecia or baldness, refers to a loss of hair from your scalp.

This can affect your scalp or your entire body. Because of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or medications. These hair loss problems usually can be experienced by men. At a medium age, this is the common problems for a man.

Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Some people may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still, some of them choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss and to restore growth. So before getting hair loss treatment, you should consult a doctor about the cause of your hair loss and treatment options.

Signs and symptoms may include in hair loss?

Gradual thinning on top of head :
A common type of hair loss that affects both men and women as they age. Hair often begins to recede from the forehead for men. Women typically retain the hairline on the forehead but have a broadening of the part in their hair.

Circular or patchy bald spots :
This type of hair affects just on the scalp. But in the rare case it will affect in beards or eyebrows. Sometimes the skin becomes itchy or painful before the hair falls out.

Sudden loosening of hair :
A physical or emotional shock can be the cause of hair loss. It may happen that handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing your hair or even after gentle tugging. This happens because of hair thinning but not bald patches.

Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp :
This is a sign of ringworm. It may be accompanied by broken hair, redness, swelling and, at times, oozing.

What are the causes of hair loss?

Hair loss is typically related to one or more of these following factors:

Family history (heredity)
In patient’s family background if there is anyone who faces these hair loss problems, this may occur with aging and in predictable patterns — a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair in women.

Hormonal changes and medical conditions.

Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems can cause this hair loss. Medical condition such as alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections.
Medications and supplements
A certain drug has an effect for our skin that is used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure.

Certain hairstyles and treatments
For a temporary hairstyle, many people take tight hairstyles such as pigtails or cornrows which can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia.

Risk Factors:
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of hair loss:

Family history of balding, in either of your parent’s families
Age
Significant weight loss
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes
Stress
Sleep apnea

Prevention:

These tips may help you to avoid preventable types of hair loss:

Avoid tight hairstyles and twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair Avoid compulsively twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair.
Treat your hair gently when you wash or brush your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb that will help you to prevent pulling out your hair.
Avoid all kind of harsh hair beauty treatments. For example hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments and permanent.
Medications and supplements can cause hair loss. So avoid it.
Use a scarf to protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.
And obviously, stop smoking.