Hair loss
Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, refers to the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows, particularly the scalp. It is a common condition that can affect both men and women, and its prevalence increases with age. Hair loss can manifest in various forms, ranging from a slight thinning of the hair to complete baldness, and can occur for a multitude of reasons, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors.
The most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. This hereditary condition is characterized by a predictable pattern of hair thinning and loss, typically starting at the temples and crown in men, and as a general thinning over the top of the scalp in women. Androgenetic alopecia is influenced by genetic factors and the presence of androgens, which are male hormones that also exist in females in smaller amounts.
Another form of hair loss is alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. This condition can progress to alopecia totalis, the loss of all hair on the scalp, or alopecia universalis, the loss of all body hair. Stress, illness, and certain medications can also trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss where hair prematurely enters the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, resulting in shedding.
Hair loss can also be caused by medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, anemia, and lupus, as well as nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, protein, and vitamins. Certain hairstyles that pull on the hair, known as traction alopecia, and treatments like chemotherapy can also lead to hair loss.
The psychological impact of hair loss can be significant, affecting self-esteem and leading to emotional distress. Consequently, many individuals seek treatment options, which range from topical solutions like minoxidil and oral medications like finasteride, to surgical interventions such as hair transplants. Additionally, lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and stress management, can help mitigate hair loss.
In summary, hair loss is a multifaceted condition with various causes and manifestations. Understanding the underlying factors is crucial for effective management and treatment, and addressing the emotional and psychological aspects is equally important for those affected.
| Hair loss | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Alopecia, baldness |
 | |
| A bald spot on a man | |
| Pronunciation |
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| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Loss of hair from part of the head or body. |
| Complications | Psychological distress |
| Types | Male-pattern hair loss, female-pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium |
| Treatment | Accepting the condition, medications, shaving of balding areas, surgery |
| Medication | Pattern hair loss: minoxidil, finasteride Alopecia areata: steroid injections |
| Frequency | 50% of males, 25% of females (pattern hair loss by age 50) |
Hair loss, also known as alopecia or baldness, refers to a loss of hair from part of the head or body. Typically at least the head is involved. The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body. Inflammation or scarring is not usually present. Hair loss in some people causes psychological distress.
Common types include male- or female-pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, and a thinning of hair known as telogen effluvium. The cause of male-pattern hair loss is a combination of genetics and male hormones; the cause of female pattern hair loss is unclear; the cause of alopecia areata is autoimmune; and the cause of telogen effluvium is typically a physically or psychologically stressful event. Telogen effluvium is very common following pregnancy.
Less common causes of hair loss without inflammation or scarring include the pulling out of hair, certain medications including chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition including vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies. Causes of hair loss that occurs with scarring or inflammation include fungal infection, lupus erythematosus, radiation therapy, and sarcoidosis. Diagnosis of hair loss is partly based on the areas affected.
Treatment of pattern hair loss may simply involve accepting the condition, which can also include shaving one's head. Interventions that can be tried include the medication minoxidil (or finasteride) and hair transplant surgery. Alopecia areata may be treated by steroid injections in the affected area, but these need to be frequently repeated to be effective. Hair loss is a common experience. Pattern hair loss by age 50 affects about half of men and a quarter of women. About 2% of people develop alopecia areata at some point in time.