What causes hair loss or alopecia?

Overview

The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. It may be transient or permanent, and it may only affect the scalp or the entire body. Alopecia areata, male pattern hair loss, and female pattern hair loss are among the various forms of alopecia.

Areata alopecia

Areata image

When the body's immune system targets hair follicles, an autoimmune illness results.
It typically manifests as small, rounded spots on the head and face.
It can also have an impact on other body parts, such as the legs or under the arms.
Although there is no cure, there are treatments that can promote hair growth.
If the follicular inflammation goes down, hair can regrow.

Common type of alopecia

The most prevalent type of alopecia is androgenetic alopecia.
Hair follicles are irreparably destroyed by scarring alopecia.
Another prevalent kind of alopecia is telogen effluvium.

Various types of alopecia

Alopecia encompasses many hair loss diseases. Here are some popular types:
Alopecia Areata: The immune system targets hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Hair on the scalp, eyebrows, and body can be affected.
Androgenetic Alopecia: This hereditary condition causes thinning hair and a receding hairline.
Alopecia totalis: Complete scalp hair loss in this advanced stage of alopecia areata.
Alopecia Universalis: The most severe form of alopecia areata and causes body-wide hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium: Stress, illness, or drugs cause hair follicles to rest and fall out prematurely.
Traction Alopecia: Hair loss from tight hairstyles, extensions, or relaxers.
Trichotillomania: Hair loss caused by hair pulling.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA): Scarring alopecia that starts in the scalp center and spreads.
Alopecia is caused by chemotherapy.

Each type of alopecia has causes and treatments. If you're losing hair, see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Please describe alopecia areata.

Hair loss occurs when the immune system erroneously targets hair follicles in alopecia areata. Key points about it:

Symptoms

Small scalp patches of hair loss are the most typical symptom. Round quarter-sized patches are common.
Nail Changes: Alopecia areata can cause nail dents, pits, or roughness.
Scalp and Body Hair: It mostly affects the scalp, although it can also cause eyebrow, eyelash, and beard hair loss.

Causes

Autoimmune Response:

The immune system attacks hair follicles for unexplained reasons. Genetics and autoimmune diseases like thyroid disease increase risk.
This is typical of aging.
Infections of the scalp can cause hair loss.
Some people's stress, illnesses, or hormonal changes might worsen the disease.

Because of Drugs

Hair loss is common with chemotherapy.
Excess vitamin A can also cause hair loss.

Stress, Trauma

Physical or emotional stress:
Surgery, high fever, or losing a loved one can cause hair loss.
Trichotillomania: Hair-pulling disorder.

Lifestyle factors

Hair loss can result from tight hairstyles, including braids, ponytails, and cornrows.
Poor Nutrition: Nutrient-bare diets can cause hair loss.

Other Reasons

Hair loss can result from head radiation therapy.
Tight headgear can damage hair follicles, causing pressure-induced hair loss.

The right therapy and management plan for alopecia requires knowing its cause. For an accurate diagnosis and specific counsel on hair loss, visit a doctor.

Diagnosis

Physical Exam: A doctor will assess hair loss.
Medical History: Family and autoimmune disorders may be asked.
Biopsy: A scalp sample may be collected to confirm the diagnosis.
Psychological Effect

What emotional help is available for Alopecia areata patients?

There are many emotional support options for alopecia areata patients. Some helpful resources and strategies:

The video on national alopecia treatment.

Support Groups:

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) provides support groups and resources. Find local support groups or attend their yearly conference.

Online Communities:

Forums like the NAAF allow people to share their experiences and support each other.

Professional Help:

Therapists and Counselors Mental health practitioners can help hair loss sufferers manage emotionally. They offer stress, anxiety, and depression management.

Support Groups:

In-person or online support groups can foster community and understanding.

Self-Care and Coping:

Meditation and mindfulness can reduce stress and increase emotional well-being.

Art, music, and writing can help express emotions and be therapeutic.

Healthy Lifestyle:

Regular exercise and a balanced diet boost health.

Education Resources:

Books and Articles: Alopecia areata books and articles can be informative.

Moral supports:

Attending hair loss workshops or seminars can provide practical advice and emotional support.
Sharing your feelings with friends and family can offer emotional support and understanding.
Support from other alopecia areata patients can be soothing and empowering.
Find the support that works for you and ask for help when needed. Remember that you're not alone and that numerous services are there to aid you.

What are common alopecia treatments?

Treatment, Depending on hair loss type and degree, alopecia treatments vary. Some common treatments:

Topical Treatments

Minoxidil (Rogaine): This scalp medicine boosts hair growth by boosting blood flow to hair follicles.

Corticosteroids: Betamethasone, clobetasol, and fluocinonide lotions and ointments decrease inflammation and increase hair growth.

Anthralin: Topical anti-inflammatory medicine for alopecia areata.

Putting diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) or topical acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) on your scalp causes an allergic reaction that grows hair.

Oral Medications

Oral corticosteroids: Mini-pulse therapy with dexamethasone for alopecia areata.

JAK Inhibitors: Baricitinib (Olumiant) and ritlecitinib (Litfulo) target immune system enzymes that assault hair follicles and have shown good outcomes in clinical trials.

Cyclosporine and methotrexate can treat severe instances, although side effects require constant monitoring.

Light Therapy Phototherapy: UV light exposure reduces scalp irritation and promotes hair growth.

There is no cure for alopecia areata; however, treatments can manage symptoms.

Other treatments

Hair transplants

Hair transplant surgery moves hair follicles from one body region to balding areas. It's permanent but pricey and surgical.

Lifestyle changes and support

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help hair health.

Stress Management: Mindfulness, meditation, and therapy can reduce stress, which can cause hair loss.

Support Groups: Joining support groups or online communities can offer emotional support and practical assistance from others in similar situations.

Alopecia therapy should be determined by a doctor based on individual needs and kind.

Which treatments are most successful?

Alopecia therapies' success percentages depend on hair loss type, severity, and patient reaction. Treatments with potential results:

Topical Treatments

One of the most common therapies for alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia is minoxidil (Rogaine). In many people, it promotes hair growth.
Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation and promote hair growth, notably for alopecia areata.
Medications for alopecia areata include JAK inhibitors like baricitinib and ritlecitinib, which target immune response enzymes and have shown encouraging results in clinical trials.
In severe situations, oral corticosteroids can be beneficial, but they are normally used for short-term treatment due to adverse effects.
UV light therapy can reduce inflammation and increase hair growth, particularly for alopecia areata.

Hair transplants

Hair transplant surgery: This permanent cure for androgenetic alopecia moves hair follicles from one portion of the body to the balding areas. It is pricey and surgical but has a high success rate.

Supportive Care

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle: Eating well and managing stress can enhance hair health and treatment effects.

Alopecia therapy should be determined by a doctor based on individual needs and kind. They can optimize therapy results.

Which vitamin shortage causes hair loss?

Several vitamin deficits can cause hair loss. Here are some popular ones:

Vitamin D: is needed for hair follicle growth; lack causes hair loss.
Vitamin B: Biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency can cause hair loss. Other B vitamins like B12 and folate help hair health.
Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which supports hair structure. A deficit can weaken and cause hair loss.
Vitamin E: Protects hair follicles as an antioxidant. Low vitamin E can cause hair loss.
Iron for red blood cell synthesis, which oxygenates hair follicles. Deficient iron can cause hair loss.
Zinc: Promotes hair growth and restoration. Deficits cause hair loss and thinning.
A balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals can keep hair healthy. If you suspect a deficiency, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion.

Avoid stress: Work, family, deaths, operations, accidents, and other stressors may have caused new-onset alopecia areata. Try yoga for stress relief.

Toxic hair products and treatments: This includes permanent waves and chemical straighteners. Find mild shampoos and conditioners without silicones and parabens.

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