Hair loss can encompass a range of conditions, from thinning to complete baldness, and can occur due to various factors. This article delves into the reasons behind hair loss.
Hair loss is classified medically into several categories, including:
Stress and Medication:
Stress: Hair loss can be triggered by stress, disrupting the normal hair growth cycle. Moderate hair shedding occurs from all areas of the scalp and can be noticed on pillows, in the shower, or on hairbrushes. While some parts of the scalp may appear thinner, extensive bald patches are uncommon. This type of hair loss, associated with stress or medication, is known as Telogen effluvium.
WHY? Stress hormones push hair follicles into a resting phase, causing premature hair shedding.
This common hair loss occurs two to three months after a prolonged illness, major surgery, or severe infection. It can also result from sudden hormonal changes, particularly in women after childbirth.
Medication: Certain medications, such as lithium, beta-blockers, warfarin, heparin, amphetamines, and levodopa, can cause hair loss. Additionally, many cancer chemotherapy drugs, including doxorubicin (Adriamycin), commonly lead to sudden hair loss that affects the entire scalp.
Autoimmune Diseases and Infections:
Autoimmune diseases: Hair loss occurs when autoimmune illnesses mistakenly attack hair follicles, perceiving them as foreign invaders to be destroyed. This can result in hair thinning or baldness. The extent of hair loss depends on the type and severity of the autoimmune disease, and treatments vary accordingly. This type of hair loss is called Alopecia areata, characterised by hair loss in small patches or more.
Fungal infection (Dandruff) of the scalp, also known as Tinea capitis: This form of patchy hair loss occurs when fungi infect the scalp, causing hair to fall out and the skin to flake or become scaly. Tinea capitis is commonly observed in children.
Telogen effluvium or medication side effects typically lead to hair loss throughout the entire scalp, while tinea infections and alopecia areata result in hair loss in small patches.
Tinea infections can be identified by scalp scaling or areas of broken hairs resembling black dots. Male-pattern baldness starts with a receding hairline at the temples, followed by thinning at the crown of the head.
Traumatic alopecia, caused by hair injury from techniques like hair styling tools, braiding, or chemical treatments, follows a pattern determined by the method of hair manipulation.
Fungal infections can be diagnosed by taking a hair sample and conducting laboratory tests.
Hereditary Factors:
The most common type of hair loss in men is hereditary pattern baldness, scientifically known as Androgenetic alopecia. It can occur at any age, including adolescence, and is characterised by a receding front hairline or thinning on the top of the head. Inherited predisposition, male hormones, and advancing age influence this condition. Women can also experience female-pattern baldness, which involves thinning across the entire top or crown of the scalp while sparing the front.
Hair loss can indicate an underlying medical condition, including systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), syphilis, thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), hormonal imbalances, or significant nutritional deficiencies such as protein, iron, zinc, or biotin deficiencies. These deficiencies are more prevalent in people following restrictive diets and women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding.
Other Factors:
Hair loss caused by telogen effluvium, tinea capitis, or genetic baldness can often be treated with medication. However, scarring from conditions like lupus-related scalp disease may impede hair regrowth. Treatments can be effective but may require ongoing maintenance to sustain results.
Hairdressing techniques that exert tension on the hair (tight braiding or cornrowing), expose it to excessive heat and twisting (curling iron or hot rollers), or damage it with strong chemicals can lead to traumatic alopecia. Furthermore, some individuals experience trichotillomania, a rare psychiatric disorder characterised by compulsive hair pulling and twisting, resulting in bald spots.
To diagnose hair loss, your doctor will consider your medical history, medication usage, nutritional status, hair care habits, and physical examination. In addition, blood tests may be conducted to rule out conditions such as lupus, thyroid problems, iron deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances.
Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and practising proper hair care can help prevent certain types of hair loss.
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