While the greatest concern of losing hair may be a change in ones appearance it may also signal an underlying medical condition, nutritional deficiency or a drug side effect etc. usually we lose about 50-100 strands per day and hair grows about half an inch per month but if there is sudden or patchy hair loss whilst washing or combing hair it may be somewhat of a concern! Daily Mirror Life spoke to Dr.K.K.W.Perera regarding hair loss and what can be done about it.

 

What are the specific types of hair loss?

Pattern baldness- this is the commonest type of hair loss affecting one third of men and women and it’s also a permanent type of hair loss.

Male pattern baldness can begin in the teens as well as early twenties and is characterized by a receding hairline at the temples and balding of the crown area. Female pattern baldness usually maintains the front hairline but experiences thinning of hair on front, sides or crown of the head. Heredity plays a key role in Its’ development and is usually permanent in nature.     

Scarring alopecia- it’s a permanent type of hair loss where inflammation damages and scars the hair follicle preventing growth of new hair. It’s seen in certain skin conditions such as lupus, Sometimes patchy hair loss can be accompanied by pain and itchiness.

Alopecia areata- It’s  classified as an autoimmune disease and is thought to be due to virus or something in the environment that may Trigger its course,  But the hair generally tends to grow back but it may be lost and re grown a number of times before that.

Telogen effluvium- this type of hair loss is due to change in normal hair cycle where the growing hair is pushed to a resting stage leading to hair fall in the handful but may resolve in a few months. This is caused by a severe illness, major surgery, medication, lack of protein and iron or excess vitamin A In the diet.

Traction alopecia- bald patches can occur due to regular wearing of certain hairstyles such as plaits and hair loss occurs typically between rows where hair is pulled tightly.

 

What are the other causes of hair loss?

Poor nutrition such as crash diets fad diets and certain eating disorders can cause protein, iron deficiencies, Medication used for heart problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, gout, depression, chemotherapy  as well as birth control pills may also result in hair loss in some people.

Diseases such as diabetes and lupus, Hormonal changes seen during pregnancy, at the onset of menopause and in thyroid diseases trigger hair loss but correcting the imbalance can stop hair loss. Hair treatments such as dying, bleaching and straightening can also result in hair fall as well as infections such as ringworm infection can also cause hair fall.

 

What can be done about excessive hair fall?

While some types of alopecia may resume hair growth without any treatment, effectiveness of medication depends on the cause of hair loss. While there are several brands of over the counter medication for hair loss, it’s important to seek advice from a dermatologist before using any of these products because some of them may have harmful implications. Simple self care methods that we can use to protect our mane is to use protein based shampoos and conditioners, use hair dryers in the ‘cooler setting’ rather than the hot setting to prevent damage from excess heat to hair follicles.

Avoid wearing tight pony tails as they can cause traction alopecia due to the pressure exerted on the hair follicles. Before taking any medication ask your doctor if the medication carries any burden of hair loss, for instance like with birth control pills.

A diet rich in protein, iron and calcium is thought to reduce hair loss but diet alone might not be sufficient hence it’s encouraged to see a dermatologist in marked hair loss. Cosmetic surgery can also be a late option by using existing hair to cover lost ground, but is expensive. Wigs and hairpieces can also be used as an alternative measure to cover up a scanty head of hair.
 

 (By SAMURDDHI TILLEKERATNE)