PharmEasy Blog

Understanding Alopecia: Signs, Symptoms And Causes

Alopecia is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, causing hair loss and thinning. It can be a frustrating and emotionally challenging experience. This may sometimes impact a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem. 

In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms and treatment options for alopecia and share tips and advice for coping with this condition. Whether you are experiencing alopecia or know someone who is, this blog is for you.

Types of Alopecia

Alopecia is the partial or complete loss of hair on the scalp or other body parts. It can affect individuals of all ages, genders and ethnicities, varying from mild to severe. Alopecia can be categorised into different types, including:

1. Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common form of hair loss, often referred to as male or female pattern baldness. It typically follows a specific pattern, with thinning hair at the crown or a receding hairline in men and diffusing thinning in women.

2. Alopecia Areata: This type of alopecia manifests as patchy hair loss on the scalp or other body areas. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, losing hair.

3. Telogen Effluvium: Telogen effluvium is characterised by excessive hair shedding due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle. It is often triggered by factors such as stress, hormonal changes, medications, chronic illness or nutritional deficiencies.

4. Hair loss from Centre: Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a form of hair loss that typically initiates as a circular area on the scalp. Commencing treatment promptly upon detecting this hair loss can potentially facilitate hair regrowth.

5. Tractional Alopecia: Hair loss due to the traction exerted on hair due to tightly done hairstyles. Make sure you don’t tie your hair very tightly.

Signs and Symptoms of Alopecia:

The signs and symptoms of alopecia can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some common indicators to look out for:

– Gradual thinning of hair on the scalp

– Receding hairline 

– Circular or patchy bald spots

– Excessive hair shedding – can be noticed post-hair wash and while combing

– Complete loss of hair on the scalp or body (in severe cases)

The severity of symptoms depends on the type of alopecia.

Causes of Alopecia:

While the exact causes of alopecia are not fully understood, several factors contribute to the development of this condition. Let’s explore some of the key causes:

1. Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a significant role in androgenetic alopecia, indicating a genetic predisposition to hair loss. Certain genes inherited from both parents can make individuals more susceptible to this condition.

2. Autoimmune Disorders: Alopecia areata is believed to have an autoimmune component, where the immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Other autoimmune conditions like Lupus and scalp psoriasis may also present with hair loss.

3. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause or thyroid disorders, can contribute to hair loss.

4. Medical Conditions and Treatments: Certain medical conditions, like scalp infections, fungal infections, dandruff or underlying systemic diseases, can trigger alopecia. Additionally, treatments such as iron supplements, chemotherapy or radiation therapy can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss.

5. Nutritional Deficiency: deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, anaemia, inadequate protein intake or malnutrition also affect hair growth and quality.

6. Stress: Stress is a common cause of hair loss (alopecia), which often remains ignored. Excessive stress for long can adversely affect hair health leading to significant hair loss.

7. Frequent chemical/heat treatment: Styling, colouring and some other salon procedures for hair styling, if done too frequently, can impact hair health. Avoid hairstyles that pull hair tightly.

Managing Alopecia:

Management depends on the type and severity of the condition. There are ways to manage and cope with this condition. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Consult a Dermatologist: If you notice significant hair loss or any unusual changes in your hair, seek medical advice from a dermatologist or trichologist. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

2. Hair Care Practices: Opt for gentle hair care routines to minimise damage to your hair. Avoid harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat styling or tight hairstyles that pull on the hair.

3. Balanced Diet: Ensure you have a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins, as nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. Include foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains in your daily meals.

4. Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate hair loss, so incorporate stress-reducing techniques into your lifestyle. Engage in regular exercise, practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga and prioritise self-care activities.

5. Support Groups: Consider joining support groups or seeking counselling to connect with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and emotions with others can provide emotional support and helpful coping strategies.

6. Adequate sleep: A good sleep routine is significant for our body’s overall health, including hair health. No wonder why the term “beauty sleep” has gained popularity.

In cases where hair loss cannot be reversed through medications or other interventions, one may also opt for readily available wigs and hair toppers. 

Remember, each case of alopecia is unique and treatment approaches may vary depending on individual circumstances. It’s essential to consult a dermatologist for personalised advice and guidance.

In a Nutshell, alopecia is a common hair loss disorder that may have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem and well-being. By understanding the signs, symptoms and causes of alopecia, you can take proactive steps to manage this condition effectively. Remember, you are not alone and with the right support and guidance, you can navigate the challenges of alopecia and embrace your unique beauty.

Also Read: What is Botox for Hair: The Guide to Transformative Hair Care

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

References – 

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/tips

https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/hair-scalp.html

0

5 Signs Your Hair Needs Attention | Hairfall Screening

Our hair can speak volumes when it comes to overall health and well-being. From time to time, our hair gives us many silent signs, and we should pay attention to these, as they could be underlying reasons for something big! In most cases, these symptoms can also indicate that you ought to change your diet and lifestyle.

Here’s a curated list of some of these symptoms that will allow you to better take care of your hair health.

Hair loss

Losing some amount of hair each day is a regular phenomenon. But if you start to notice significant strands of hair on the pillow and bathroom sink, don’t ignore it. In most cases, loss of hair is an indication of an underlying illness or stress. However, sometimes it may also indicate the early occurrence of a scalp infection. Many times, diabetes patients also experience the condition of hair loss and hair thinning. Speak to your doctor if you are facing any allergies to your medications. In some cases, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies and autoimmune disorders can also cause hair loss. However, do not self-medicate.  

Read: Mintop Forte Hairfall Solution

Premature Greying of hair

Greying of hair doesn’t always mean that you are catching up on the age front. Many times, this condition can be caused due to thyroid issues, anaemia, vitamin deficiency, and early signs of vitiligo.

A healthy scalp should not have any redness or dryness and should be free of flakes or any signs of infection. Your scalp should look clean, smooth, and moisturized with no dryness on the surface. If you are experiencing any itchiness, irritation, or burning, this can indicate that your scalp is unhealthy.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Dry hair

Most of the time, dry hair can indicate that you are suffering from dehydration or a thyroid disorder. To counter this situation, it’s best to up your water intake immediately and avoid the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. Addressing the underlying cause of the problem is the key.

Dull hair

Dull and frizzy hair can talk a lot about your health. This condition primarily occurs when your body is experiencing a shortage of iron, protein, zinc and other essential vitamins.

Hair shedding and hair thinning are very commonly seen but frequently ignored situations that are affected by dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, which are reported to cause premature hair loss even though dandruff alone usually does not cause hair loss.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Your hair is not growing

Shunted and slow hair growth indicates a lack of protein. When this happens, it’s probably time to add some protein-rich food to your diet.

Nonetheless, we should not ignore these symptoms and consult a dermatologist or trichologist immediately to avoid any potential risk. You can also take these health checkups to further understand the cause of these signs. Avoid self-treatment and seek medical help. 

Also Read: Peppermint Oil For Hair: A Research-Backed Guide To Benefits And Usage

Hairfall Screening Package

This package includes important tests such as Iron Profile, Thyroid Profile, Serum Zinc, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D Total which help understand the causes of hair fall. People of all age groups can take both these tests once every 6 months.

To treat the problem of hair fall, it is essential to understand and address the underlying cause of it. In simple terms, hair fall indicates our body responding to a stressful event, illness, hormonal imbalance or medication. Some medicines may result in severe side effects and should be immediately brought to your doctor’s notice. It may be due to a nutritional deficiency of essential minerals and vitamins or hormonal imbalances. Focus on the root cause of the problems, and keep flaunting your hair.

The right foods can help your hair grow. Read more HERE.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
2
1

9 Irritating Scalp Conditions In Men!

Hair is, rightly known as the crowning glory. Different hairstyles add or subtract so much from our overall appearances. What we eat, how much we sleep, the amount of water and our lifestyle have a telling effect on our mane. There are many environmental, dietary and genetic factors that affect our scalps and our hair. Let us look at nine scalp conditions that affect men.

  1. Hair Loss

When you lose large amounts of hair and it doesn’t grow back, it is called hair loss. All of us lose some amount of hair every day but when we lose more than what the body can regenerate it becomes a serious condition and needs to be treated medically.

  1. Male Pattern Baldness

When men lose hair from around the temples and the hairline keeps receding, it is known as male pattern baldness. When the hair’s growth cycle weakens and the hair follicles begin to shrink. This produces thinner hair and ultimately even that tapers off. Take a medical opinion because in most cases it is harmless but could be caused by certain types of cancer, medicines and thyroid problems. Please seek immediate medical assistance and do not take any medications on your own.

  1. Alopecia Areata

When men suffer the loss of hair in small coin-shaped patches, it is known as Alopecia Areata. The patches occur at random places. In most cases, the person’s immune system goes against itself and begins to attack the hair follicles. This can even lead to complete baldness if not treated on time. Consult a dermatologist if you notice bald patches on your scalp.

  1. Seborrheic Dermatitis

In this scalp condition, the skin becomes scaly and red and dandruff is caused. While in most cases it happens in the hair scalp in women and men. It causes hair loss, it may spread to the face, neck, chest, and back. Usually, the oiliness in the skin triggers this condition. It is a long-term skin issue and needs regular sittings with the dermatologist. If you’re facing any side effects from given medications or treatments, do let your doctor know. In most cases, it can be avoided by following a good skin care routine.

  1. Psoriasis

In this scalp condition, thick, red patches develop. This is an autoimmune disease in which the buildup of cells occurs causing a scaly appearance. It may also be associated with other diseases like diabetes, heart issues, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

  1. Head Lice

Scary as it might be to have insects crawling on your scalp, it is better to be informed about what they are. Lice are blood-suckers that spread through contact with an infected person, sharing personal items like combs, towels, and headphones, even. Extreme scalp itchiness, sores on the scalp and a feeling that something is crawling on your head are instant giveaways. Many OTC medications are available to treat the condition.

  1. Dandruff

This is perhaps the most common scalp condition. White flakes are a result of the buildup of the dead skin from the scalp. The condition is blamed on a fungus living on the skin. Washing hair regularly with a medicated shampoo may help with the problem. You can also find many home remedies to remove dandruff.

  1. Ring Worm

When circular, red, scaly patches are left on the scalp leading to hair loss; it is known as ringworm infection. It is caused by a fungus and not by worms. It can be treated medically by medicines and antifungal shampoo.

  1. Folliculitis

This is an infection affecting the hair follicle. The follicles are sacs at the bottom of the hair which fill with pus. The condition is caused by bacteria and can be treated with an antibiotic. However, do inform your doctor if you have any history of allergy to medicines (if experienced in the past).

Also Read:  All About Eczema – Symptoms, Causes & Cure

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

2