Hair Loss

Most common causes of hair loss

There are many causes of hair loss, whether baldness or hair thinning. When a health issue is appropriately handled, hair loss can occasionally be a side effect that has to be addressed and will go away on its own. It's important to visit a dermatologist if you have balding or thinning hair to determine the cause and the best way to stop hair loss or stimulate growth. 

Before your consultation, let's discuss some of the most common reasons for hair loss.

1. Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is another name for male- or female-pattern baldness. It plays a major role in hair loss. Male and female pattern baldness is also due to hereditary problems. Men frequently have hair loss in their crown and temple areas. Hair often gets thinner all over the head in females.

Although it can begin at any time after puberty, androgenetic alopecia is more likely to occur as a person becomes older. After menopause, many females who get androgenetic alopecia begin to experience it. It might also be due to hormonal changes in women. A medicine for hair growth called minoxidil is used to treat this issue.

2. Alopecia areata

It is an autoimmune disorder that results in rapid hair loss. The immune system also targets the hair follicles with other healthy body parts. Little fragments of scalp hair, brow hair, and eyelash hair can fall off. 

A person should consult a doctor if they have this condition. A physician could suggest medication to promote hair growth.

3. Stressful life events

You suddenly become aware of a lot of hair falling out. It's on your pillow, the floor, your clothes, and trapped in the shower drain, among other places. You might be reluctant to brush your hair since it falls out so quickly. Telogen effluvium is the medical word for this. 

After a traumatic physical or mental incident, excessive hair loss begins 2 to 3 months later. The body adjusts over time, and hair loss eventually ceases. The situation returns to normal around 6 to 9 months. Stressful life experiences, including losing a loved one, having surgery, or receiving a serious health diagnosis, can all raise your risk for hair loss. 

4. Nutritional deficiencies

In some cases, nutritional deficits might result in hair loss. Excessive shedding and hair loss have all been connected to low iron levels, vitamin D, and zinc. 

Dietary supplements can quickly make up for vitamin deficiencies. Speaking with your doctor or GP before starting new supplements is essential because they usually perform a blood test before recommending them.

5. Traction alopecia

Hair loss caused by pushing hair into tight hairstyles, which makes it break and come loose, is known as traction alopecia. The hairstyles connected to this condition are braids, cornrows, tight buns, and extensions. People may experience hair thinning and bald areas if they suffer from traction alopecia. 

To overcome this condition, stop ting your hair this way. 

6. Pregnancy

Shortly after giving birth, some women may have substantial hair loss. It may be due to a drop in estrogen levels. This form of hair loss is transient and usually disappears in a year or less. 

Try these to restore your hair to its pre-damage state: 

• Using volumizing shampoo and conditioner 

• Using products for fine hair 

• Avoiding intense conditioners or conditioning shampoos as they can be too heavy for your hairs

• Using conditioner on the ends of the hair instead of the scalp to avoid weighing hair down

7. Infections

Scalp infection might be another cause of hair loss. This occurs when bacteria, yeast, or fungi overgrow and infiltrate hair follicles. You may notice scaling, redness, bumps, and itching on the scalp. See your dermatologist if you experience these symptoms as soon as possible. 

The most occurring cause of hair loss in youngsters is fungal infections of the scalp, which are very contagious. Children should refrain from exchanging hats and scarves to prevent it. The proper antibiotic or antifungal medicine can treat the majority of scalp infections. Without treatment, these infections might lead to lifelong scarring.

8. Medication

As a side effect, several medicines might thin your hair. Even though not everyone who takes these medicines experiences hair loss, some common ones can include: 

• certain medication for reducing cholesterol (like atorvastatin and simvastatin) 

• blood pressure medicines (like captopril and lisinopril) 

• Cimetidine, an antacid (Tagamet) 

• Colchicine, a medicine for gout (Colcrys) 

• Isotretinoin, a medicine for acne (Accutane) 

• Progesterone and testosterone are steroid hormones. 

Tell your doctor immediately if you start experiencing hair loss after starting a new medication. They can securely assist you in stopping that and suggest a switch to anything else.

9. Anagen effluvium

Large amounts of hair fall out quickly during the anagen stage of the hair cycle due to anagen effluvium. It may cause hair loss from the head and other body areas, such as the eyebrows and eyelashes.

Anagen odor can be brought on by: 

• chemotherapy

• radiation 

• Fungal infection

• Autoimmune diseases

Depending on the reasons above, this condition may require topical minoxidil treatment. 

If someone gets anagen effluvium due to chemotherapy, cooling the scalp in between the surgery might be beneficial. Hair will continue to regrow three to six months after the chemotherapy. 

10. Age

As people age, almost everyone will experience hair loss and thinning. At all ages, cells are constantly dividing and dying off. But, as we age, our cells lose their ability to reproduce more quickly. As a result, people develop thinner skin and weaker bones. 

Your scalp also produces less oil, which can cause your hair to become brittle and weak. This may also contribute to general thinning and hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, often known as male- or female-pattern hair loss, is the term for this disorder.

To get your treatment done, visit Spire Pharmacy and consult our doctor.