Hair Loss
 

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Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. There are so many types you can learn about below. You can suffer from more than one type at a time and anyone even children can experience it. The more knowledge we have the better we can learn how to effectively help those who are effective by hair loss.

 

Telogen Effluvium Vaccinations, crash diets, physical trauma (such as a car crash), and surgeries can temporarily send a proportion of scalp hair follicles into hibernation. As the body recovers from these shocks, TE subsides, and new hair growth resumes. Certain drugs, especially antidepressants, can also induce TE. Switching to a different medication might resolve this issue.

 

Anagen Effluvium This condition often arises in people taking cytostatic drugs for cancer treatment or those exposed to toxic substances like rat poison. Unlike telogen effluvium, the follicles don’t enter a telogen resting state but essentially freeze in time. Hair fibers shed quickly, often appearing as dystrophic anagen hairs with a tapered or feathered root end.

 

Alopecia Areata In AA, an individual’s own immune system targets hair follicles instead of bone joints. While extreme stress might trigger AA in some individuals, recent research highlights genetic involvement as well as Hormones, allergies, viruses, and even toxins could contribute. Likely, a combination of these factors activates AA in a given individual.

 

Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia) The common underlying theme is the potential for permanent and irreversible destruction of hair follicles, leading to their replacement with scar tissue. Dermatologists and pathologists examine the biopsy for indicators such as follicle destruction, deep scar tissue, and the presence and location of inflammation relative to hair follicles.

 

Congenital Hypotrichosis Hypotrichosis describes a situation where there wasn’t any hair growth in the first place. Hypotrichoses (plural) are conditions that affect individuals right from birth and usually stay with them throughout their lives. The majority of hypotrichoses are due to genetic aberrations or defects of embryonic development. There are hundreds of types of genetic hypotrichoses. Often, affected individuals have other physical or mental problems beyond a lack of hair.

 

Traction alopecia This can result from factors like tight hat bands, tight ponytails, cornrow hair styles, improper extension installation, and any other practices that exert tension on hair roots. Prolonged traction alopecia, where the same hair is repeatedly pulled out, can lead to permanent hair follicle damage and permanent hair loss.

 

Trichotillomania A condition in which affected individuals compulsively pull out their own hair. While scalp hair is often targeted, individuals may focus on eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic hair, or any hair-bearing area. Debate exists as to whether trichotillomania is a habit akin to nail biting or a more complex psychological issue.

 

Ringworm, Folliculitis, Piedra (Trichomycosis Nodularis), Demodex folliculorum, and Seborrheic dermatitis Ringworm Ringworm has nothing to do with worms; it is actually a fungal infection. Ringworm is primarily an infectious skin condition that can occur anywhere on the body. If it develops on the scalp, it can cause patches of hair loss. Folliculitis is usually due to a bacterial infection, most commonly by Staphylococcus aureus.

 

Piedra (Trichomycosis Nodularis) is a condition where hair fibers are infected by a fungus. Seborrheic dermatitis is not an infectious disease, although it can involve infection. It is primarily a skin condition, but it can also lead to temporary hair loss if it occurs on the scalp or other areas with terminal hair. The dermatitis manifests as scaly, sometimes oily, inflamed skin that can be itchy or even painful.

 

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