What is Alopecia?

Alopecia refers to the loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. It is a broad term encompassing various types of hair loss, which can occur due to multiple causes and present in different patterns.



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Types of Alopecia:

  • Alopecia Areata
    Description: This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to round patches of hair loss.
    Severity: It can range from small patches to more extensive loss.
  • Alopecia Totalis
    Description: This is an advanced form of alopecia areata where there is a complete loss of hair on the scalp.
  • Alopecia Universalis
    Description: The most severe form, resulting in the loss of all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
  • Androgenetic Alopecia
    Description: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, it is a common hereditary condition leading to thinning hair and baldness.
  • Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia
    Description: A group of rare disorders that destroy hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss.
  • Telogen Effluvium:
    Description:A temporary condition where more hairs than usual enter the shedding phase of the growth cycle, often due to stress, illness, or hormonal changes.

Alopecia

Causes of Alopecia

The causes of alopecia vary depending on the type and can include:

  • Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning):
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  • Genetics:
    Family history of hair loss can predispose individuals to conditions like androgenetic alopecia.
  • Autoimmune Disorders:
    Conditions like alopecia areata occur when the immune system attacks hair follicles.
  • Hormonal Changes:
    Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid issues, and other hormonal changes can trigger hair loss.
  • Encapsulation:
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  • Medical Conditions:
    Scalp infections, skin diseases, and chronic illnesses can lead to hair loss.
  • Medications:
    Drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, and other conditions may cause hair loss as a side effect.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies:
    Lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins can contribute to hair loss.
  • Stress:
    Physical or emotional stress can induce conditions like telogen effluvium.
  • Hairstyling Practices:
    Excessive use of heat, chemicals, or hairstyles that pull on the hair can cause traction alopecia.


frontal fibrosing alopecia


Symptoms:

  • Sudden or gradual hair thinning.
  • Circular or patchy bald spots.
  • Full-body hair loss.
  • Hair loss with scalp scaling or redness.

Diagnosis:

  • Medical History: Reviewing family history and personal health history.
  • Physical Examination: Examining the pattern and extent of hair loss.
  • Scalp Biopsy: Taking a small sample of scalp tissue for examination.
  • Blood Tests: Checking for underlying conditions like thyroid disease or nutritional deficiencies.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options depend on the type and cause of alopecia:

  • Medications:
    Topical treatments like minoxidil.
    Oral medications such as finasteride.
    Corticosteroids for autoimmune-related hair loss.
  • Therapies:
    Light and laser therapy to stimulate hair growth.
    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments:
    Stress management techniques.
    Nutritional supplements.

  • Surgical Options:
    Hair transplant surgery for permanent hair loss.

Cosmetic Solutions:

  • Wigs and hairpieces for temporary or permanent hair loss
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  • Scalp micropigmentation.
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