What is the reason for Hair Loss

It is caused due to various reasons such as autoimmune conditions, genetic factors, hormone changes, tissue scarring from injury, stress, etc. The primary symptom is the loss of hair. It may manifest as gradual thinning on top of the head, circular/patchy bald spots, sudden loss of hair, full body hair loss, or patches of scaling that spread over the scalp. Treatment includes medications, surgery, laser therapy, wigs, and hairpieces.

Symptoms

The main sign is a loss of hair. It may manifest as:

Gradual thinning of hair on the head
Circular/patchy hairless regions
Sudden loss of hair
Loosening of hair
Full body hair loss
Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp

Causes

There are various reasons for hair loss. Some of the factors include:

Hereditary-family history of alopecia increases the risk
Hormonal changes-imbalances caused by pregnancy or menopause could lead to hair loss
Medical conditions such as scalp infections, lichen planus, lupus, sarcoidosis, hair-pulling disorder, an autoimmune disorder
Medications such as cancer drugs, intake of Vitamin A
Radiation therapy to the head
Stressful experiences such as sudden weight loss, surgery, high fever, loss of loved one-trigger hair loss
Certain hairstyles that pull hair tightly
Beauty treatments that could cause inflammation of the hair follicle

Risk factors which triggers hair loss include:

Family history
Age - more common among older people
Poor nutrition
Medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus
Stress

Prevention

Eat a well-balanced diet and consume adequate iron rich food.
Avoid tight hairstyles
Avoid pulling your hair
Treat your hair gently while washing it
Avoid hot oil treatments
Do not get chemical beauty treatments often

Complications

Patients with alopecia areata are at increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, vitiligo
Emotional issues such as depression

Medication

oral corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation.

Antihypertensive vasodilator: Prevents further hair loss, and in some people, stimulates hair growth.

Hormone modulators: For women, oral contraceptives or anti-androgens would be beneficial.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Given to men for treating pattern baldness.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

Iron rich foods such as spinach
Vitamin A containing foods such as carrots
Protein rich foods such as eggs, milk
Zinc-rich foods like green peas, eggs, wheat germ, and chickpeas

Types Of Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss, affecting more than 50 million men and 30 million women .

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss, occurs when large numbers of follicles on the scalp enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, called telogen, but the next growth phase doesn’t begin.

Telogen effluvium may also occur as a result of a vitamin or mineral deficiency—iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss in women—or the use of certain medications, such as isotretinoin, prescribed for acne, or warfarin, a blood thinner. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, which means the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues, including the hair follicles. Treatment for alopecia areata with medication that may help hair regrow.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis, also called scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection of the scalp that’s a common cause of hair loss in children.

Cicatricial Alopecia

Cicatricial alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, is a rare type of hair loss in which inflammation destroys hair follicles and causes scar tissue to form in their place. After scar tissue forms, hair doesn’t regrow. Hair loss may begin so slowly that symptoms aren’t noticeable, or hair may start to fall out all at once.