Hair loss raises concerns because of the aesthetic impact and because it may point to some medical conditions. Hair loss, also called alopecia, describes the falling off of hair either in patches or large swathes. Alopecia, though typically affecting the hair, also affects beards. In the UK, more than 400,000 people have experienced alopecia. Although it is incident in some ethnic races more than others, alopecia is not restricted to a certain group or gender. The management and treatment of alopecia involve identifying the root cause and choosing the best options based on each unique case.
Causes Of Alopecia
Several situations may lead to alopecia. These may be classified into natural and unnatural causes. Natural causes include ageing, heredity, and hormonal changes. Unnatural causes include:
- Medical conditions.
- Stress.
- Radiation to exposure.
- Certain hair treatments or styles.
- The side effects of certain drugs.
There are also different types of alopecia, so knowing the cause or trigger factors is necessary for choosing the best treatment methods. For example, a hormone therapy regimen may easily reverse the alopecia if a patient develops alopecia because of hormonal imbalance. Symptoms of alopecia include sudden hair loss in patches, loose hair, thinning hair, and sometimes ringworm patches.
The Ways Alopecia Is Diagnosed
Alopecia is diagnosed by a medical doctor (a dermatologist or GP). A simple physical examination is often enough to diagnose the condition, but the doctor may view hair strands microscopes or even ask for blood tests in specific cases. Alopecia diagnosis is often accompanied by examination to determine the specific cause before treatment begins. These are the most common types of alopecia:
- Alopecia areata totalis,
- Alopecia areata universalis,
- Diffuse alopecia areata; and
- Ophiasis alopecia areata.
There are other rare types, but these four are most common worldwide.
How Alopecia Is Treated
There are several ways to treat alopecia; one method is often enough, but doctors may combine treatments to achieve the best result.
Medication
The doctor may most likely start treatment with medications. OTC and prescription drugs are used to improve hair growth, slow hair loss, and reverse alopecia. OTC drugs include topical gels and creams, which you can rub on your scalp to strengthen your hair and improve growth. Prescription drugs include minoxidil, which slows hair loss, especially in men. Suppose your alopecia results from an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks your hair cells. In that case, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory corticosteroids that help suppress the effect of autoimmune disease.
Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a common treatment procedure for alopecia. Hair transplants are simple and often performed under local anaesthesia. It involves taking hair from the back of the head with normal growth and transplanting the hair to the areas affected by alopecia. Normal hair growth resumes within six months, and the transplanted hair is often not affected by alopecia. Hair transplant may also involve transplanting synthetic hair instead of natural hair. A synthetic hair transplant is an effective choice, especially for people who have lost all the hair on their scalp to alopecia. A hair transplant may be combined with medications to prevent another bout of alopecia.
Laser Therapy
Low-laser light therapy (LLLT) is an approved non-invasive treatment or medical procedure for alopecia. In LLLT, low-intensity laser light is used to stimulate hair growth. When hair cells absorb photons from laser light, they may start growing faster. LLLT was first approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration FDA but has also been approved in the UK. LLLT has a wide range of applications, and since the first trial in 2018, many alopecia patients have benefited from it. Although the treatment works, the price may deter alopecia patients. LLLT does not work for every alopecia patient and only lasts as long as it is used.
Home Remedies
Some home remedies have proven effective in improving hair growth. They may slow hair loss due to underlying medical conditions and even help reverse alopecia. Naturopathy experts recommend pumpkin seed oil and saw Palmetto. Natural home remedies may include dietary modification, lifestyle changes, and vitamin supplements. Since the hair is made up of protein, increasing dietary protein and iron (which improves hair growth) may help improve the alopecia condition. It is unclear how effective home remedies are against alopecia but slowing the rate of hair loss helps prevent the full onset of alopecia.
Scalp Reduction
Scalp reduction sounds scary, but it is a medical procedure that is proven effective in reducing the effect of alopecia. Scalp reduction is a surgical procedure in which a bald patch of the scalp is removed and replaced with a patch with hair. Scalp reduction surgery involves stretching portions of your scalp with rich hair to cover areas of bald spots. The bald spots are excised to allow the new hair to grow. The effect of scalp reduction surgery becomes obvious within a few weeks, but it could take up to six months to achieve normal hair growth. Scalp reduction surgery is not as popular as hair transplant, but it is still in use.
Dietary Modification
Some scientific studies suggest that alopecia can be arrested and even reversed through specific diets containing foods with anti-inflammatory properties. Dietary modification is best for alopecia caused by autoimmune disease. However, it is largely ineffective against alopecia caused by radiation, chemotherapy, or heredity exposure.
Hormone Therapy
Hormonal imbalance causes a form of alopecia. Hormone therapy may slow hair loss and even improve hair growth. Oestrogen and progesterone are two of the important hormones in hair growth. Drugs such as minoxidil are used for hormone therapy with much success. Hormone therapy may be discontinued if hormones return to normal levels.
Treatment Of Underlying Disease
If a medical condition is the underlying cause of alopecia, then treating the disease may delay or arrest hair loss and even reverse the effects of alopecia. Some diseases lead to sudden or chronic hair loss, leaving patients confused. That’s why a proper diagnosis is important to determine what course of treatment the doctor should begin.
How To Prevent Hair Loss
Is it possible to prevent hair loss? Hair loss is preventable in some cases where non-natural causes cause it. Some alopecia cases, for example, occur when the patient keeps scratching, pulling, or damaging the scalp hair. Here are some important things to do to prevent hair loss:
- Massage your hair when you wash it. Ensure to massage your hair and scalp when you wash it but take care not to damage your hair with excessive force.
- Avoid hot showers and pool temperature more than necessary. Hot water may damage your scalp and reduce your hair’s strength.
- Avoid strong hair brushes that pull out strands of hair the most runs you pull out from your hair. It weakens your hair and could result in patches. Exposed scalps may breed bacterialinfections that can lead to alopecia.
- Examine your hair regularly to spot the early onset of alopecia. If you notice your hair thinning out, getting loose, or falling off, you should contact your doctor quickly to determine the cause. Easily diagnosed with alopecia gives you a better chance to slow down hair loss and prepare for the treatment options.
As you can see, there are various ways to prevent hair loss and treat conditions such as alopecia.Hair loss is a natural process, but it can be upsetting for some. If you are struggling, reach out and speak with those you trust. They can support you through this time and be there for you in whichever way you choose to move forward.