What is baldness?
There are on an average 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on the human
scalp. Hairs grow from follicles that are sac like structures
under the skin. At any time 90% of the hair are in the growth
phase, which lasts an average of 4 to 5 years, after which it
enters the resting phase, which lasts for 2 to 4 months. At the
end of the resting phase, the hair falls out naturally and is
replaced by a new hair. Some hair loss, 50 to 150 per day, is
normal.
Baldness or alopecia results when hair loss occurs at an
abnormally high rate, replacement occurs at an abnormally slow
rate or when normal hairs are replaced by thinner, shorter ones.
What are the types of baldness?
1. Androgenic alopecia also known as male pattern baldness is the
most common type of hair loss. It occurs more frequently in men
than in women. It is a permanent type of hair loss and occurs in a
characteristic pattern on the scalp. The hair loss begins at the
temples and at the top of the head towards the back, causing a
receding hairline and a bald spot. Balding may begin at any age
after puberty and can range from partial loss to complete
baldness. Hormonal imbalance, mainly testosterone, and genetic
factors are responsible for this type of hair loss.
2. Alopecia areata leads to patchy hair loss on the scalp. The
exact cause is not known, but it is thought to be the result of
the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles.
3. Traction alopecia is caused due to long-term pulling on the
hair. This is caused by certain hairstyles, such as tight braids.
The hair loss is usually reversible once the cause of the pulling
is eliminated.
What are the causes of baldness?
Heredity and aging.
Hormonal changes.
A serious illness or fever.
Medication such as cancer chemotherapy or too much Vitamin A.
Emotional or physical stress.
A self-induced reduction of hair by pulling it out (traction
alopecia).
Poor nutrition.
Disease.
Childbirth.
Scalp Infection.
Hair Treatments and use of chemicals.
How is the cause of hair loss diagnosed? The doctor first asks if there is a family history of baldness. He
may also examine a few hairs under a microscope or check the scalp
for signs of skin damage. Other questions related to the person’s
diet, hair-care procedures, medications taken and recent illness,
if any, may be asked. In some cases the doctor may order blood
tests or a skin biopsy to help make a diagnosis.
What are the treatment options in case of baldness?
1. Hair transplantation
This involves the transplantation of hair follicles from areas of
the scalp where hair is still growing to areas where it is not.
This carries a low risk for skin infections and may cause minor
scarring in the donor areas.
2. Local application of drugs
A drug called minoxidil, when applied to thinning areas of the
scalp daily, is believed to be effective in preventing further
hair loss and in growing new hair. The drug helps in dilating the
blood vessels, thereby affecting the blood supply and the supply
of hormones to those areas of the scalp that are losing hair.
Another drug called finasteride taken in a pill form daily, helps
in preventing further hair loss in most cases and growing new hair
in some cases.
The use of such drugs may help to reduce hair fall but it is
generally seen that when the application is stopped, regrown hair
fall out. Side effects such as irritation of the scalp are also
quite common. Corticosteroids: Injections of cortisone into the
scalp can treat alopecia areata. Treatment is usually repeated
monthly. Doctors sometimes prescribe corticosteroid pills for
extensive hair loss due to alopecia areata.
3. Cosmetic treatments
Synthetic hair: A hairpiece can be custom made to cover a balding
area. It is important not to neglect the scalp under the
hairpiece, which should continue to be washed regularly. Another
option is a weave, in which synthetic hair is sewn into existing
hair.
Hair products: Hair-care products that claim to thicken and
straighten hair should be used with caution because most of the
time they simply create an illusion of thickening, by building a
layer of wax or oil.
Healthy Hair
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