Typically everyone sheds a certain amount of hair every day. But if the hair falls out in more substantial amounts than normal, then it may cause distress and worry.
While the major cause of hair loss in males and females is pattern baldness, however, there are a number of other factors also contributing to hair loss. Your doctor will surely explore these factors before suggesting any appropriate treatment.
In this article, we will discuss some of the leading causes of hair loss, their available treatment, and home care tips for preventing further loss.
Main causes of Hair loss:
Following are the possible causes of hair loss:
Androgenetic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia also termed as male or female pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia is a very common cause of hair loss.
Pattern baldness/Alopecia in both males and females is genetic. Normally males have a tendency to lose hair from the crown of the head. In females, hair usually turns out to be thinner all over the head.
Androgenetic alopecia is expected to happen as a person gets older. Many females experience androgenetic alopecia after going through the menopause. This means that hormones play a vital role in developing Androgenetic alopecia in females.
It is possible to cure this condition with a medicine called Minoxidil. This medication is useful in hair growth.
Pregnancy
Some women may possibly experience excessive hair loss right after giving birth. This is mainly due to a decrease in their estrogen levels. This type of hair loss is a short-term condition and typically resolves within a year.
In order to restore the hair to its normal condition, you must try:
- using a shampoo and conditioner that gives volumizing effect to your hair
- avoiding intensive conditioners or conditioning shampoos, because these can be harmful
- for fine hair
- applying conditioner to the ends of the hair, rather than the scalp, in order to avoid weighing hair downwards
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a condition where the natural shedding of hair increases to a large extent and causes more hair to fall out, sometimes in handfuls.
This is typically a temporary condition that resolves over time. But it is advisable to consult a doctor to find out the cause.
Some possible causes may comprise:
- severe stress
- surgery
- childbirth
- quick weight loss
- thyroid problems
- certain medications
If a doctor identifies that certain medications are causing hair loss, he may change these medicines.
Anagen effluvium
In this condition, your hair may fall out from the head, as well as from other parts of the body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
Main causes of Anagen effluvium might include:
- Chemotherapy
- radiation
- fungal infection
- autoimmune disease
Treatment for this condition is subject to the cause but can include a topical Minoxidil solution.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which hair tends to fall out unexpectedly. The immune system assaults hair follicles and other healthy parts of the body.
Hair from the scalp, as well as eyebrows and eyelashes, may well fall out in small amounts.
A person having this must consult a doctor. A doctor may suggest medication to help the hair grow back.
Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is a condition in which hair tends to fall out due to pulling it into tight hairstyles, which causes it to break. These hairstyles include:
- tight buns
- ponytails
- cornrows
- extensions
If traction alopecia is not treated, a person may develop bald spots and thin of the hair.
By avoiding tight hairstyles you can usually prevent further damage.
Medications
There are certain medications whose side effects can cause hair to fall out.
These medications include:
- blood thinners
- Accutane, to treat acne
- Antidepressants
- beta-blockers
- cholesterol-lowering drugs,
By reducing the dosage or switching different medications can prevent further hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies can also cause hair to fall out. Diets that are too low in protein and other vitamins, such as iron, can sometimes cause excessive hair fall.
A person should consult a doctor after a blood test to check if he has a nutritional deficiency which is causing hair to fall out.
Birth control pills
People might experience hair loss when they are using birth control pills.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a type of fungal infection that can cause hair loss. Ringworm on the scalp can cause temporary bald areas on the head.
If ringworm does not heal by itself, then your healthcare provider might prescribe an antifungal medicine or an antibiotic.
Self-care is necessary
In order to avert hair loss, you must try:
- lifestyle changes in order to reduce stress
- eating a healthy diet that includes proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals
- avoiding tight hairstyles
- restraining the use of heating processes that can damage the hair
