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Basically most hair loss can be placed within the following groups with
further division based upon the symptoms. With the exception of male and female
pattern baldness the trigger factors for these groups range from physical to
psychological. Below we discuss some of the various forms of hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia
This type of hair loss is known as
male baldness and
female pattern
hair loss. It is
currently attributable to increases in DHT (dihydrotestosterone) among susceptible individuals which
researchers believe is linked to genetics. The arrival of symptoms in men
usually begins in the early twenties with a noted loss of hair in the crown and
frontal hairline. As the condition progresses a hair bridge appears signaling
the scalp is in the final stages of pattern baldness as determined by the
Norwood chart. With women this condition usually makes itself known in the
mid-forties with a gradual loss of hair over the entire scalp.
Traction Alopecia
Hair Loss caused by excessive tension placed upon the scalp by pulling,
hairstyles, braids, or corn rows over an extended period of time. The condition
is most often seen in women especially of African-American descent. The
resultant loss of hair or hair thinning is the result of damage to the hair
follicles in the frontal portions of the scalp. Condition is reversible if
diagnosed early, otherwise the damage can be permanent.
Alopecia Areata
Condition characterized by patchy baldness of unknown origin but most often
viewed as an autoimmune disease. The areatas do not affect the health of an
individual nor is the hair loss related to the health of the individual. Most
incidences of this condition are confined to one episode. Further subdivisions
of this form of hair loss are
alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and alopecia
universalis, which correspond with the location and degree of balding.
Cicatricial Scarring Alopecia
Presence of these type of rare hair loss diseases is usually attributable to
some medical problem such as lupus or lichen planus that destroys the hair
follicle and produces a scarring effect. Other variations of this form of
alopecia are the result of
radiation, burns, infection, and tumors. As the inflammatory process grows with
this collection of scalp disorders the affected individuals experience
burning, itching, and pain accompanied by permanent loss of hair if untreated.
Treatment varies with the reported symptoms.
Telogen Effluvium
The
Effluviums
are the second most reported form of hair loss. With the
varieties of this disorder the hair follicles enter a prolonged resting stage of
the hair cycle known as the telogen phase. This type of hair loss usually
displays itself when a sudden "shock" is placed upon the body. Some of
the causative factors can include prolonged stress, childbirth, illness,
infections, thyroid conditions, and medications among many. During these
episodes which can be chronic or acute as much as seventy percent of the scalp
may severely shed at the root. The good news is this type of hair loss tends to
be self-limiting with complete recovery once the offending factors dissipate.
Trichotillomania
Is a
psychological (compulsive) disorder
that exhibits itself with the
excessive plucking or pulling of the body’s hair. The
hair plucking
tends to
be from the scalp but can also be from the eyebrows, chest, or arms and legs.
Treatment ranges from anti-depressants to behavioral therapy.
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