Alopecia TREATMENT
Alopecia also known as hair loss or baldness, refers to a loss of hair from part of the head or body. The head is most commonly involved. The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body. Hair loss may occur naturally or it may be related to disease or the use of certain medications. Symptoms of alopecia vary depending on the cause of the condition and range from a small bald patch to a complete loss of all body hair. Diffuse alopecia (thinning scalp hair) is common among seniors, both men and women.
There are a number of different types of alopecia and some of them are more common:
Male-Pattern baldness
This is the most common form of alopecia. Also called androgenetic alopecia, this form of baldness is hereditary and is due to a combination of genetics and the male hormone dihydrotestosterone. In male-pattern baldness, the hairline typically recedes and the hair becomes thin.
Female-Pattern baldness
Baldness can also affect women, seems to be more likely to affect post-menopausal women, as a result of hormonal changes.
Alopecia areata
Also referred to as patchy baldness. Men, women and children of any age may be affected and usually the patches occur on the scalp. It is caused by % c+ immune system disorder and people with autoimmune conditions are more likely to be affected.
Anagen effluvium
This is a form of hair loss that may affect the whole body, scalp and face. Anagen effluvium mostly occurs after chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy for treating cancers. The alopecia is usually temporary and hair regrows after treatment is stopped.
Telogen effluvium
In this form hair fall is more than usual. Head hair does feel thinner, but complete hair loss is unlikely. The condition is temporary. Telogen effluvium can be caused by the following:
Scarring alopecia
Also called cicatricial alopecia. This is a permanent hair loss caused by rare conditions such as scleroderma and discoid lupus. The hair follicles are completely destroyed and hair does not grow again.
