|
Hair Loss
Hair Loss Conditions
* Androgenetic alopecia (Also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness).
* Alopecia areata
* Traction alopecia
* Trichotillomania
* Tinea capitis (fungal infection)
* Telogen effluvium
Hair Loss in Men
The most common cause of male baldness is the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The hair follicles mainly affected are around the front, top and crown of the scalp. This can be hereditary from the genes of either side of the family or both. Most men will experience some degree of hair loss in their lifetime. For men in their late 20’s, approximately 12% will experience some hair loss. By the age of 50 men have a 50% chance of showing signs genetic baldness. Medications can also cause hair loss
Hair Loss in Women
Up to 70% of women that experience hair loss can attribute it to hereditary androgenetic alopecia. Hair loss doesn’t just happen after menopause. Female baldness usually begins about the age of 30 and becomes more noticeable around the age of 40, or after menopause. By the age of 50 almost half of all women will experience some kind of hair thinning in their lifetime. Hereditary factors age and the effects of hormones can cause some hair follicles to get smaller and prevent partial or full hair follicle growth.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women
• After pregnancy it is common to lose hair
• Alcoholism
• Changes in hormone levels
• Chronic nutritional deprivation
• Crohn's or Hepatic Disease
• Hereditary
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Lymphoproliferative disorders
• Some medication
• Starting or stopping birth control
• Thyroid imbalances
• Zinc or iron deficiency
• 2 to 5 months after severe fever related illness
Hair Loss Treatments
In women it is important to find out if there is an underlining cause to your hair thinning. Many women’s hair loss can be reversible especially if it is due to a hormone imbalance, thyroid condition or a deficiency. Once the cause is determined you may be able to reverse hair loss.
There are a number of treatments available on the market that can effectively slow or reduce hair loss and stimulate partial re-growth.
Non-surgical treatments include: Topical lotions and tablets. These must be used continuously to maintain re-growth. Wigs or hairpieces may also be an option.
Surgical Treatments Include: Hair transplants. Always do your homework when it comes to finding a good practitioner to do this or any other procedure. How long have they been doing hair transplants, their success rate and if they still have a practising certificate.
Possible complications of hair transplantation
- Bleeding This is should be controlled through post-operative care.
- Infection May occur through the skin that is broken to perform the procedure. This can be treated with antibiotics.
- Scarring approximately 11 per cent of the population have a tendency to scar. Although it is usual to have some scarring from this procedure an inexperienced practitioner can also leave you with unacceptable unsightly scarring with dramatic results.
- Operation induced hair loss This is generally a temporary condition and is known as telogen effluvium which can occur with hair transplant operations. Telogen effluvium can effect up to five per cent of patients.
Related Products
.
|
