Baldness Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Baldness Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Baldness or alopecia is hair loss that can be caused by various factors. For example: heredity, aging, certain medical conditions, medications, or certain lifestyles.

Overall, there are three types of baldness, namely:

  • Alopecia universalis. This is baldness that affects hair all over the body.
  • Total alopecia. This type is baldness that affects all the hair on the head.
  • Alopecia areata. This is local baldness or only occurs locally. Usually well-demarcated and commonly found on the scalp. But in some cases, it can also affect other areas, such as eyebrows, beard and eyelashes.

Of the three types of baldness, alopecia areata is the most common type of baldness in both men and women. This type of baldness can affect all ages.

Symptoms

There are several symptoms of baldness or alopecia, including:

  • Thinning and loss of hair, either gradually or suddenly.
  • Burning or itching sensation. Although it doesn’t always appear, some people complain of this symptom.
  • Round or oval patches of hair loss on the head, eyebrows, beard, and eyelashes
  • In women, hair loss usually occurs on the front or top of the head.

Reason

The cause of baldness or alopecia is a disorder of the immune system (autoimmune). In addition, it can also be caused by genetic factors or a family history of alopecia.
Other conditions that can trigger alopecia areata include:

  • Thyroid disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Down’s syndrome
  • Vitiligo
  • Atopy (allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema)
  • Emotional disorders (depression, anxiety, stress, paranoid disorders)

Diagnosis

To determine the diagnosis of baldness or alopecia, the doctor will conduct a series of medical interviews and physical examinations. An examination is done by looking directly at the area that is experiencing loss.

If needed, the doctor can also carry out supporting examinations such as:

  • Take a few strands of hair to be examined using a microscope.
  • Do a biopsy from scalp scrapings to find out the cause of baldness. For example, if a fungal infection (tinea capitis) is suspected.
  • Blood tests to see if there is an autoimmune disorder.

Treatment

Treatment that can be done to deal with baldness or alopecia is to do therapy. Some of the treatment options that can be given include:

  • Injectable corticosteroids. Corticosteroid injections are carried out in bald areas. This is the first therapy performed for localized alopecia (one place only).

    If bald people who undergo this therapy give a positive response, hair growth will begin to appear within 4-6 weeks. Injections are generally done every 4 weeks.

  • Topical corticosteroids. This type of treatment is done by applying it 2 times a day. In general, people with alopecia show a good response to this treatment. Therapy is carried out for at least 3 months.
  • Minoxidil. Minoxidil is effective in patients with extensive alopecia areata (50-90% loss). This treatment only provides a small benefit in patients with alopecia universalis and totalis.

    Minoxidil drip on bald spots twice a day. Initial hair growth will appear in 12 weeks. However, this treatment can cause side effects in the form of irritation and hair that grows reddish in color.

  • Topical immunotherapy. This drug is given to the skin affected by alopecia with the aim of causing an allergic-like reaction and triggering hair growth. Hair growth generally begins to appear at 12-24 weeks.

Prevention

Here are steps you can take to reduce your risk of baldness or alopecia:

  • Limit the use of hair styling products, such as flat irons, curling irons, blow-dryers
  • Limit use of hair care devices that risk damaging or drying hair
  • Limit the use of chemicals for hair

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