Hair Loss Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Hair loss in the medical world is known as alopecia. Hair loss is a common condition that happens to everyone. That’s why hair loss is considered normal if the number of strands that fall out is no more than 100 strands per day.
However, hair loss can become a problem if the number of strands that fall out is more than 100 per day and is out of control. Because uncontrolled hair loss is the beginning of baldness. If you feel that the loss that you are experiencing is so disturbing, consult your doctor for immediate treatment.
Hair Loss Symptoms
Abnormal hair loss can generally be recognized by the condition where hair is falling suddenly more than usual. However, the symptoms for each type of hair loss are also different.
Pattern alopecia in men and women, for example, usually appears when someone is over 35 years old or when entering menopause. The pattern is distinctive, namely in the form of an M pattern, occurring around the crown and the sides of a man’s head. While in women, the pattern of thinning hair occurs on the top of the head.
While hair loss due to chemotherapy usually occurs thoroughly. Not even just head hair, but also facial and body hair. Apart from that, there is also sudden, abundant, and drastic loss which usually occurs due to quite heavy stress.
Hair Loss Reason
There are many things that can cause hair loss, both due to physical and emotional problems, including:
- Aging or aging
- Family history
- stress
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, puberty and menopause
- Low levels of vitamins
- Lack of protein due to strict diet
- Thyroid disease, diabetes and Down syndrome
- Anemia due to iron deficiency
- Autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata
- Chemotherapy
Hair Loss Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of hair loss is done by examining the scalp. There are several ways to classify the types of hair loss. The easiest way is to distinguish areas of hair loss as follows:
1. Partial hair loss ( patchy hair loss ), generally due to:
- Alopecia areata, baldness occurs starting with resembling small circular areas. Or some are shaped like coins that can be caused by autoimmune diseases.
- Traction alopecia, hair loss that causes hair to thin due to the effects of too frequent or too strong ponytails or braids.
- Trichotillomania, hair loss due to the habit of twisting or pulling hair
- Tinea capitis, hair loss due to fungal infection
- Secondary syphilis
2. Overall hair loss ( diffuse hair loss ), generally due to:
- Pattern alopecia, which is an M-shaped pattern in men and general thinning in women.
- Alopecia due to drugs.
- Malnutrition or protein malnutrition.
- Alopecia due to systemic diseases, such as cancer, endocrine diseases, and other health problems.
- Telogen effluvium, rapid hair loss after giving birth, fever, drastic weight loss, stress, and the like.
Apart from that, an examination related to the condition of hair loss can also be carried out to find out the main cause of the hair loss problem. Tests can be done thoroughly – including blood tests to check Hb levels, iron, B vitamins, thyroid gland function, to scalp biopsies.
Hair Loss Treatment
Some types of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium, do not require special treatment. Because hair loss can stop on its own and hair begins to grow within six months. Hair loss can also stop when the stress conditions that cause hair loss have subsided.
Nutrient intake – such as zinc, B vitamins, folic acid, iron and calcium, is a good type of intake and is recommended for dealing with hair loss. Several studies have shown that vitamin D intake also has a positive impact. Biotin vitamins are known to stimulate hair growth.
The problem of hair loss can also be overcome by taking drugs – such as propecia (finasteride) and rogaine (minoxidil) – as well as by implant methods or hair transplants. Rogaine can be used by both men and women. However, keep in mind that these drugs must be taken continuously to get the effect. If drug consumption is stopped, hair loss can return.
Hair loss due to an autoimmune condition, such as alopecia areata, usually needs to be treated with steroids –either injections, creams, gels, or ointments. Immune therapy can also be done by stimulating hair growth by causing a deliberate allergic reaction on the affected skin area.
In some conditions, it is sometimes necessary to use wigs which can temporarily help cover hair loss and increase self-confidence.
Prevention
Can hair loss be prevented? Hair loss can be prevented in the following ways:
- Good hair care, such as giving hair vitamins
- Wash your hair and keep your hair clean regularly
- Good and balanced nutritional intake
- Good stress management
- Treatment of medical problems that cause hair loss