Live Life Team
Baldness occurs due to loss of hair, which is also known as alopecia. The pattern of baldness in male is the commonest one. This is called androgenic alopecia. However, this can occur in female also. One more type of hair loss is alopecia areata. In this, baldness appears in patches. This is not a permanent baldness. It is common in adolescents. Treatment for cancer also causes hair loss, as a side effect. However, in these patients hair grows after stopping the treatment. Hair loss is not a matter of concern from the health point of view, but it affects self-esteem and confidence.
What are the causes of hair loss
Normally, for anyone the hair loss is in the range of 40 – 120 in a day. Every hair has a life of three years, after which it falls off. However, a new hair grows in this place.
If the hair follicles are over-sensitive, it can cause baldness in both male and female. A high level of the male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes shrinkage of the follicles. Therefore, the hair becomes thinner, reducing its lifetime. The baldness takes place in a gradual manner, as all the follicles are not affected at the same time.
The immune system could be a cause for alopecia areata. The damage caused to the hair follicles is not permanent, and it grows back. It is hereditary in around 20 percent of the people.
Stress, anaemia, thyroid disorders, fungal infections and cancer drugs can cause hair loss to some extent. Pregnant women or women after delivery of child may suffer of hair loss. However, lack of vitamins in the food does not cause hair loss.
What are the symptoms of alopecia
The hereditary baldness occurs in the late twenties, which is known as male-pattern baldness. A receding hairline is the first symptom. Then the hair becomes thinner and falls off in the course of time. This kind of baldness leaves a pattern of hairs, which looks like a horseshoe. This leads to complete baldness at the age of sixty.
Another type is androgenetic alopecia, which is also hereditary. In women, hair becomes thinner with age. In women, top of the head loses hairs. After menopause, the loss is significant.
One more type is there, called alopecia areata, in which baldness looks in patches. This can occur on any area of the body. Generally it occurs on the scalp.
How alopecia is diagnosed
The male-pattern baldness is easily identifiable due to its pattern. The starting point is when the hair becomes thinner. In the case of androgenetic alopecia, it occurs after menopause, when hair becomes thinner. However, anaemia or fungal infection on the scalp also can cause this. Therefore, you have to consult your doctor, who can rule out other conditions, or refer you to a dermatologist. Alopecia areata is easily noticeable, especially by a hairdresser.
How alopecia is treated
If infection of anaemia is the cause, it is treated to avoid further loss of hair, whereas, a temporary baldness needs no treatment.
Finasteride and minoxidil are used for treating male-pattern baldness. These medicines control the production of DHT. However, for treating androgenetic alopecia, minoxidil only is available. There is no treatment for alopecia areata.
Plastic surgery or hair transplanting also are the treatments for baldness.
