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Hair Loss - The Facts |
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Hair Loss - The Facts
Hair is something we notice right away about a person.
Some facts about HairThere are about 300,000 hairs on the scalp of which 50-300 may be lost daily. We are, however, born with our entire hair follicles already in place; while they may change, no new ones are developed. Recession of hair on the forehead occurs in 90% of men and 80% of women. This is the most common pattern seen in males and is less commonly and severely seen in females. Both males and females over 80 years old are commonly bald but males often develop baldness in early adult life. Testosterone influences hair loss.To understand more about hair loss and its treatments, it is important to have a brief idea how the hair grows. The Hair Growth CycleEach hair follicle undergoes an approximate three year cycle of activity where the hair grows to a maximum length, ceases hair growth and the so is shed and replaced. The hair growth cycle has three distinctive phases: Anagen Phase • The active growth period. • Each hair grows up to 1 cm. per month – this is called the Anagen phase. • On average 85% of follicles are in the anagen stage. Catagen Phase • The end of the active growth period • The Catagen phase, is abruptly onset, in which the end of the hair forms a club and is shed. • On average 1% of follicles are in the catagen stage Telogen Phase • This is then followed by the Telogen phase which is the resting period. • The shortened follicle rests for about three months. • On average 14% of follicles are in the telogen stage. Understanding Hair lossHair loss is due to the shortening of the anagen phase and consequently an increase in proportion of hairs in the telogen phase.As you can see, a certain amount of hair loss is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. It is for those with more excessive hair loss that it may be useful to understand the type of hair loss and the possible causes. Types of Hair lossAndrogenetic Alopecia -- the modern medical term for either male or female pattern hair loss. Androgenetic - consisting of androgen. Genetic - the inheritance of genes. Alopecia Areata -- Generally thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Cause "patchy" hair loss, often in small circular areas in different areas of the scalp. Alopecia Totalis -- Total hair loss of the scalp, (an advanced form of alopecia areata). Alopecia Universalis -- hair loss of the entire body, (also an advanced form of alopecia areata) Traction Alopecia -- Hair loss caused by physical stress and tension on the hair. Telogen Effluvium -- usually temporary hair loss. Physical stress and hormonal changes are the causes and its normally associated with females. Anagen Effluvium -- Generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle. Causes of hair loss include:1) Shock e.g. post illness, stress and pregnancy. Hair loss here is usually temporary.Telogen Effluvium 2) Nutritional deficiency E.g. Iron deficiencies and unhealthy dieting. 3) Hormonal influences e.g. thyroid problems, hypopituitarism, contraceptive pills, post-menopause. 4) Local scalp condition e.g. severe dandruff, Lichen Planus, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, ringworm. 5) Hair styling e.g. prolonged traction, perming and vigorous brushing. 6) Hereditary Aka common baldness, pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia Onset may be caused by age and testosterone 7) Prescribed Medication e.g. Cytoxic or immunosuppressive drugs. Anagen Effluvium Knowing the possible causes of hair loss may help in the understanding of the various treatments currently available, which in turn may help you to choose the right one for you. Treatments available include:1) Medications:i) Topical e.g. Regaine. The way it works is not fully understood. It seems to stimulate the follicular cells in the scalp. ii) Oral drugs e.g. Propecia, a prescription medication which is clinically proven to reduce hair loss by reducing the effect of testosterone. Problems: Known to affect the reading of blood tests for Prostate cancer. The active ingredient Finasteride, affects the appearance of prostate cancer cells, and this may lead to a false estimate of tumor grade, which is determined visually by a pathologist Hair loss usually recurs six months after stopping Propecia and Regaine. Women of child bearing age should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets and use of condoms is recommended if sexual partner is pregnant or likely to become pregnant as finasteride ( the active ingredient) passes in the Semen. This is because of the effects on the development of the male fetus. Both these drugs are not available on the NHS. 2) Surgical Procedures Such as hair transplants, hair hair plugs, scalp reduction, and scalp flaps. Problems: Complications of the surgery include scarring and chronic infection. 3) Wigs, Toupees and Hairpieces Problems: Wigs can come off relatively easy, causing embarrassment in public or humiliation in an intimate setting. To keep them looking presentable, they must be of high quality, and be maintained with scrupulous care. 4) Electric Pulse, Light, Steamer, and Laser Treatments Problems: Still not independently reviewed It is important to be aware that there are products on the market that make lots of promises but have never been tested for safety or effectiveness. It may be a good to have an idea of the possible Preventative measures of hair loss which are said to include Specialist Shampoos and Scalp Tonics, Standing on your Head and Scalp Massage. Common Hair Loss mythsFrequent shampooing and dandruff both contribute to hair loss.Towel drying your hair rigorously will make your hair fall out faster. Wearing a hat can cause hair loss Cutting the hair can make it grow stronger and faster. Standing on your head will increase the blood to the head and reduce hair loss. You will inherit male pattern baldness from your Mother's side of the family. Causes Treatments 1 Treatments 2 FAQs Further Reading
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