Alopecia is a common skin disorder. It causes hair loss, usually from the scalp. The condition is also called spot baldness. Moreover, it can affect any age group. Most of its types are temporary. In addition, most of the patients recover completely. It can be with or without treatment.
Falling of hair is a common problem. The condition occurs when the hair falls out faster than it can grow back. There are several causes of baldness. Nevertheless, they all have one similar thing. It is the changes in your hair follicles. The root of most cases is the inability of the hair to stay rooted to its natural position on the scalp. Most forms of hair loss affect both men and women. Nevertheless, some types are more common in one sex over the other.
A few conditions that cause loss of hair also lead to baldness. However, they include-
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Alopecia Areata
It is an autoimmune disease that has no cure as yet.
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Traction Alopecia
It is a type of hair loss. Traction alopecia is caused by pulling or rubbing your hair too tightly.
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Trichotillomania
It is a psychiatric disorder in which the person feels compelled to pull out their hair.
These types of conditions are treatable. Therefore, consult your doctor for an effective remedy if you suffer from baldness.
What types are specific to men?
Androgenetic alopecia
This condition is also called male pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia results due to the hormone Dihydrotestosterone. It is made from testosterone and causes thinning of hairs.
This type of hair loss usually begins in men. The general age varies between the ages of 20 and 30. Moreover, men who have a family history of baldness are more susceptible to it. Once it takes place, there is no way to alleviate it. In addition, it will continue to progress throughout the rest of your life.
Is this condition permanent?
Some of its types are temporary. You can treat them at home. Nevertheless, others may need medical assistance. Talk to your doctor if you notice that you are losing large amounts of hair. He or she may look for treatment options available for you.
What is the best alopecia treatment?
There are many options for treating baldness. Some of them are as follows. None of these treatments can stop or reverse genetic patterns of hair loss. Nevertheless, they may help to prevent further thinning of hair and improve appearance.
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Hair transplants
Under this procedure, a surgeon removes small pieces of skin containing healthy hair follicles. He or she takes out hair from scalp areas where hair is still growing. This is called the donor area. Furthermore, the surgeon transplants them to bald or thinning areas of the scalp.
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Minoxidil
This topical medication comes in a liquid, foam, or gel. You can use it directly to the scalp. Moreover, using minoxidil two times a day can bring effective results.
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Finasteride
This medication comes as a pill. Doctors prescribe taking it once a day. Moreover, finasteride prevents the male hormone DHT from reaching the hair follicles. Eventually, it may treat alopecia. This hair loss treatment does not work for everyone. Nevertheless, it may improve the growth of new hairs.
Finasteride (Generic Propecia)
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Spironolactone
This medication is used to relieve hypertension. Nevertheless, it may help the hair follicles retain more water. Spironolactone comes as a pill. Moreover, you can use it once or twice a day. The medication aims to stop further hair loss in some people. Spironolactone does not work for everyone. For that reason, discuss with your doctor before using it.
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Antibiotics
They can treat bacterial infections, which may cause some cases of female pattern baldness or seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is a type of eczema. This condition causes the scalp to become red, scaly, and itchy.
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Corticosteroid injections
A dermatologist may inject a corticosteroid directly into the affected area. It is a steroid injection, which reduces inflammation. Moreover, they can also slow down or stop further hair loss. It assists in your alopecia treatment.
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Psychological counselling
For those who suffer from due to baldness, psychological counselling may help. This stress can arise during exams. Nevertheless, counselling sessions may help them deal with their concerns about it.
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Laser therapy
Under this procedure, doctors direct a type of light towards the scalp. It is known as laser light. Doing so can promote hair growth. Moreover, laser therapy may be an option for people who do not want surgery or medications.
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LLLT (low-level light therapy)
It is a less intensive version of laser treatment. Under this procedure, doctors use red and near-infrared wavelengths. They are known as soft or cool lasers. These lasers can increase the speed at which cells in the hair follicles divide. Consequently, it encourages hair growth.
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Low-level laser caps
It is a type of hat, which emits low levels of red and near-infrared wavelengths when worn for 30 minutes per day. They are also known as soft or cool lasers. Moreover, this alopecia treatment may be an option for those who do not want surgery or medications.
How can you prevent hair loss?
The condition is a complex process. It can result due to several factors. However, you can prevent it through some basic steps-
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Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly
The best way to prevent baldness is to eat healthily and exercise regularly. Doing so may improve the blood flow to the scalp. Eventually, it should increase the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are the proteins. They give your hair its strength.
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Be kind to your hairs
It may also be a good idea to wash your hair gently. Rough scrubbing can damage the scalp. Moreover, it may also interfere with the natural growth process.
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Protect your hairs
Take care to protect your hair from chlorine, saltwater, sand, and sun exposure whenever possible. Moreover, limit your use of styling appliances. To support your alopecia treatment, oil your scalp before swimming. Doing so may enhance the texture and colour of your hair. Moreover, it may also prevent further hair loss.
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Take supplements
You can also consider taking supplements such as biotin and zinc. They may improve hair health. Moreover, these supplements are essential for collagen production. They can also strengthen individual strands.
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Look for a doctor
If you suspect that your thinning of hair is due to an underlying health condition, see a doctor immediately. It becomes vital to consult a doctor if you experience sudden or unexplained hair loss. In addition, abnormalities in the scalp can be incredibly dangerous. They require immediate alopecia treatment. However, they can often cause permanent damage if not addressed soon enough.
