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This is what everyone should know when they are losing hair
Hair loss also known as alopecia can affect not only your scalp but also the entire body. It can be either temporary or permanent. Hair loss can occur for many reasons such as it being hereditary, hormonal changes, normal part of aging and certain medical conditions (alopecia areata, trichotillomania, ringworm, etc..).
Hair loss can happen to anyone, but it is more common in men. In men, hair begins to recede at the hairline on the forehead and for women it is common to have a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia) when hair loss does occur. Depending on what is causing it, hair loss can appear differently. It can be sudden or gradual and can affect just your scalp or whole body. Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include gradual thinning on top of head, circular or patchy bald spots, sudden loosening of hair, full-body hair loss and patches of scaling that spread over the scalp. Gradual thinning on top of the head commonly affects people as they age.
Sudden loosening of hair typically occurs after having a physical or emotional shock. However, this type of hair loss is often temporary. Some medical conditions can cause full-body hair loss such as alopecia universalis and chemotherapy.
There are numerous risk factors that increase your chance of hair loss such as family history, age, significant weight loss, stress, certain medical conditions (diabetes and lupus), stress and even poor nutrition. Some tips to help avoid preventable hair loss are avoid tugging when brushing and combing, especially when hair is wet, avoid harsh treatments on hair, protect from sunlight and quit smoking. For
further tips contact your medical provider.
Not all hair loss can be treated. Effective treatments are available for certain types of hair loss.
Treatment involves either medication or surgery. To treat hereditary baldness Minoxidil (Rogaine) is recommended. It is an over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication that comes in several forms such as liquid, foam and shampoo. Apply twice daily for men and once daily for women. It can help regrow lost hair or slow the rate of hair loss. However, a downside to the medication is that it takes at least 6 months for the medication to start working. Another option for men is Finasteride (Propecia), not a good option for men over 60.
Side effects can occur. Several other medication options are available. Hair transplant surgery and laser therapy can be performed if medications are not an option.
This article reviewed by Ms. Deb Dooley.
There’s nothing more important than our good health – that’s our principal capital asset.
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