Hair
loss
Overview
Hair loss (alopecia) can
affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or
permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical
conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but
it's more common in men.
Baldness typically refers to
excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most
common cause of baldness. Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its
course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup,
hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to
prevent further hair loss or restore growth.
Before pursuing hair loss
treatment, talk with your doctor about the cause of your hair loss and
treatment options.
Symptoms
Hair loss can appear in many
different ways, depending on what's causing it.
In men, hair often begins to
recede from the forehead.
Women tend to lose hair
along the part.
Patchy hair loss (alopecia
areata) is sometimes preceded by itchy or painful scalp.
Repeated stress on the hair
can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia.
Signs and symptoms of
hair loss may include:
Gradual thinning on
top of head. This is the most common type of hair loss,
affecting people as they age. In men, hair often begins to recede at the
hairline on the forehead. Women typically have a broadening of the part in
their hair. An increasingly common hair loss pattern in older women is a
receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia).
Circular or patchy
bald spots. Some people lose hair in circular or patchy
bald spots on the scalp, beard or eyebrows. Your skin may become itchy or
painful before the hair falls out.
Sudden loosening of
hair. A physical or emotional shock can cause hair
to loosen. Handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing your hair or
even after gentle tugging. This type of hair loss usually causes overall hair
thinning but is temporary.
Full-body hair loss.
Some conditions and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can
result in the loss of hair all over your body. The hair usually grows back.
Patches of scaling
that spread over the scalp. This is a sign of
ringworm. It may be accompanied by broken hair, redness, swelling and, at
times, oozing.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you are
distressed by persistent hair loss in you or your child and want to pursue
treatment. For women who are experiencing a receding hairline (frontal
fibrosing alopecia), talk with your doctor about early treatment to avoid
significant permanent baldness.
Also talk to your doctor if
you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss when combing
or washing your or your child's hair. Sudden hair loss can signal an underlying
medical condition that requires treatment.
Causes
People typically lose 50 to
100 hairs a day. This usually isn't noticeable because new hair is growing in
at the same time. Hair loss occurs when new hair doesn't replace the hair that
has fallen out.
Hair loss is typically
related to one or more of the following factors:
Family history
(heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a
hereditary condition that happens with aging. This condition is called androgenic
alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. It usually occurs
gradually and in predictable patterns — a receding hairline and bald spots in
men and thinning hair along the crown of the scalp in women.
Hormonal changes and
medical conditions. A variety of conditions can cause
permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy,
childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia
areata which is immune system related and causes patchy hair loss, scalp
infections such as ringworm, and a hair-pulling disorder called
trichotillomania.
Medications and
supplements. Hair loss can be a side effect of certain
drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems,
gout and high blood pressure.
Radiation therapy to
the head. The hair may not grow back the same as it
was before.
A very stressful
event. Many people experience a general thinning
of hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair
loss is temporary.
Hairstyles and
treatments. Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that
pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair
loss called traction alopecia. Hot-oil hair treatments and permanents also can
cause hair to fall out. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia
Risk factors
A number of factors can
increase your risk of hair loss, including:
A family history of balding
on your mother's or father's side
Age
Significant weight loss
Certain medical conditions,
such as diabetes and lupus
Stress
Poor nutrition
Prevention
Most baldness is caused by
genetics (male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness). This type of hair
loss is not preventable.
These tips may help you
avoid preventable types of hair loss:
Be gentle with your hair.
Use a detangler and avoid tugging when brushing and combing, especially when
your hair is wet. A wide-toothed comb might help prevent pulling out hair.
Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot-oil treatments
and permanents. Limit the tension on hair from styles that use rubber bands,
barrettes and braids.
Ask your doctor about
medications and supplements you take that might cause hair loss.
Protect your hair from
sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.
Stop smoking. Some studies
show an association between smoking and baldness in men.
If you're being treated with
chemotherapy, ask your doctor about a cooling cap. This cap can reduce your
risk of losing hair during chemotherapy.
Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA,
LFACHE
Senior Consultant
Senior Management
Resources, LLC
412.913.0636 Cell
724.733.0509 Office
November 27, 2019