Who Can Experience Hair Loss?
While many people think of hair loss, thinning, and balding as a problem only experienced by men, women commonly experience hair loss as well. Children may also experience thinning or balding as well.
People of color can experience hair loss as a result of genetic conditions, their overall health, and traction alopecia.
Types of Hair Loss
Not all hair loss is the same, and there are a wide variety of reasons why an individual may experience hair loss. Similarly, people may notice patches on their scalp that are suddenly bald while others may slowly notice that more of their scalp is showing through their hair. For this reason, it is important to see a dermatologist with specialized training in treating hair loss, like Dr. Ip, in order to get an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.
Androgenetic Alopecia (Genetic Hair Loss) is also known as male and female pattern baldness, or hereditary hair loss. In men, androgenetic alopecia tends to appear as a receeding hairline or bald patches, especially on the top of the head. Women, on the other hand, tend to keep their hairline while seeing noticeably thinning hair, with the first sign of hair loss for many women is a widening part.
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that affects the hair. Loss of hair from this condition happens when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. This condition can occur at any age, though it is often first noticible during childhood. Unlike other types of hair loss, people with alopecia areata experience patchy hair loss that begins with coin-sized, round, smooth, bare patches where hair once was.
Telogen Effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss characterized by diffuse hair shedding. Emotional and physiological stress is one of the main causes of this condition, though some medications can also cause it. Some of the most common causes of this type of hair loss include rapid weight loss, childbirth, high fevers, medical procedures, nutritional deficiencies, eating disorders, and stress.
Traction Alopecia is hair loss that happens as a result of consistent pulling on the hair, such as when people wear tight ponytails or braids. It is very common in African American women and in those who wear hair extensions. During the beginning stage of traction alopecia, you may have red bumps or flaking of the scalp. There may also be small, short, broken hairs in this area. Eventually, if the tension on the hair is not removed, this will result in a recession of the hairline or part line with permanent hair loss
Causes of Hair Loss
There are many reasons that someone can experience hair loss. Everything from stress, genetics, and underlying health issues within the body can cause hair loss.
There are a number of medical conditions that can result in the body shedding hair at an excessive speed. For example, hypothyroidism and anemia can both cause hair loss. These conditions require attention from a medical doctor, but, thankfully, hair shedding or loss can be reversed once the condition is under control.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss
Treatments for hair loss are specific to the type of hair loss you are experiencing, Depending on your diagnosis, treatment for hair loss can range from a supplement regimen to oral medications.
Since simply looking at the scalp may not be enough to diagnose the cause of hair loss, blood work and scalp biopsies may be required.
Thankfully, we now have many options to treat hair loss. At Vibrant Dermatology, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you that can include topical and oral supplements and medications or Scalp injections of cortisone. We also offer cutting-edge Platelet Rich Plasma treatments that use your own stem cells to stimulate hair growth, as well as laser light treatments.
Contact Us
Leave your skincare to the experts. Hair loss is a frustrating condition that can affect your confidence and may be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.
