Common hair loss problems

A new awareness of hair loss in women

Hair loss in women is becoming more prominent, and this has persuaded doctors to take a closer look at the problem. It has been proven that poor diet can play a big part in promoting hair loss, especially in women, whom already have to contend with hormone in balances, which also contribute to hair loss.

Seasonal Factors
Summertime can have a nasty habit of making us sit and notice. We suddenly have a new self awareness.

Wintertime can have a definite adverse affect on both your hair and skin. This is aggravated by an over indulgence of rich nurturing foods, caffeine and alcohol. It sometimes takes spring creeping over the windowsill to give you that extra wake up call, and a new self awareness. It is during this time that your old summer wardrobes may look sad, due to extra poundage gained over the hibernation season. Skin may appear dry, and your hair can appear to seem limp and lifeless and in extreme cases hair loss may be apparent.

SCARRING ALOPECIA
When inflammation of the hair follicles occurs due to infection it can lead to scarring alopecia. It is easy to identify a case of severe scarring alopecia because there will be rough patches on the surface of the scalp made up of small blood vessels and connective tissue. Scaring alopecia can have many causes some of these causes and different types of scarring alopecia are discussed below.

Scarring Alopecia caused by Discoid lupus erythematosus
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is a diffuse connective tissue disease which can result in hair loss on the scalp. In Discoid Lupus Erythematosis lesions occur a round scaling papules 5 to 10 mm across with follicular plugging.

There may or may not be scaling. Eventually the skin becomes smooth atrophic and scarred. Lupus is a photosensitive disease therefore exposure to sunlight should be minimised. Topical cortocosteroid ointments such as triamcinolone acetonide may be helpful in the treatment of small lesions. Also anti malarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine are useful in the management of discoid lupus erythematosis.

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a rather uncommon skin disease that effects about 1 percent of the population. Lichen Planus is a inflammatory disease that strikes primarily the skin and mucous membranes. It usually starts as an itchy patch on the front of the wrists and forearms. the sides of the legs and ankles and lower back.

In rare cases lichen planus can effect the scalp and other hairy areas this is called lichen planopilaris. It appears on the scalp as raised reddish-purple areas that look like lichen on a rock, or as an area of alopecia with follicle plugging which usually clears up. Steroid lotions are used to relieve itchiness, antimalarial drugs may reduce inflammation.

Pseudopelade of Brocq

Pseudopelade of brocq is a rare scarring alopecia which has no potential for regrowth. I usually affect middle aged people.

Aplasia cutis congenita

Aplasia cutis congenita is a rare disorder that often results as a small blistered atrophied area usually in the midline of the scalp and present from birth. In most cases the problem heals itself however in larger areas it may be associated with underlying developmental disorders.

Congenital atrichia

Congenital atrichia occurs when a baby is born without hair follicles in certain areas. This can be quite common and usually only occurs in a few spots which are easy to cover

SELF INDUCED HAIR LOSS

Some damage to the hair is self inflicted sometimes consciously or unconsciously the two main types of self induced hair loss are Trichotillomania and Traction Alopecia.

Trichotiliomania

Trichotillomania is self induced hair loss which results from the continuous pulling or plucking of the hair. It occurs most commonly among young children, adolescents and women and effects twice as many females as males. The hair is often pulled out in distinct patches on the scalp however some individuals also pull out eyebrows and eyelashes.

The treatment for trichotillomania often involves counselling or psychiatric help, however in some cases an antidepressant may be prescribed.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is usually caused by continuous and excessive pulling on the hair due to various types of hairstyling. Ponytails, buns, braiding and cornrows often result in a continuous pulling on the hair. This traction gradually results in hair loss.

If this type of traction and hair loss continues for an excessively long period of time then the hair loss may become permanent. Generally however a change in hairstyle that reduces the traction on the hair and hair follicle is all that is required in the treatment of traction alopecia.

ANAGEN EFFLUVIUM CANCER TREATMENT HAIR LOSS

Anagen Effluvium is the sudden hair loss which occurs as a result of chemicals or radiation, such as the hair loss that results during certain types of Chemotherapy or Radiation Treatment.

In Anagen effluvium the hair does not enter a resting stage as is does with Telogen effluvium. The hair loss is usually sudden occurring 1 to 3 weeks after expose to the chemicals or radiation has occurred. Cancer Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation treatments are the most common causes of anagen effluvium. However exposure to toxic chemicals such as Thallium and Arsenic may also produce a sudden loss of hair.

Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of cancer to destroy the cancer cells which divide rapidly within the body. One side effect of this cancer treatment however is that it can also stop the growth of the hair and may cause the shedding of hair. In some cases up to 90% of the hair may be affected and often the remaining 10% was already in the resting phase before the treatment was started.

Some hair follicles do not shed the hair but produce a narrower weaker hair which breaks off easily.

Anagen effluvium caused by chemotherapy is only a temporary condition and in most cases hair growth will return to normal once treatment is finished. Many people even claim that their hair grows back healthier and thicker than before. Sometimes when the hair grows back the texture can be different. Some people who have had curly hair have claimed that their hair has grown back straight, and sometimes even the colour can become different.