Medical hair loss – causes and treatment

Dear readers,

Medical hair loss can have various causes. Here are some common types of medical hair loss and their causes:

1. Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness):
   This is the most common form of hair loss and is genetically determined. In men, it leads to a receding hairline and in women, it leads to diffuse thinning of the scalp hair.

    

2. Alopecia areata:
   This autoimmune disease causes sudden bald patches on the scalp. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.
3. Telogen effluvium:
   Is a common form of increased hair loss that occurs when too many hair follicles enter the resting phase at the same time, disrupting the healthy growth cycle. This can be caused by stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal changes. 
4. Anagen effluvium:
   This occurs when hair suddenly falls out during the growth phase. It can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or certain medications. 
5. Traction alopecia:
   This is a hair loss that can be caused by tight braids, ponytails and buns, but also by tight hats. 
6. Drug-induced hair loss:
   Certain medications, such as some antidepressants, blood pressure medications or chemotherapy drugs, can cause hair loss.

 
It is important to consult a doctor if you notice excessive hair loss, as the causes can vary and an accurate diagnosis is crucial to finding the right treatment.

Here are some general approaches to treating different types of hair loss:

1. Androgenetic alopecia:

• Medications such as minoxidil (topical solution) or finasteride (taken orally) can slow or stop the progression of hair loss and promote hair growth.
• Hair transplants are a long-term option for people with advanced male or female pattern baldness.

2. Alopecia areata:

• Glucocorticoid injections into the affected areas can stimulate hair growth.
• Topical immunotherapies such as anthralin or contact sensitization with diphencyprone can help.

3. Telogen effluvium:

• Treating the underlying cause such as reducing stress, optimizing diet or treating disease can restore hair growth.
• In some cases, using minoxidil or hair growth promoters may be helpful.

4. Anagen effluvium:

• Here, the treatment depends on the cause of the effluvium. After chemotherapy is completed, hair growth can usually return to normal.
• In some cases, supportive treatments such as cold caps may be used during chemotherapy to reduce hair loss.

5. Traction alopecia:

• Avoid tight hairstyles and excessive pulling or tensioning of the hair to prevent further hair loss.
• Treat the scalp and hair gently and use mild hair care products.

6. Drug-induced hair loss:

• Discuss with your doctor the possibility of changing medications or finding an alternative treatment that is not associated with hair loss.
• In some cases, using hair growth stimulants can help minimize hair loss.

 
It is important that you see a dermatologist or hair specialist for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Not every treatment is suitable for every hair loss type and professional advice can help determine the best option for your situation.