Hair loss can affect just the scalp or the entire body. It can be caused by hereditary factors, hormonal changes, illness, or medications. Hair loss can happen to anyone, but it is more common in men.
Baldness generally refers to excessive hair loss from the scalp. The most frequent cause of baldness is the hereditary factor along with age. Some people prefer to let baldness run its course without treating it or trying to hide it. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats, or scarves. Still others choose one of the available treatments to prevent further hair loss and restore hair growth.
When you should see a doctor
See your doctor if you or your child are distressed by hair loss and want treatment. Also talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, or if there is more hair loss than usual when combing or washing your or your child’s hair. Sudden hair loss may be a sign of an underlying condition that may require treatment.
Causes
People usually lose about 100 hairs a day. This does not usually cause the hair on the scalp to thin out as new hair grows at the same time. Hair loss occurs when the cycle of hair growth and loss is disrupted or when the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue.
Hair loss is usually related to one or more of the following factors:
Family history (genetic predisposition). The most common cause of hair loss is an inherited disorder called male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. It tends to come on gradually as you age and in predictable patterns: a receding hairline and balding patches among men, and thinning hair among women.
Hormonal changes and medical disorders. A number of conditions can cause temporary or permanent hair loss, including the hormonal changes of pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems. Medical disorders include alopecia areata, which 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 some medications, such as those used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure.
Head radiotherapy. The hair may not grow back as it used to.
A very stressful event. Many people notice a reduction in hair thickness months after experiencing a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.
Certain hair styles and treatments. Excessive styling or hairstyles that pull a lot on the hair (such as ponytails or cornrows) can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot oil or perm treatments can inflame the follicles and cause hair loss. If there is scarring, the hair loss may be permanent.
If you suffer from this problem, the LUMÉNIZ clinic invites you to go through a TOTALLY FREE consultation with its medical staff at our headquarters located at Av. Benavides 1967 – Miraflores.
