Hair Loss
Causes of Hair Loss in Men and Women
Thinning hair is a common problem for both
men and women, and there are many factors that can contribute
to a sparser scalp. Some of the causes of hair loss are easy to
recognize and treat, such as discontinuing particular
medications that are contributing to a problem. Others, like
male-pattern baldness are simply a part of the aging process,
and there is little that can be done to stop it. However, if
you experience any type of sudden and significant hair loss, it
is important to see your doctor since this can be a sign of an
underlying illness. Your doctor can help you find the reason
why your hair is thinning and determine whether anything can be
done to stop it.
Harsh Hair Treatment
Hair that is treated right will reward you
with a thick, luscious mane of tresses that is full of health
and body. Hair that is over-treated – by a variety of chemicals
and harsh hair processes may become brittle and thin when the
treatments are done incorrectly or too often. These processes
might include perms, color treatments and relaxers. You can
also contribute to hair loss by frequently wearing pigtails or
using tight rollers. This thinning is known as traction
alopecia, and is the result of constant pulling on the hair
from these types of styles. If the pulling is stopped early
enough, hair can grow back. However, if scarring has already
taken place on the scalp, the result may be permanent.
Autoimmune Condition
There is another type of hair loss, known as
alopecia areata, which is thought to be caused by an autoimmune
condition. In this situation, the immune system actually
creates antibodies to the body's own hair, which can result in
a thinner scalp. This condition occurs in people who are in
excellent health otherwise, and can be characterized by a
smooth, round spot somewhere on the scalp. There are a number
of possible treatments for this type of hair loss, including
corticosteroid injections, topical medications or light
treatment.
Hereditary Hair Loss
This is the most common type of hair loss,
and unfortunately, the one cause that has the least help
available. Some people who are dealing with a thinning head
have found success with either a topical remedy like Minoxodil,
which can be purchased over the counter under a commercial name
like Rogaine, or an oral prescription from their doctor, such
as Finasteride. However, many others have found that their hair
loss is simply a natural part of the aging process and have
chosen to accept it rather than treat it.
If you are suffering from hair loss of any
type, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause
and an appropriate treatment option. Your doctor can tell you
whether the thinning scalp is a natural part of aging or
whether there is an underlying medical condition that can and
should be treated. See also Pérdida del Pelo, Perdita dei Capelli.
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