ARTICLES ON HAIR LOSS
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| Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's 57th
Annual Meeting, Dr. McMichael (dermatologist Amy McMichael, M.D., Wake Forest Univesity)
discussed the common causes of female hair loss and the importance of early diagnosis in
treating the conditions. According to Dr. McMichael, women tend to pay close attention to
their hair and often notice signs of thinning or unusual patches of hair loss. However,
Dr. McMichael's concerns is that women often discuss hair loss problems with their family
doctor who may not be familiar with all the issues surrounding female hair loss. Very
often, the family doctor will dismiss the conditions as stress related or may be the
result of excessive use of hair dyes or perms etc. Dr. McMichael warned that there are different types of female hair loss and treatment relies heavily on correct diagnosis. Normally, dermatologists diagnose hair disorders by a thorough history examination, biopsy and categorization. Dr. McMichael went on the discussed the different types of hair loss that women may experience. 1) Alopecia Areata - this type of hair loss is characterized by hair falling out resulting in smooth round patches on the scalp. In some cases, alopecia areata can cause the complete loss of scalp and body hair. This condition is common among people under age 30. 2) Androgenetic Alopecia - This type of hair loss is also commonly referred to as female pattern baldness. It is the most common type of hair loss among women. Almost 50% of the patients are sufferers of female pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia affects men and women differently. In men, the condition is characterized by a receding frontal hairline and balding at the top of the scalp. In women, the frontal hairline is usually intact and preserved. However, women tend to experience thinning all over their scalps. Androgenetic alopecia usually begins in women in their late 20s or early 30s. 3) Telogen Effluvium - This condition is also called "resting" hair loss. It is characterized by diffuse hair loss that is not concentrated in one particular area of the scalp. Usually Telogen Effluvium occurs three to six months after a triggering event such as childbirth, major surgery, crahs diets, thyroid disease, a severe infection or high fever etc. In addition, hair loss can accompany flares of autoimmune diseases including lupus, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. 4) Weathering Hair Breakage - While alopecia is usually a result of hereditary and hormonal factors, weathering or hair breakage is one type of hair loss that is directly influenced by a person's behavior and is mroe controllable than other forms of hair loss. Styling products such as perms, dyes, gels, relazers adn sprays are common causes of weathering hair loss. This type of hair loss can easily be avoided by changin hair care regimens and reduce the use of heavy styling products. It helps to use conditioners and moisturizing shampoo. Although hair breakage is common to patients overusing harsh styling products, it could be a sign of a hair shaft abnormality. There are genetic causes of hair breakage but they are very rare and usually begin in childhood. Dr. McMichael explained that hair loss can respond well to treatment if it is caught early enough. The key is to pay close attention to any changes in hair conditions and see a dermatologist for a correct diagnosis. Nowadays we have more options than ever in treating hair loss, eg: minoxidil, topical creams, Retin-A, corticosteroids, Dermovate, hair transplants, scalp reductions etc. Again the key is to get a correct diagnosis and start your treatment as soon as possible. |
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