Hair loss is a major concern, regardless of gender. It has been noted by ADA that more than
eighty million men and women in the world are affected by hair loss, also known as
alopecia.
It can affect the hair on your scalp and body. Alopecia is more common in adults;
however, excessive hair loss is seen in children as well.
It is considered normal to lose fifty to hundred strands of hair per day. Our scalp has
100,000 hair strands, which makes it unnoticeable.
New hair constantly replaces the lost hair. Although the chances of that don’t always
happen. Hair loss develops gradually and can lead to permanent damage as well.
Moreover, counting the amount of hair lost everyday is impossible. Nevertheless, if you
think you are losing excessive hair and you see bad patches on your scalp, you should
consult a doctor. Intense hair fall is not normal.
Risk Factors and Causes of Hair Loss
It can be very challenging to get to the root cause of hair fall because there are tremendous
reasons behind it.
The term used medically for hair loss is called alopecia. Most hair loss has no significant
link with systemic or internal diseases. A person’s hair can just start becoming thinner due
to aging and hereditary factors. A lot of men and women notice mild thinning of their hair
during their 30s and 40s.
Hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause can also cause hair loss. Other than
that, illnesses, trauma, diet changes (restricted eating), and protein deprivation can lead
to hair loss as well.
Health conditions, which include thyroid disease, diabetes, anemia, iron deficiency
anemia, and secondary syphilis may be one of the few reasons behind severe hair loss.
Although, whenever people suffering from hair loss get their complete blood count and
thyroid test done, it may appear normal. It is necessary that these are ruled out from the
alleged causes.
Treatment Options
Medication
The first course treatment for hair loss is medications. They mostly comprise over the
counter gels and creams, which can be applied to the scalp directly. The most common
ingredient in these topical medications is Minoxidil.
The side effects of Minoxidil are irritation of the scalp and abnormal hair growth in adjacent
areas, such as the forehead.
Prescription medication often prescribed is finasteride, which is taken orally for male pattern
baldness. Men have also experienced new hair growth after taking this medication.
Doctors also prescribe corticosteroids, like prednisone. It reduces inflammation and
suppresses the immune system. Moreover, they also mimic the hormones made by your
adrenal glands.
Medical Procedures
Medications don’t always work to stop hair loss, leading to the requirement of surgical
procedures to treat baldness.
Hair Transplant Surgery
This procedure works well for someone who has hereditary baldness, since they lose hair
from the top of their scalp. Since it is a chronic condition, which progresses with time, it
requires multiple surgeries.
Prognosis
Hair loss can be stopped and treated with the right approach, especially if it is due to
illnesses. However, it isn’t always easy to treat hereditary hair loss.
Get in touch with a Certified Trichologist:
We’re here to help
Ottawa Hair Loss Clinic & Wellness
www.ottawahairlossclinic.com