Hair Loss

Alopecia areta, an auto immune disease that causes round bald patches on the head and other areas of the body.

Trichotillomania, an impulse control disorder that results in a compulsive drive to pull out one’s hair, eyebrows, eyelashes or hair on other parts of the body.

Traction alopecia, hair loss around the hair line due to tight pony tails or braids.

Telogen effluvium, which involves widespread hair loss throughout the body.

Hair loss is often thought of as primarily a male problem because it is usually more evident in men, but females can also experience significant thinning and baldness; however hair loss in women is much more gradual and doesn’t usually occur until after menopause.

Possible Causes of Baldness / Hair Loss / Alopecia
Baldness can be caused by a number of factors including genetics, ringworm of the scalp, age, stress and hair care. Less common causes include diseases (thyroid disease, lupus, severe infection or severe flu; scalp injury; inadequate amounts of protein in the diet; some medications; iron deficiency and fluctuating hormone levels.

Possible Symptoms and Complications of Baldness / Hair Loss / Alopecia
Baldness can occur as general thinning of the hair with no noticeable hair loss or as overall shedding of the hair with obvious loss in strands and/or clumps. Thinning can occur along the hairline or as an overall loss of hair throughout the scalp. Many people notice more hair in the hairbrush, in the shower drain and in the sink, which causes them to closely scrutinize the condition of their hair and watch for changes.  The complications of baldness are mainly social. Men and women can experience psychological stress and loss of self esteem due to the often drastic change in appearance.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Baldness / Hair Loss / Alopecia
The most common type of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia (also known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness), is hereditary, therefore there is no way to prevent it. Other types of baldness can be prevented by increasing protein intake, reducing stress and styling the hair in a manner that does not pull at the scalp. Those who experience hair loss can use hair sprays, hair dyes and permanents to increase hair volume, which creates the illusion of fuller, thicker hair.