Causes of hair loss
Alopecia, or hair loss, is the abnormal shedding of hair strands. Although hair loss in general is a normal component of the process of aging, the rapid thinning and fall-out of hair in most people is a cause for serious concern. Not only can balding and hair breakage be a frustrating or awkward experience-sometimes the loss of hair may be a sign of a more alarming and delicate underlying health condition. Genetics, in addition, help approximate when hair loss starts, how fast shedding of hair progresses and its pattern (which varies by individual sufferer). When the cycle of hair growth phase is outpaced by hair shedding/rest period, this situation leads to noticeable baldness and hair falling out in excessive patches. To shed light on the causes of hair loss, here are the specific types of alopecia and other extraneous health conditions that either contribute or exacerbate the condition.
1. ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
The most common-and most aggressive-type of hair loss is pattern baldness. In both males and females, heredity likely poses a determining factor. Having a history of androgenetic alopecia in both sides of the family raises a person's risk of pattern baldness. The condition is permanent, and plays out in this manner: the period of hair growth (normally lasting 2-3 years; a hair strand growing up to 2 inch per month) progressively gets shorter and shorter-and when hair shafts grow they are not as sturdy or thick as the previous growths-and with each regrowth, hair strands become more flimsy since they become more rooted tenuously.
2. CICATRICIAL ALOPECIA
When skin bearing hair follicles become inflamed, this situation can damage and disrupt the growth of hair. More likely than not a person in this predicament is suffering from what is known as scarring alopecia. This type of permanent hair loss has been seen in sufferers possessing skin conditions such as lichen planus or lupus erythematosus. The definitive causes of hair loss resulting from inflammation are not known.
3. ALOPECIA AREATA
Typically classified as temporary hair loss, alopecia areata is considered as an autoimmune disorder the cause of which is largely unknown. In fact, people given to this disease are in good health on average. Scientists generally believe that people possessing alopecia areata are sensitive to certain stimuli found in their immediate environment (for example, a virus) which triggers the condition. Loss and regrowth of hair may be experienced many times, but hair strands generally grow back. Alopecia areata can also be passed on from one generation to the next.
4. TELOGEN EFFUVLIUM
Hormononal changes and an emotional or physiological shock to the body are circumstances that can irritate or damage hair follicles. This condition can set off a temporary loss of hair called telogen effuvlium, where the normal cycle of hair growth is prematurely retarded into the resting (or telogen) phase. Once the circumstances leading to telogen effuvlium corrects itself, hair usually grows back but it can take several months.
5. TRACTION ALOPECIA
Traction alopecia is the most avoidable type of hair loss. A temporary loss of hair results from an extreme or excessive application of pressure on the hair scalp (e.g. wearing certain hairstyles or hair accessories). Unless the scalp has been scarred or permanent root damage has occurred, the condition can be reversed.
6. OTHER CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS
Malnutrition; taking certain medications (such as birth control pills or drugs to treat high blood pressure, depression or heart problems); diseases (such as lupus or diabetes); medical procedures (such as chemotherapy); toxic hair treatments; scalp infection; and hair-pulling disorder (Trichotillomania) are other possible causes of alopecia.
