Hairfall
Hairfall is the most frequent problem that most men and women are facing nowadays. It occurs secondary to various factors such as genetics, nutritional deficiencies, chronic medical illnesses, lifestyle habits, stress, and hormonal changes. It is often associated with low confidence and low self-esteem.
Causes
Alopecia areata
Loss of hair in the form of circular patches. It can affect any part of the body such as body hair, beard, eyebrows and eyelashes; commonly seen over the scalp. Usually, dermatologists diagnose this problem through clinical examination.
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is the medical term for temporary hair loss due to the excessive shedding of resting or telogen hair.
Acute telogen effluvium
Defined as a sudden onset of scalp hair loss within 3-6 months after a triggering event. It includes
• High fever
• Crash diet
• Hospitalization or surgery
• Change in medications
• Physical and emotional stress
• Post delivery
Chronic telogen effluvium
Defined as hair shedding lasting more than 6 months. It can be due to
• Thyroid disorders
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Vitamin B12 and biotin deficiency
• Protein and zinc deficiency
• Use of certain medications include retinoids, birth control pills, phenytoin, beta-blockers etc.
• Chronic diseases (Autoimmune diseases, cancers etc.)
• Infections
Male pattern hair loss (MPHL)
Male pattern hair loss is a common type of hair loss among men. It affects about 30% of men by 30 and 50% of men over 50 years. MPHL is a progressive balding condition that frequently starts on the top of the head or receding hairline at the frontal and temple areas.
Causes
Genetic
It is inherited from both the parents
Hormonal factors
DHT (Dihydro-testosterone) is a sex hormone, produced from testosterone naturally by the 5α-reductase enzyme. Excess amounts of DHT have found in MPHL leading to the conversion of thicker terminal hair into thin vellus hair on the scalp's crown, frontal, and temporal regions. This activity continues until follicles shrink and stop producing hair.
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL)
FPHL is one of the most common hair loss causes in women of age 40-60 years. It is characterized by widening of the central partition of scalp due to thinning of hair.
Causes
Genetic
It is inherited from both the parents
Hormonal factors
Most frequently secondary to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) where increased androgens responsible for hair thinning.
Diagnosis
Dermatologists usually identify hairloss disorders via clinical examination. Dermoscopy/Trichoscopy would also aid in diagnosis. The blood tests may be required to identify certain diseases associated with these conditions.