HAIR LOSS

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Doctors who treat HAIR LOSS or similar ailments belong to following departments:
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Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive surgery , Dermatology/Skin

ABOUT THE DISEASE

Hair Fall / Loss leading to baldness (Medical term - Alopecia) can be triggered due to a host of reasons. The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 3 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimetre / month during this phase. About 90 percent of the hair on one`s scalp is growing at any given time and the rest of the hair are in resting phase. After 3 to 4 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow.

It is normal to shed some hair (upto 100) each day. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children.

The most common form of baldness is called male-pattern baldness. It is also called androgenetic alopecia. Men who have this type of hair loss usually have a family history of baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head. Women may develop female-pattern baldness. In this form of hair loss, the hair can become thin over the entire scalp.

SYMPTOMS

Abnormal amount of hair loss, specially at a younger age.

CAUSES

A host of reasons can lead to excessive hair loss such as:

- An illness or a major surgery: such as Radiation therapy, where the hair grows back on its own once the treatment is over.
- Hormonal problems: eg. overactive or underactive thyroid gland, androgens and estrogens imbalance
- Child birth: Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they`ve had a baby.
- Medications: This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, high blood pressure or heart problems, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants.
- Infections: Such as Fungal infections of the scalp
- Underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes.

DIAGNOSIS

- Medical history.
- Physical examination to look for other causes of hair loss.
- Blood tests or a biopsy of scalp may be needed.

TREATMENT METHODS

Depends on the underlying cause.

- Medicine (eg. Minoxidil) or a gel
- Wig, hair weave
- Hair transplant