Alopecia means hair loss and can occur in different ways among men and women. Whether it is male baldness or female hair loss, the underlying causes of the condition that individuals suffer can be quite diverse and may be any of the following ones or a combination of factors as well which may determine the sort of alopecia treatment that is to be used:
- Alopecia mucinosa may sometimes be the underlying cause for hair loss. It appears in flat, hairless patches on the scalp and the face and other parts of the body as well.
- Androgenic alopecia or Male Pattern Baldness is another cause of hair loss; this one follows a typical pattern that begins above the temples and then progresses to thin at the crown of the head as well, in a predictable manner.
- Dissecting Cellulitis, a condition that results in firm painful nodules, pustules or abscesses on the scalp, is another reason for hair loss. This is a painful condition that can cause distress other than hair loss as well.
- Certain fungal infections of the scalp such as tenea capitis could also be responsible for male baldness as well as hair loss in women. Other scalp infections and infestations could also result in hair loss.
- Very often the underlying cause for female hair loss can be certain cosmetic procedures such as hair straighteners, hair relaxers, and other chemical treatments.
- Heredity or genetics is a strong predictor of hair loss, whether it is male baldness or otherwise.
- Problems with the thyroid gland could also spur hair loss and controlling this underlying issue may be all the alopecia treatment that is required.
- Iron deficiency can also cause hair loss, and in this case iron supplements could be effective treatment.
- Certain medications can also cause hair loss – particularly in individuals undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy can have side effects.
- A scalp disorder called Telogen effluvium that may owe itself to stress or life altering events can also cause loss of hair.
- Those who wear their hair in certain hair styles like braids, pigtails, and so on can experience hair loss due to something called traction alopecia. Hair weaves can also create significant risk of hair loss due to this condition due to the tension and stress that is created in the scalp.
- The impulse control disorder called Trichotillomania where the person feels compelled to pull out their hair due to distress, social inadequacy and so on, can also cause hair loss. Stress, certain situations and depression can trigger this disorder which is more common in females than in men.
- Certain scarring conditions cause something called Tufted folliculitis which looks like a doll’s hair with bundling of follicular units.
- Ringworm of the scalp, also known as Tinea Capitis can cause patchy hair loss, or loss of hair in a black dot pattern along with itching, scaling, inflammation and pustules; this is a condition mainly seen among male boys.
About the Author:
Sarika Periwal proposes natural remedies and treatments that do not cause harmful side effects. You can find a vast range of alternative remedies for common hair ailments like alopecia, graying, dandruff and so on. There are many different reasons for hair loss whether among men or women. Be sure to find a hair loss treatment that works for you.