Hair loss

Hair is one of the appendages of the skin. Healthy looking hair symbolises beauty and good health. There are a lot of my readers, perhaps at somepoint experience if not, have seen a friend with hair loss problem. Hair loss can be attributed to decrease growth of hair, increase shedding/falling, breakage of hair, and conversion of thick terminal hair to thin vellus hair.

Hair growth have cycles, starts from the growing phase----middle phase--- then the falling out phase. Each strand of hair grows 1cm per month, after 3-4 months, the resting phase or the falling out phase takes place and new hair grows to replace it. It is normal to have 50 or more hair to fall everyday, although excessive falling may occur as well.

What causes hair loss/ thinning?
1. Drug or medicines can cause hair loss. Blood thinners (Anticoagulants), drugs for gout, high blood pressure or heart problems meds, birth control pills, excessive Vit A, and anti-depresants. Replacing the drugs help to regain hair growth.
2. Children with fungal infections on the scalp may temporarily loss hair- treating the infection will alleviate hair loss.
3. Underlying illness like lupus, or diabetes
4. Thyroid gland- over active and under active thyroid glands can cause hair loss.
5. Hormonal inbalances- Androgen (male hormones), estrogen (female hormones). Correcting the hormone inbalance may stop your hair loss.
6. Stress from illness like fever, operation, wieght loss, after child birth can temporarily cause hair loss.
7. Iron deficiency.
8. Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), atopic dermatitis- can cause temporary hair loss.
9. Injury to the scalp may lead to scarring alopecia.
10. Genetic or most likely tendency to baldness due to genes inherited from your ancestors.
11. Age - 50 year old or above may icrease thinning of hair.
12. Trauma- includes tight curlers, certain hairstyles cause traction alopecia, hair dryer (broken hair shafts), perming solution/ bleach, and brushing too often.

Trichotillomania- is a disorder where there is repetitive pulling, plucking and breaking of one's hair. This type of individual needs mental hygiene (more appropriate words use now a days) assessment and help. At times, this is one way of seeking attention. Please consult your health practitioner.

Treatment is geared towards finding the cause of hair loss. Some individual may need to have diagnostic biopsy done- a portion of skin taken and examine under the microscope. although there is an over the counter remedy called Minoxidil (Rogaine) that can be used, it may take up to 6 months before result can be seen. Once treatment is discontinued, hair loss re-starts. If your hair loss causes anxiety and depression, please see your health practitioner for advice.

References:
1. Dermnetnz.org
2. Family Doctors.org
3. Bad.org.uk