Alopecia refers to hair loss that can occur on the scalp or other parts of the body. It can affect people of all ages and genders, ranging from temporary thinning to complete baldness. While alopecia itself is not harmful, it can have significant psychological and social impacts. Understanding the type and cause of hair loss is crucial for effective management and treatment.
Alopecia manifests in various forms, including:
- Androgenetic Alopecia: Commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, it is characterised by gradual thinning and receding hairlines.
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, or body.
- Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair shedding triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
- Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the hair from tight hairstyles.
- Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia): Permanent hair loss resulting from inflammation that destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue.
- Anagen Effluvium: Rapid hair loss during the growth phase, often due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The underlying causes of alopecia vary widely and may include:
- Genetics: A hereditary predisposition is a major factor in androgenetic alopecia.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like alopecia areata cause the immune system to attack hair follicles.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid imbalances, or androgen sensitivity can trigger hair loss.
- Stress and Illness: Physical or emotional stress, surgery, or chronic illnesses can lead to telogen effluvium.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including chemotherapy agents, anticoagulants, and beta-blockers, may cause hair loss.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, or protein can impair hair growth.
- Hairstyling Practices: Excessive heat, chemical treatments, or tight hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia.
- Infections: Scalp infections like ringworm can damage hair follicles.
Effective management of alopecia depends on identifying the type and cause of hair loss. Treatment options include:
Topical Treatments
- Minoxidil: A widely used over-the-counter treatment to stimulate hair growth.
- Topical corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation in autoimmune-related alopecia.
Oral Medications
- Minoxidil: Commonly prescribed for certain cases of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia.
- Finasteride: Commonly prescribed for androgenetic alopecia in men.
- Spironolactone: Often used for hormonal hair loss in women.
- Immunosuppressants: For severe autoimmune-related alopecia.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP involves injecting a concentrated solution of a patient’s own platelets into the scalp to promote hair growth and repair damaged follicles. It is a non-surgical, minimally invasive option effective for various types of alopecia, especially androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.
- Reducing stress through mindfulness or therapy.
- Avoiding damaging hair practices and harsh treatments.
Advanced Treatments
- Hair transplantation for androgenetic alopecia.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair growth (LUTRONIC ULTRA 1927).
Consulting with a dermatologist is essential to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to the individual’s condition and needs. Organise a referral from your GP to streamline a consultation with our dermatology team today.
