Alopecia

10 Things You Should Know About Alopecia

Alopecia involves a disorder of hair growth, especially on the scalp, and can affect both men’s and women’s psychological well-being. Here’s what you need to know about alopecia:

1. Alopecia is not limited to the scalp: Hair loss can occur both on the scalp and on the body due to poor follicle function. The average daily hair loss is around 100 hairs, but if the loss exceeds this, alopecia may develop.

2. Alopecia can have various causes: Alopecia is not just hereditary, as many believe. It can also be caused by hormonal imbalances (pregnancy, menopause, middle age), infections and inflammations, poor nutrition, and medical conditions like diabetes. Certain medications may also contribute to hair thinning. Alopecia can be temporary or permanent, with permanent hair loss having a greater impact on mental health.

3. Alopecia is categorized into two main types: Scarring Alopecia and Non-Scarring Alopecia. Each category has subtypes, some more common and others rarer.

4. Scarring Alopecia: This involves the destruction of hair follicles and is a permanent condition, resulting in irreversible hair loss. Causes of scarring alopecia include heredity, inflammation, dermatological diseases, and neoplasms. Scarring alopecia can be primary (affecting only the follicles) or secondary (resulting from external factors like infections, burns, or radiation).

5. Non-Scarring Alopecia: This type has many categories, the main ones being: Androgenetic Alopecia (primarily affects the scalp), Physiological Alopecia (normal hair loss of up to 100 hairs per day or seasonal hair loss), Alopecia Areata (characterized by patchy hair loss), Diffuse Alopecia (generalized thinning that is recurrent or chronic), and Traumatic Alopecia (caused by burns or radiation).

6. The most common type is Androgenetic Alopecia: It accounts for over 90% of alopecia cases, and its primary cause is hereditary, with the action of male hormones speeding up follicle thinning. The only definitive solution for androgenetic alopecia is hair transplant.

7. Alopecia Areata is rarer: It affects 1% of both men and women and is related to autoimmune or psychological causes. It can appear as patches of hair loss on the scalp, body, or face (eyebrows, eyelashes).

8. Diffuse Alopecia is a common characteristic of modern life: It’s influenced by stress and psychological imbalances, and it can be triggered by emotional trauma, anxiety, or lifestyle changes like poor diet and medication. If not treated promptly, it may progress to androgenetic alopecia. It’s important to identify the underlying cause and address it early.

9. Alopecia affects both men and women: It affects both genders at different life stages. In men, androgenetic alopecia typically occurs in the temples, crown, and forehead areas. In women, androgenetic alopecia is more diffuse and is influenced by hormonal changes at different stages of life, such as pregnancy or menopause.

10. Alopecia treatment must be specialized: The goal of treating alopecia is twofold: to cover thinning areas and to activate and create new hair follicles. Depending on the type of alopecia and its progression, tailored treatments are necessary to address both cosmetic concerns and the root causes of hair loss.