Hair Loss

What are the different kinds of hair loss?

Androgenetic Alopecia

This is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. Factors contributing to androgenetic alopecia include genetic, increasing age, and androgens (male hormones).

Alopecia areata

This usually results in patchy areas of hair loss, but occasionally, diffuse or total hair loss may occur. It is due to the body’s own immune cells attacking hair follicles resulting in hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium

Diffuse loss of hair which may occur 2 to 4 months following pregnancy, high fever, acute illness, physical and emotional stress, or crash dieting. Cancer treatment can also cause a similar form of hair loss called anagen effluvium. This form of hair loss is generally reversible.

Chronic Illness or medication

Iron deficiency, syphilis, thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases are examples of chronic illnesses which may cause hair loss. Some medication can also result in hair loss.

Scarring alopecia

Results in irreversible hair loss. Some causes include fungal and bacterial infections, scalp pimples and other local scalp diseases such as discoid lupus erythematosus and lichen planopilaris.

What are the different treatments for hair loss?

The type of treatment will depend on the cause of your hair loss. If it is caused by an underlying illness or medication, hair regrowth can occur once these have been addressed. For most patients with androgenetic alopecia, topical or oral therapy can help. FDA-approved, low-level laser technology can also be used to stimulate hair follicles to grow thicker hair.