Hair Loss

Baldness is fairly common in males, but this does not mean that hair loss only happens to men. Loss of hair can be caused by a variety of factors. In some people, hair is lost only from the scalp, while others may begin to lose hair on their bodies too. In fact, alopecia universal is a condition in which all body hair is completely lost.

In some people, hair is lost gradually, causing bald spots or a receding hair line. Starting on the scalp, this type of hair loss can extend to the beard and eyebrows. These symptoms are characteristic of a condition called alopecia, and tend to affect males more than females. If these patches are red or itchy, they could be caused by a condition called seborrhea – a problem with the oil-secreting glands in the skin. Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that is associated with an autoimmune condition.   White blood cells   target hair follicles, weakening them and causing them hair to fallout in large chunks. Scalp infections or imbalances in your body’s hormone levels can also cause hair to start falling out. If your hair is severely thinning, you should immediately visit a dermatologist and get his/her opinion.

Most hair loss can be treated or cured with appropriate medication. Some of the medicines are easy-to-apply liquids or gels that can be purchased over-the-counter. Rogaine is one such medicine used by many individuals. Propecia is another medicine used in treatment of male pattern baldness, a hereditary condition. Available as a pill, it is an effective treatment option. While the medicine is helpful, it can take a while for the results to show. Some people experience slower re-growth than others. Generally though, results are visible within 12 weeks of using the medicine.

If you choose to avoid using medicines, hair transplant may also be an option.  This involves moving tiny plugs of hair from the sides of your scalp and moving them to areas where you are balding. However, because hereditary balding progresses with time, you may need several treatments.