Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Reasons For Hair Loss

By Bronwyn Stringer

Do either of your parents have a history of baldness? If so, then you too may be at risk for hair loss. According to studies, the leading cause for hair loss in both men and women is known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. This form of baldness is usually identified by hair loss in the front of the scalp that moves steadily to the back and top of the head.

Thinning of hair and reducing hairline is the usual start for male pattern baldness. General thinning of hair is the female pattern of baldness symptom. These thinning have to be noticed in the back of the head and not the hairline thinning.

Just the hereditary factor cannot be the reason for hair loss. Compulsive hair pulling or trichotillomania is a condition which may cause hair loss. If any part of the scalp is been pulled, then this condition will make that part the target. Generally this cannot be the only reason for serious alarm. The cure for this is to stop pulling the area that is been affected and automatically the hair grows.

Scarring Alopecia is one of other serious condition that will cause long term hair loss. Some of the hair styles can be the reason for scarring alopecia. IF the hair style you follow is causing excess tension on the scalp like tight braids, then that may lead to hair fall. This pressure on the hair follicles will lead to inflammation and then results in scarring.

Other reasons for hair loss include medical treatments. Certain prescription drugs are known to cause hair loss in a small percentage of individuals. Blood thinners and certain medications for heart conditions are two of the leading types medications that can result in hair loss.

One other medically linked treatment that cause hair loss is chemotherapy. Most of the medicine or drugs used in chemotherapy will make the hair cells stop its division. Thus the hair starts becoming thinner and breaks pushing the hair follicles. The patient of chemotherapy is bound to loss all the hair. But chemotherapy can't be called as the long term hair loss, as after the treatment is complete the patient will have the hair re grown.

There are many types of infections that cause hair loss. Ringworm is probably the most common fungal hair loss infection in children. It is a fairly contagious infection and can be identified by small circular patches on the scalp. The skin where the hair is infected is replaced by pink scaly looking skin. The treatment for this infection is anti-fungal cream applied directly to the infected areas. The condition is usually cleared up within 2-3 weeks of treatment. - 15683

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