How to Diagnose Hair Loss and Its Causes

Table of Contents

What is thinning hair?

Millions of people around the world are concerned about hair loss. It’s normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs every day, but excessive hair loss can be upsetting. Hair loss, medically termed alopecia, refers to losing more hair than is being replaced, leading to visible thinning or bald patches on the scalp or body. Hair loss prevention involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, avoiding harsh treatments, and addressing underlying health issues.

What kinds of hair loss are there?

Types of hair loss differ by characteristics and patterns: Androgenetic Alopecia: Known as male/female pattern baldness, this common hereditary hair loss causes hair thinning. In men, the hairline recedes into an “M” shape. The crown of women’s hair is thinning. Alopecia Areata is a type of autoimmune hair loss in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss on the body or scalp. A hallmark is bald spots the size of a coin. Telogen Effluvium: Triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes, this hair loss type includes a disproportionate number of hairs entering the resting phase and fall out, leading to diffuse thinning.

Cicatricial alopecia: This rare condition causes permanent hair loss by destroying hair follicles and replacing them with scar tissue. How widespread is hair loss? The prevalence of hair loss rises with age. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 80 million Americans suffer from hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia affects 50% of men and 25% of women by age 50. Alopecia areata affects 2% of Americans, often starting in childhood.

What are the causes of Hair Loss?

There are a few things that can cause hair loss:

Genetics: Inherited genes are the leading cause of androgenetic alopecia.
Imbalances in the Hormones: Conditions like PCOS and thyroid problems can cause hair to fall out.
Nutritional Deficits: A lack of protein, iron, or zinc can have an effect on hair growth and cause any type of hair loss.
Drugs: Certain cancer, arthritis, depression, and high blood pressure medications may cause hair loss.
Hairstyling Practices: Frequent heat styling, tight hairstyles, and harsh chemical treatments can cause hair breakage and traction alopecia.
Diseases and Infections: Hair loss can be caused by autoimmune conditions like lupus, ringworm, and syphilis.

What are the symptoms of Hair Loss?

Hair loss symptoms can manifest in different ways depending on the underlying cause:

Hair gradually thinning on the top and sides of the scalp in men and on the crown in women is the most common presentation. Coin-sized areas of hair loss can suddenly appear on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows, particularly in patients with alopecia areata.

Sudden Loosening of Hair: Handfuls of hair coming out when combing, washing, or gently tugging, often experienced with telogen effluvium after a stressful event.
Hair Loss Across the Body: Certain medical treatments like chemotherapy can cause hair loss across the body and scalp.
Scaly Areas: Scaly, itchy, inflamed, and possibly oozing areas on the scalp can be caused by ringworm.

What are the side effects of losing hair?

Although hair loss is not a serious medical condition in and of itself, it can occasionally indicate a underlying health issue that requires treatment. Hair loss can also take an emotional toll, impacting self-image and confidence.

Hair loss can result in: Depression, anxiety, and mental anguish reduced standard of living Skin irritation from exposed scalp
If scarring occurs, permanent hair loss occurs.

How is hair loss identified?

Hair loss evaluation starts with a thorough medical history and scalp examination. The following diagnostic tools are available to dermatologists: The pull test involves gently tugging a section of hair to see if there is excessive shedding, which indicates active hair loss. Anything above 10% is troubling. Densitometry is a non-invasive technique that uses magnified images of the scalp to measure hair density and quality. It aids in monitoring treatment progress.

Trichoscopy: A specialized magnifying instrument and lighting system look at health indicators like hair thickness, breakage, and inflammation on the scalp and hair.
Scalp Biopsy: Taking a small scalp skin sample for microscopic analysis can differentiate between cicatricial and non-scarring hair loss and rule out scalp infections.

How does one treat hair loss?

The treatment for hair loss varies depending on the type and underlying cause.

Options may include:

Medications: Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter liquid or foam that can help slow down hair loss and promote new hair growth.
Men who suffer from androgenetic alopecia may benefit from taking Finasteride (Propecia), a prescription medication that can both halt hair loss and increase the density of the hair. Women may also take anti-androgens, oral contraceptives, and other medications like spironolactone. Topical
Treatments: In alopecia areata, steroid injections, creams, and ointments can help suppress the immune system. Medicated shampoos can manage scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.
Light Therapy: Red light therapy or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can increase blood flow to hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Nutritional Supplements: Correcting deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, or other nutrients essential for healthy hair growth through diet or supplements can help.
Hair Transplant Surgery: In procedures like follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE), hair follicles are transplanted from areas with more hair to areas with less hair or baldness.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): In this treatment, concentrated platelets taken from your own blood are injected into your scalp to possibly encourage hair regrowth. Changes in your lifestyle can help prevent hair loss by reducing stress, eating a well-balanced diet, being gentle with your hair, and avoiding harsh treatments.

How can I prevent Hair Loss?

Hair loss prevention strategies include:

Consume a well-balanced diet that is full of biotin, iron, and protein, all of which are good for hair. Be gentle on your hair. Don’t use too much heat, brush your hair hard, or style it tight. Relaxation techniques like exercise and meditation can help you manage stress. Avoid smoking, which can worsen hair loss.

Protect your hair from UV damage by wearing hats or using UV protectants.

What is the outlook for people with Hair Loss?

The outlook for hair loss varies. Some forms of hair loss, like telogen effluvium, often resolve on their own. Without treatment, androgenetic alopecia typically progresses. Alopecia cicatricialis can result in permanent hair loss. Although there is support available, hair loss can have a significant emotional impact. Numerous individuals successfully treat or disguise their hair loss.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience any of the following: Sudden hair loss
Patchy hair loss
Scalp itching, burning, or tenderness
Loss of hair after taking a new medication Other symptoms in addition to hair loss

Conclusion

While facing hair loss can feel isolating, know that you’re not alone. From medical treatments to cosmetic solutions, there are many ways to manage hair loss and maintain a sense of self.

Think about Metropolis Healthcare’s extensive diagnostic services if you’re worried about hair loss. The information you need to make a custom hair health plan can be provided by their knowledgeable staff and cutting-edge equipment. Remember, the first step to hair loss prevention and treatment is reaching out for help. Your hair, your story – take control of the narrative.