Baldness and Hair fall

What is Baldness and Hair fall

The condition decreasing hair on the head and on body due to hair fall is also known as alopecia or baldness. Mostly, the hair loss occurs on the of the scalp of the person. The severity of baldness or hair fall can vary from hair loss in a small area or on the entire body. Baldness does not leave any scar behind or cause any inflammation on the skin. There are different patterns of baldness. Most common are male-pattern hair loss, female-pattern hair loss, Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, which is the thinning of hair.  

Symptoms of Baldness and Hair fall

There are various symptoms experienced by the patient going through baldness or hair fall which include thinning and shortening of the hair. As you sleep and wake up, you may find hair on your pillow or bed.  The hairline on the scalp starts receding and that becomes noticeable. Your scalp gets tanned easily. Hair fall or shedding is excessive when brushing the hair. Loss of hair at the crown region of the head producing baldness is also a sign. 

Causes of Baldness and Hair fall

Different patterns of baldness and hair fall are caused by different reasons. The male-pattern hair loss is caused due to genetics and male hormonal problems. The cause behind female pattern baldness is still not confirmed or clear.  Alopecia areata has its own specific cause. It occurs due to an autoimmune problem. The body's own immune system attacks the hair follicles of the body. Hair loss due to telogen effluvium is caused due to stress which could be physical or psychological, or during the course of a women’s pregnancy. 

Age, and heredity and hormonal changes also contribute to the hair loss. Hair loss or baldness is only noticed by the patient when there is loss of hair in places where there was more amount of hair before like the scalp. They can be noticed at any age. Infestation by a ring worm can also cause hair loss. Certain vitamin deficiencies also effect hair fall. Hypothyroidism also causes hair fall. If a patient is ill or has a skin infection, it can also result in hair fall.  

Risk factors of Baldness and Hair fall

Patients who have malnutrition and iron deficiency are prone to baldness. Pregnancy also acts as a risk factor due to changes in hormones but the hair loss due to pregnancy occurs after giving birth. Worm infestation or infections, for example ringworm, can put someone at a higher risk of hair loss. Ring worms attack the scalp hair and skin which results in hair fall. Ring worm infestation occurs due to bad hygiene.  Those who take contraception pills for birth control are also at higher risk as they cause hormonal changes. People who brush hair while blow drying them are more prone to hair loss, as it causes pulling of hair. Certain medications used also put people at higher risk. These medications are mostly for treating depression, to treat heart problems or high blood pressure. Chemotherapy for cancer puts patient at higher risk.  Patient with HIV/AIDS are also at higher risk. 

Complications of Baldness and Hair fall

In some patients, baldness or hair fall causes psychological distress as it effects the appearance of a person. Some patients feel isolated or feel like they have lack of control. There are other complications associated with this condition, which include nausea and vomiting which are caused by the medication used to treat hair fall. Techniques use for scalp reduction can cause scar formation.  After the procedure is conducted, around 5% of patients experience bleeding from the resection sites. After surgery, the patient is at risk of getting infected and can get infected.  

Lab Investigations and Diagnosis of Baldness and Hair Fall

There are several lab tests that are conducted to diagnose the cause of the baldness. These include a scalp biopsy. A small part of the scalp is taken as a sample and observed under the microscope to help recognize the cause of baldness.  Another test known as densitometry is done by a device known as a densitometer. It is a handheld device which acts as a magnifier. It checks for miniaturization of the shaft of the hair.  Hair pull test is also done. It is a diagnostic test, where the doctor pulls the hair lightly to check for excessive loss of hair. Another test is done which is known as Phototrichogram. 

In Phototrichogram, the hair is clipped or an area pf the scalp is shaved. Then the hair is allowed to grow and pictures are taken consecutively for three to four days to check for pattern of hair growth. In addition to these tests, a blood test known as complete blood picture (CBC) is also conducted. To check for iron deficiency, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is checked in the blood. The test for infections that cause hair loss like syphilis is known as VDRL. This test is done if the hair loss is focal and has no rash associated with it. Test for thyroid disorders are known as Thyroid stimulating hormones (T3. T4 and TSH). 

Precautions and Prevention of Baldness and Hair fall

Precautions include washing your hair every day, massaging the scalp gently and using gentle products on the head. After washing hair, condition hair with a good conditioner. After that, wash out the conditioner with lukewarm water for few minutes. Exercising regularly and doing yoga also helps. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding colouring hair also prevents damage to the hair.  

Treatment of Baldness and Hair fall

There are multiple approaches to treating baldness. These include homeopathic treatment, acupuncture and acupressure, treatment through conventional or allopathic means, surgical procedures, psychotherapy, dietary and herbal treatments, and others.

Homeopathic treatment of Baldness and Hair fall

Homeopathic treatment is given after knowing the exact cause of baldness. As every cause has a different treatment.   It effective and some of the remedies used are Alumina, Aresenicumalbum, Baryta carbonica, Graphites , Lycopodium, Natrum muriaticum and Sepia. 

Acupuncture and Acupressure treatment of Baldness and Hair fall

This treatments involves applying pressure on the pressure points using aromatherapy oils to provide acupressure massage. Lavender, jojoba and rosemary oils are used, which help with hair loss a lot. By massaging these oils, they get observed into the skin, easily making them more effective to counter baldness.  

Psychotherapy treatment of Baldness and Hair fall

People who are going through baldness due to stress can get help through cognitive behavioural therapy. Patients who are upset due to hair loss can also be helped. Its particular used by people whose appearance is involved in their job, such as models and presenters. 

Conventional or Allopathic treatment of Baldness and Hair fall

The most popular medicine used for female hair loss problem is Minoxidil. It is approved by the FDA. It is highly effective but over usage can cause overgrowth of hair. 

Surgical treatment of Baldness and Hair fall

A surgery known as hair restoration surgery is done, which is the only surgery available currently. The patient’s own hair is implanted on their scalp to giver a fuller look.  However, the traditional surgical method uses hair removed from the scalp which actives growing. Then these donor hairs are transplanted on to the thinning area. Hence, new hair growth is induced. 

Dietary and Herbal treatment of Baldness and Hair fall

You should eat a balanced diet including food rich in iron, protein, silica and calcium. If you are experiencing hair loss, you should regularly eat green vegetables.

Other treatment of Baldness and Hair fall

Certain yoga exercises and postures help in relieving stress and anxiety in the patient. They also help in indigestion and improve blood circulation to the scalp and head.

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