Is Hair Loss a Medical Problem?
Hair loss is a medical problem which usually affects the scalp. In medical terms, it is known as ‘Alopecia Areata’ and is characterized by swift hair loss typically from one side of the head more than the other. It is different from male pattern baldness which occurs due to heredity factors.
Causes of hair loss
Alopecia areata is mainly caused due to an attack of the immune system on the hair follicles. In biopsy reports of affected skin samples, immune cells have been found inside the hair follicles where normally they should not be present. The cause behind this is still not clear. However this hair loss problem is also connected with other auto immune conditions such as, allergic disorders, thyroid disease vitiligo lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis etc.
Although this hair loss problem occurs in both men and women, it is especially more prevalent among children, teens and young adults. The typical characteristic of alopecia areata is exclamation point hair. These unusual hairs can be found in areas of hair loss. They are visible with a hand lens as short, broken off hairs that are narrower closer to the scalp (appearing like an exclamation point). A biopsy of the scalp is sometimes necessary for a diagnosis.
Treatment for your hair loss
If your hair loss problem is of the type of alopecia areata, you need not worry much, for around 50% of people with this problem regain their hair on their own within one year or two. However you must be concerned if the time period of your hair loss extends and seems never ending. Longer the period of time of hair loss is, there is less likelihood of the hair regrowth.
Treatment options for hair loss problem range from creams and shampoos for the scalp to medications like minoxidil and anthralin, from topical immunotherapy to steroid injections. Each of these treatments can be used in different combinations.
Although there is no effective method of prevention, a good balanced diet along with proper stress management always proves helpful.
Thus, while hair loss problem is a medical condition, it is not a life threatening one. However it is nonetheless serious because of the psychologically and sociologically devastating effects the hair loss can have on the affected individual. Hence a proper diagnosis for the cause and prevention of the disease is necessary for the proper treatment of this malady.
Tags: causes of hair loss, hair loss, hair loss problem, Hair Loss Treatment, medical problem hair lossCategory : Hair Loss Treatment
