Hair loss will affect approximately 50% of men and 40% of women at some point in life. Treatments range from non surgical hair replacement to surgical hair restoration. Before you can decide on a treatment, however, you must understand the various types of hair loss and which one is affecting you.
Alopecia is the medical term for loss of hair. The alopecic area is the bald portion of the scalp. These very general terms simply define the overall condition. More specific terminology is then used to define the type and pattern of hair loss.
The most common cause of hair loss is male pattern baldness, or its counterpart, female pattern baldness. This disorder is usually hereditary and develops slowly over time. Male pattern baldness usually begins with a receding hairline. Gradually more hair is lost until eventually only a ring of hair around the crown and sides of the head remains. Female pattern baldness is generally more diffused, with thinning occurring more evenly all over the head. Normally women will not experience the receding hairline.
Male pattern baldness is normally treated with FDA approved non surgical hair replacement medications. Propecia is available only by prescription and consists of orally ingested pills. Rogaine is a topical treatment that is available without a prescription. Female pattern baldness is treated with a special formulation of Rogaine, while Propecia is not approved for use in women. For severe baldness, surgical hair restoration may be the best choice for both men and women.
FDA approved non surgical hair replacement medications are normally used to treat both male and female pattern baldness. Propecia, an orally ingested pill, is approved only for use in men, and is available only with a prescription. Rogaine, a topical formula, is sold over the counter and is available in both men's and women's formulations. Severe male or female pattern baldness may require surgical hair restoration.
Normally both male and female pattern baldness are treated with non surgical hair replacement medications. Rogaine is a topical formula that is sold over the counter. It is available in both men's and women's formulations. Propecia is a pill that requires a prescription and is not currently FDA approved for women. Severe male or female pattern baldness may be treated by surgical hair restoration.
Another cause of hair loss is a medical condition known as alopecia areata, which causes erratic hair loss all over the body as well as on the scalp. The alopecic area may occur anywhere on the head or body. In this autoimmune skin disorder, the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles. The disorder is not considered dangerous, but may lead to total hair loss. Treatment includes such non surgical hair replacement options as cortisone injections, topical treatments (Rogaine), Anthralin cream, and even topical immunotherapy. It is important to understand that there is no cure, although the disease may go into spontaneous remission.
Traction alopecia is caused by improper styling such as excessive brushing, too tight ponytails or corn rows, or improper bleaching or dyeing. The alopecic area depends on where the damage has occurred. This type of hair loss can eventually become permanent if the hair follicles are severely damaged. Non surgical hair replacement or even surgical hair restoration may be necessary to restore hair growth at that point.
Stress alopecia is temporary and generally reversible. This condition occurs in reaction to extreme stressors. The condition normally reverses itself when the stress is relieved.
Certain illnesses can lead to hair loss. Folliculitis, eczema and ringworm are skin conditions that can cause irritation and inflammation of the scalp, leading to hair loss. More serious illnesses, particularly chronic illness, can also cause hair loss. Treating the underlying condition will often restore hair growth, but in some cases, surgical hair restoration may be required.
Hormonal changes and iron deficiency can also cause hair loss. Balancing the body's systems will usually reverse the condition. However, like chronic illness, untreated deficiencies may eventually lead to more permanent loss of hair.
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors which are best sorted out by your doctor, so be sure to report any unusual hair loss. Some conditions can be treated with over the counter products, while others may require surgical hair replacement. Your doctor will diagnose your condition and help you to select the appropriate treatment.
Hair Loss Causes In MenMore information about hair loss treatment in women [http://www.hairlosstreatmentforbaldness.com/hair-loss-in-women.html]. Our site hairlosstreatmentforbaldness.com is a comprehensive resource to help women with hair loss.