Hair Loss Causes
Types of Hair Loss - Causes
Hair loss is a common issue in the United States and around the world, and for many years, it was simply an excepted result of aging and/or genetics. However, as medical science has advanced, several specific types of hair loss have been identified, and the result of identifying and studying the different types of hair loss is that ÒcuresÓ are being discovered and implemented. Below are some brief descriptions of the different types of hair loss, but if youÕd like more information, contact a cosmetic surgeon immediately.
Effluviums - Hair Loss
ÒEffluviumsÓ is a term that basically means Òoutflow.Ó In essence, effluviums describe the process by which hair follicles grow hair and create new strands on the scalp. Not all follicles are constantly producing new hair. When a follicle is in the ÒrestingÓ period and not producing new hair, it is said to be in the ÒtelogenÓ phase. Telogen effluviums is a condition whereby a large portion of follicles are not producing hair, creating a thinning appearance on the scalp. This condition is reversible.
Alopecia Areata - Hair Loss
Alopecia areata is a condition whereby a personÕs own immune system attacks the hair follicles. Although the reason for this attack is not generally known, alopecia areata has long been associated with stress, even though there is very little scientific evidence to support this notion. Regardless, alopecia areata can affect either part of or the entire scalp, and can come and go over time.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia presents a bit of a conundrum for medical professionals. Scarring alopecia can actually be any of several specific conditions that occur in otherwise healthy patients, but the basic result is that scarring alopecia is a potentially permanent and sometimes irreversible destruction of hair follicles and their replacement with scar tissue. This condition usually begins to reveal itself with losses of patches of hair and progresses to the point where hair follicles Òburn outÓ and disappear.
Congenital Hypotrichosis
Congenital hypotrichosis is different from the conditions listed above in that this condition describes a total lack of hair growth. Congenital hypotrichosis is a genetic condition whereby an aberration in the personÕs gene composition prevents hair from ever developing. There are hundreds of types of congenital hypotrichosis, and medical researchers are learning more about the condition every day.
Infectious Agents - Cause of Hair Loss
Infectious agents are also a prominent cause of hair loss, and several types of infectious agents have been identified as causes of the loss of hair in patients. Examples of infectious agents related to this condition include ringworm, folliculitis, Piedra, Demodex folliculorum and seborrheic dermatitis. Treatment for each of these infectious agents differs, but positive results can be achieved by working with an experienced medical professional.
Hair Shaft Defects
Hair shaft defects can occur in one of two ways. The first type of hair shaft defects are a result of a genetic anomaly, and examples of these conditions include loose anagen syndrome and monilethrix. The second type of hair shaft defects are more a result of a personÕs environment and improper hair care, and these include trichotillomania and the simple acts of over processing the hair with too many perms, shampoos or conditioners.
Overall, there are several types of hair loss, and the causes for each can be distinct. If you are suffering from hair loss, your condition may be reversible, which means that you need to contact a hair loss specialist immediately for a consultation.