Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is the condition of losing hair from the head or body. Usually, the hair from the head region is involved. However, other regions are considered under the same category as well, and the severity can range from person to person.
The Norwood Scale
What Is the Reason for Hair Loss?
There are various reasons for increased hair loss, including:
- Genetics: Male or female pattern baldness, a condition caused by genetics and hormones, is the most common cause of hair loss.
- Changes in hormonal levels: Changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can lead to hair loss.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions can cause hair loss as well.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
- Stress: Physical or emotional stress can cause hair loss through a condition known as telogen effluvium, which causes hair to enter the shedding phase prematurely.
- Poor nutrition: A diet lacking certain nutrients, such as iron and protein, can lead to hair loss.
- Other causes: hair loss can be caused by poor hair care, excessive styling, certain hairstyles, and environmental factors.
It is important to consult a doctor or a hair specialist if you are experiencing excessive hair loss. Many causes of hair loss are temporary and can be treated with medication or lifestyle changes.
What Are Symptoms of Hair Loss?
- Gradual thinning on top of the head, also known as male or female pattern baldness.
- Sudden hair loss in patches can be a symptom of a medical condition such as alopecia areata.
- Excessive hair shedding may be a symptom of telogen effluvium.
- Receding hairline, which can be a symptom of male pattern baldness.
- Thin and brittle hair.
- Scalp irritation and redness.
- Formation of bald patches on the scalp or other body parts.
It is important to note that some hair loss is normal and occurs as part of the hair growth cycle. Still, suppose you are experiencing excessive hair loss or notice any changes in the appearance of your hair. In that case, it is important to consult a doctor or hair specialist.
Hair loss can also accompany other symptoms, depending on the underlying cause. For example, suppose a medical condition causes hair loss. In that case, you may experience other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or skin rashes.
What Can Cause Hair Loss?
Hereditary hair loss
Also known as androgenetic alopecia, this is a genetic condition that causes hair loss in both men and women. It is characterized by a gradual thinning of hair on the scalp, and a receding hairline in men.
Early-age hair loss
Hair loss at an early age is also possible due to premature thinning of hair.
Hair loss due to aging
As we age, hair follicles naturally shrink, which can lead to hair loss.
Alopecia areata
This is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches on the scalp, and sometimes on other parts of the body.
Scalp infection
Infections such as ringworm can cause hair loss by damaging hair follicles.
Cancer treatment
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can lead to hair loss.
Hair care
Overuse of hair styling products, and excessive heat styling, can damage hair and cause hair loss.
Hairstyle pulls on your scalp
Certain hairstyles that put tension on the hair, such as tight ponytails or cornrows, can cause hair loss.
Medication
Certain medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Scalp psoriasis
A chronic skin condition that can cause hair loss by damaging hair follicles.
Scarring alopecia
A rare type of hair loss caused by scarring on the scalp, which can be caused by certain medical conditions or hairstyles.
Thyroid disease
An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause hair loss.
Friction
Constant friction on the scalp from hats, helmets, or other headgear can cause hair loss.
These were some of the prime hair loss causes, and the factor of aging and hair loss can be one of the most vital factors.
How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Hair Loss?
When diagnosing hair loss, a doctor or hair specialist will conduct a physical examination to determine the underlying cause. The examination for diagnosis hair loss may include the following steps:
- Medical history: The doctor will definitely ask about the individual’s medical record, including any underlying medical conditions, medications, and recent changes in the individual’s health or lifestyle.
- Scalp examination: The doctor will examine the scalp for any signs of inflammation, infection, or scarring. They may also look for any signs of hair loss, such as thinning or bald patches.
- Pull test: The doctor may perform a pull test by gently tugging on a small section to see how many hairs come out. This can help determine if the hair loss is due to telogen effluvium or another cause.
- Hair pluck test: The doctor may pluck some hair from the scalp to examine the hair roots under a microscope. This can help determine if the hair loss is due to a lack of blood flow to the hair follicles or another cause.
- Scalp biopsy: In some cases, the doctor may take a small sample of scalp tissue for examination under a microscope. This can help determine if the hair loss is due to an infection, autoimmune disorder, or another cause.
- Blood test: If the doctor suspects an underlying medical condition is causing hair loss, they may order blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or other conditions.
The examination and diagnosis process can vary depending on the individual’s specific condition and may require a combination of the above steps or other diagnostic tests. It is important to consult a doctor or hair specialist if you are experiencing excessive hair loss to rule out any underlying medical condition and to receive appropriate treatment.
What Are the Hair Loss Treatment Options Available?
Hair regrowth medicine like:
- Medications
- Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Finasteride (Propecia)
- Dutasteride
- Anthralin
Hair loss therapy and surgery like:
- Hair treatment for hair loss
- Scalp treatment for hair loss
Natural remedies for hair loss:
Here are some of the home remedies for hair fall and regrowth:
- Scalp massage
- Eating a healthy diet
- Proper hair care
Ask Your Question
How to Prevent Hair Loss?
Several self-care measures can be taken for hair loss help. Some of the available solutions for hair loss are as follows:
- Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D, can help to promote hair growth. Eating foods high in protein, such as fish, eggs, and beans, can also help strengthen hair.
- Reducing stress: Stress can cause hair loss, so finding ways to reduce stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or yoga, can help to promote hair growth.
- Avoiding hairstyles that put tension on the hair: Certain hairstyles that put tension on the hair, such as tight ponytails or cornrows, can cause hair loss.
- Proper hair care: Avoiding overuse of hair styling products and excessive heat styling can help to prevent damage to the hair and promote hair growth.
- Scalp massage: Gently massaging the scalp can help to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help to promote hair growth.
- Avoiding harsh chemicals and hair treatments: Certain hair treatments, such as perms, dyes, and relaxers, can damage hair and cause hair loss.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can cause hair loss by reducing blood flow to the hair follicles.
- Getting enough sleep: Sleeping for at least 7-8 hours a day is important to maintain good physical and mental health, which can affect hair growth.
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure: UV rays can damage hair and cause hair loss.
- Avoiding excessive alcohol intake: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause hair loss by damaging the hair follicles.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
It is important to consult a doctor or hair specialist if you are experiencing excessive hair loss or notice any changes in the appearance of your hair. Some warning signs of hair loss that may indicate a need to seek medical attention include:
- Sudden or rapid hair loss
- Patches of hair loss
- Scalp irritation or redness
- Hair loss accompanied by other symptoms
- Family history of hair loss
Suppose you are using the medication, and you experience hair loss. In that case, it is important to check with the physician if this is a side effect of the medicine.
If you have noticed a change in hair growth patterns, such as hair thinning, receding hairline, or hair fall from your scalp, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
It is important to note that some hair loss is normal and occurs as part of the hair growth cycle. Still, suppose you are experiencing excessive hair loss or notice any changes in the appearance of your hair. In that case, it is important to consult a doctor or hair specialist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Why Ongo Care?
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is the treatment with finasteride (Propecia)?
Finasteride, also known as Propecia, is an oral medication commonly used as a male pattern baldness cure. It works by blocking the production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), responsible for hair loss in men. The effectiveness of finasteride in treating hair loss varies depending on the individual. Still, studies have shown that it can effectively slow hair loss and stimulate growth.
What does the process look like to get Hair loss treatment online through Ongo Care?
Getting hair loss treatment online through Ongo Care may vary depending on the specific treatment plan and the individual’s needs. However, it typically involves the following steps:
- Sign up for Ongo Care
- Consultation with a doctor
- Diagnosis and treatment plan
- Prescription and order fulfillment
- Follow-up appointments
- Access to Ongo Care’s telemedicine platform
How frequently do I need to consult Ongo Care for treatment?
The frequency of consultations with Ongo Care for hair loss treatment will vary depending on the specific treatment plan and the individual’s needs. It is important to follow the treatment plan and the schedule of follow-up appointments recommended by the doctor.
How did the doctor prescribe me for my hair loss problem?
When a doctor prescribes treatment for hair loss, they will typically consider several factors, including the underlying cause of the hair loss, the individual’s medical history, and any other symptoms or conditions.
Can diet changes affect hair health?
Diet can play a significant role in hair health. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients can help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
What kind of doctor do I see?
If you are experiencing hair loss, consider consulting with a dermatologist or a trichologist.