First, your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin problems) will try to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary male- or female-pattern baldness. If you have a family history of baldness, you may have this type of hair loss. Certain sex hormones can trigger hereditary hair loss. It may begin as early as puberty. In some cases, hair loss may occur with a simple halt in the cycle of hair growth. Major illnesses, surgeries, or traumatic events can trigger hair loss. However, your hair will usually start growing back without treatment.
Hormonal changes can cause temporary hair loss. Examples include:
Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include:
Diseases that cause scarring, such as lichen planus and some types of lupus, can result in permanent hair loss because of the scarring.
Hair loss can also be due to medications used to treat:
A physical or emotional shock may trigger noticeable hair loss. Examples of this type of shock include:
People with trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) have a need to pull out their hair, usually from their head, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Traction hair loss can be due to hairstyles that put pressure on the follicles by pulling the hair back very tightly. A diet lacking in protein, iron, and other nutrients can also lead to thinning hair. If you notice that you’re losing more hair than usual, you should discuss the problem with your doctor. They can determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and suggest appropriate treatment plans.
Persistent hair loss often indicates an underlying health issue. Your doctor or dermatologist can determine the cause of your hair loss based on a physical examination and your health history. In some cases, simple dietary changes can help. Sometimes situation might get better if you use supplements or vitamins for hair. Your doctor may also change your prescription medications. If your dermatologist suspects an autoimmune or skin disease, they might take a biopsy of the skin on your scalp. This will involve carefully removing a small section of skin for laboratory testing. It’s important to keep in mind that hair growth is a complex process. It may take time to determine the exact cause of your hair loss.
Medications will likely be the first course of treatment for hair loss. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications generally consist of topical creams and gels that you apply directly to the scalp. The most common products contain an ingredient called minoxidil. According to the AAD, your doctor may recommend minoxidil in conjunction with other hair loss treatments. Side effects of minoxidil include scalp irritation and hair growth in adjacent areas, such as your forehead or face.
Prescription medications may also treat hair loss. Doctors prescribe the oral medication finasteride for male-pattern baldness. You take this medication daily to slow hair loss. Some men experience new hair growth when taking finasteride. Rare side effects of finasteride include diminished sex drive and impaired sexual function. There may be a link between the use of finasteride and a more serious type (high-grade) of prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Doctor also prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone. Individuals with alopecia areata can use this to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids mimic the hormones made by your adrenal glands. A high amount of corticosteroid in the body reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
You should monitor side effects from these medications carefully. Possible side effects include:
There is evidence that corticosteroid use may also put you at higher risk for the following conditions:
Sometimes, medications aren’t enough to stop hair loss. There are surgical procedures to treat baldness.
Hair transplant surgery involves moving small plugs of skin, each with a few hairs, to bald parts of your scalp.
This works well for people with inherited baldness since they typically lose hair on the top of the head. Because this type of hair loss is progressive, you would need multiple surgeries over time.
In a scalp reduction, a surgeon removes part of your scalp that lacks hair. The surgeon then closes the area with a piece of your scalp that has hair.
Tissue expansion can also cover bald spots. It requires two surgeries. In the first surgery, a surgeon places a tissue expander under a part of your scalp that has hair and is next to the bald spot. After several weeks, the expander stretches out the part of your scalp that has hair.
In the second surgery, your surgeon removes the expander and pulls the expanded area of scalp with hair over the bald spot.
These surgical remedies for baldness tend to be expensive, and they carry risks. These include:
Your graft might also not take, meaning that you would need to repeat the surgery.
There are things you can do to prevent further hair loss. Don’t wear tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or buns that put too much pressure on your hair. Over time, those styles permanently damage your hair follicles. Try not to pull, twist, or rub your hair. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of iron and protein. Certain beauty regimens can worsen or cause hair loss. If you’re currently losing hair, use a gentle baby shampoo to wash your hair. Unless you have extremely oily hair, consider washing your hair only every other day. Always pat the hair dry and avoid rubbing your hair.
Styling products and tools are also common culprits in hair loss. Examples of products or tools that can affect hair loss include:
If you decide to style your hair with heated tools, only do so when your hair is dry. Also, use the lowest settings possible.
You can stop or even reverse hair loss with aggressive treatment, especially if it’s due to an underlying medical condition. Hereditary hair loss may be more difficult to treat. However, certain procedures such as hair transplants can help reduce the appearance of baldness. Talk to your doctor to explore all your options to lessen the effects of hair loss.
https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-loss#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
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