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Hair Loss Facts
Hair Loss Facts & Information
written by Beth Phillips, Associate Director/Communications
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
It is normal for people to loose 50 to 100 strands of hair each day while showering or using a brush. However, hair that falls out suddenly or in patches could be cause for concern.
The medical term for hair loss is alopecia, according to the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com). Pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), is the most common type of alopecia, is typically permanent and affects roughly one-third of men and women. Other types of alopecia are temporary, including alopecia areata, which can involve hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body.
Types of hair loss
Pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) In male- and female-pattern baldness, the time of growth shortens, and the hairs are not as thick or sturdy. With each growth cycle, the hairs become rooted more superficially and more easily fall out. A history of androgenetic alopecia on either side of your family increases your risk of balding.
Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia. This type of hair loss can result from several skin conditions, including lupus erythematosus or lichen planus. Inflammation damages and scars the hair follicle and prevents new hair from growing.
Alopecia areata. People who develop alopecia areata are generally in good health. Some scientists believe that some people are genetically predisposed to develop alopecia areata and that environmental factors can trigger the condition. With alopecia areata, your hair generally grows back, but you may lose and regrow your hair a number of times.
Telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss is usually because of change in a person�s normal hair cycle. It may occur when an emotional or physical shock to the system causes hair roots to be pushed prematurely into the resting state. Hair typically grows back once the condition that caused it corrects itself, but it usually take months.
Traction alopecia. Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull hair too tightly can cause traction alopecia. If the pulling is stopped before there is scarring of the scalp and permanent damage to the root, hair usually grows back normally.
Other causes of hair loss include poor nutrition, over styling and excessive hair brushing, disease, hormonal changes, scalp infection and hair-pulling disorder. Some medications and medical treatments also can cause hair loss in some people.
Treatment
There is no cure for temporary or permanent baldness. However, your Texas Tech Physicians dermatologist can prescribe topical and oral medications or injections that may promote hair growth. Hair transplants or scalp reduction surgery also are options for some patients.
For more information, call Texas Tech Physicians Dermatology at 743-1842 or 1-800-782-7310.
