A
qualified dermatologist can make a full assessment of our hair loss
dilemma by asking pertinent questions about lifestyle and habits. This
will include questions about general health, diet, hair care habits,
family hair history, and any medications or supplements taken. The
evaluation will also involve a close examination of the scalp and hair.
Blood or other physical tests may be required, as well. The examination
will be as extensive as need be to accurately determine the cause, and any
subsequent treatment that may be needed.
Hair follicles produce or grow hair during the follicle's growth phase.
Only about 90 percent of the hair on the scalp is growing at any one time.
After this growth phase, the follicle will enter its rest phase and stop
growing for about 2 or 3 months. After this period, the hair in that
follicle is shed, a new hair replaces it, and the growth phase re-starts
for about 2 to 6 years.
There are many causes for hair loss other than hereditary pattern
baldness, and a thorough evaluation is the best way to find out. Causes
such as disease, hair care habits, cosmetics, hormonal imbalances and diet
can best be determined this way.
Here are some of the causes and treatments of hair loss:
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection (which has nothing to do with
worms) that can affect various parts of the body including the scalp,
nails, and feet. The name comes from the red ring that forms on the skin
of an infected person. Ringworm of the scalp starts as small scaly patches
that spread and result in hair loss. It's transmitted by direct contact
with an infected person, or by contact with something an infected person
has touched. It can be cured with anti-fungal medications.
Traction alopecia and trichotillomania are two forms of hair pulling that
can result in hair loss. Hairstyles that are overly tight can lead to
traction alopecia and the loss of hair, particularly along the sides of
the head. Tight braids or ponytails are often the culprits.
Trichotillomania occurs when a person habitually twists or pulls the hair.
Obviously the answer to either of these problems is to cease the activity
causing it. Don't make hairstyles too tight and don't twist or pull the
hair. In the case of trichotillomania, it may be necessary to seek help
from a mental health professional if the habit can't be stopped without
doing so.
Illness and surgery can also cause hair loss. Occasionally, about one to
three months after major surgery, a person may shed hair for a while. This
condition will usually correct itself. Some illnesses like severe flu's
and infections can cause thinning when the illness causes hair to enter
the rest phase. This also usually corrects itself. Those with chronic
illnesses, however, may have to treat the illness itself before the hair
loss can be corrected.
Another form of hair loss that usually reverses itself is the loss that
results from cancer treatment: specifically from chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy attacks rapidly growing cells and this can include hair
cells. Fortunately it's usually temporary, and within 6 months to a year
after treatment is over, the hair grows back.
Some medications and supplements may cause temporary hair loss. Blood
pressure medicine, anti-depressants, and excess amounts of Vitamin A are
examples of those that may lead to the loss of hair. For these conditions,
it may be necessary to consult with a physician to address the root cause
of the problem.
These are just some of the conditions that can lead to excessive hair
loss. Others, such as iron deficiency, thyroid disease, childbirth and
diet can, be determined and addresses by qualified medical professionals.
If you are experiencing an inordinate amount of hair loss, a thorough
evaluation may be what is called for.
Author: steff
mcintyre
This
article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
THIS PAGE CAN BE AUTOMATICALLY TRANSLATED INTO NINE
OTHER LANGUAGES! FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSLATION OF THIS
PAGE, CLICK ON THE COUNTRY'S FLAG!
