By: Benedict Smythe
Submitted: 2008-07-24 05:25:54 | Word Count: 535
Hair loss can be considered as an appalling experience for most people, especially for those who consider their crowning glory as a main element of their overall fashion style and their general self expression.
Hair loss should not be categorized as a mere product of getting old. Having thinner hair than what you have when you were younger is quite normal. But apparent and excessive hair loss that goes beyond the rate of your hair re growth is a probable sign of baldness.
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When the earliest signs of hair loss are observed, it is best to consult a dermatologist right away. Upon diagnosis and prior to prescribing hair loss treatment medications and services, the cause of the hair loss is then carefully examined. Below are some pertinent causes of losing your crowning glory, in accordance to the various types of hair loss conditions.
Androgenic alopecia
Among the many causes of hair loss, this condition also known as “pattern baldness” is the most popular. It occurs on both the male and female population, but is more likely to advance among males. Androgenic alopecia is characterized by an abnormal hair growth cycle. Instead of regular cycles, people with androgenic alopecia experience shortened cycles. As the cycles shorten, their new hair strands become thinner and thinner. The hair follicles also loosen overtime, allowing the hair strands to easily fall off. Androgenic alopecia is more of a genetic condition. Thus, if your family has a history of the condition, you are highly at risk of going bald as well.
Alopecia areata
Generally, alopecia areata is categorized as an effect of some immune system disorders. It is a hereditary disease and most of those who acquire this type of alopecia also have thyroid disorders. However, scientists point out that certain viruses and other environmental factors trigger the development of the condition.
Telogen effluvium
Emotional or physical changes in the body promote this hair loss condition. Basically, people who experience severe emotional stress or sudden psychological problems prop up this condition. Physiological changes in the human body such as severe weight loss, metabolism problems, high fever, nutritional problems, and surgical procedures can also lead to Telogen effluvium. This is because these sudden changes interrupt the normal hair cycle. They make the hair roots loosen up and thus promote hair fall.
Cicatricial alopecia
The cause of this permanent hair loss condition is still unknown. Cicatricial alopecia is often characterized by scalp inflammation which damages the follicles of the hair. Once inflamed, hair fall continues but ceases to re grow. Such conditions which promote this kind of baldness include lichen planus, diabetes, and lupus erythematosus.
Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is often referred to as a self induced hair loss condition. Unlike the common types of alopecia which are hereditary and unavoidable, traction alopecia is caused by excessive hairstyling and exposure to chemicals used during hair treatments such as tinting, dying, straightening, and curling. It may also be caused by hairstyles that pull the hair too much, causing scars to the scalp or damages to the hair follicles.
Others causes of hair loss include hormonal changes (caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause, or malfunctioning thyroid glands), malnutrition, scalp infections, and some medical treatments.
