What is alopecia and can it be cured? #51

Alopecia is a condition that happens when there is a loss of hair from the scalp or any part of the body.

The condition, usually, occurs when the immune system destroys the hair follicles. Hair loss causes can be complex, and internal and external triggers/factors can overlap.

What are the causes?

There are many causes and factors that can result in hair loss. Some of these are:

• Hereditary-family history of alopecia increases the risk
• Hormonal changes-imbalances caused by pregnancy or menopause could lead to hair loss
• Age – more common among older people
• Medical conditions such as scalp infections, lichen planus, lupus, sarcoidosis, hair-pulling disorder, an autoimmune disorder
• Medications such as cancer drugs, intake of Vitamin A
• Radiation therapy to the head like cancer treatment – chemotherapy.
• Stressful experiences such as sudden weight loss, surgery, high fever, loss of a loved one can also trigger hair loss
• Certain hairstyles that pull hair tightly
• Beauty treatments that could cause inflammation of the hair follicle

What are the types?

Androgenetic Alopecia: male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. Characterised by progressive hair loss, believed to be due to genetic and hereditary factors.

Scarring Alopecia– Hair loss due to scarring of the scalp is called scarring alopecia. Scarring can be due to a variety of causes. Traction alopecia over a period of time may lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.

Trichotillomania- this is a mental health disorder characterised by compulsive hair-plucking which in turn can cause permanent scalp scarring over time too.

Telogen Effluvium-When hair follicles are pushed prematurely in the hair growth cycle’s resting stage, the resulting hair loss is categorized as Telogen Effluvium. Condition is usually temporary, and the hair does start growing back around six months after treatment, in most cases.

Alopecia Areata- This type of alopecia occurs as round or oval hair loss patches, most obvious on the scalp or in the eyebrows. Those who develop these round or oval hair loss areas can progress to total scalp hair loss (Alopecia Totalis).

Alopecia Totalis- It is an auto-immune disorder resulting in total hair loss, but on the scalp only. It is a condition intermediary between Alopecia Areata and Alopecia Universalis. Alopecia Totalis generally shows up in two types, the first being a relatively quick and complete hair loss in the head and the second being a slower type, which starts as a patchy loss (Alopecia Areata) and progresses to total hair loss in the scalp.

Alopecia Universalis- This is the most advanced and rare type of alopecia in which there is a complete loss of hair all over the body. There is no known cure for Alopecia Universalis. Intralesional Corticosteroid injections may help. A hair replacement system is the only option.

Diffused alopecia– Also known as Alopecia Areata Incognita, is a rare form of alopecia and affects primarily young males, and the hair loss on the head is radical and sudden.

Traction Alopecia– This alopecia type is usually caused due to excessive pulling or tension on hair shafts as a result of certain hairstyles. This is the most common balding disorder among young women and girls with highly textured hair.

Triangular Alopecia- Loss of hair occurs in the temporal areas that sometimes begin in childhood. Hair loss may be complete, or a few fine, thin-diameter hairs may remain. The cause of Triangular Alopecia is not known, but the condition can be treated medically or surgically.

What are the treatments available?

The most effective and expensive treatment for hair loss is hair transplantation, also known as, Follicular unit extraction(FUE) or Follicular unit transplant (FUT).

Small sections of the skin containing healthy hair are removed and are transplanted onto the thinning areas. Usually recommended as an optional procedure.

There’s currently no cure for alopecia areata. However, there are treatments that may help hair grow back more quickly and that can prevent future hair loss, as well as unique ways to cover up the hair loss. Resources are also available to help people cope with stress related to hair loss.

Medication

• Oral corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation. Used to treat autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata. Eg: Prednisone
• Antihypertensive vasodilator: Prevents further hair loss, and in some people, stimulates hair growth. Minoxidil
• Hormone modulators: For women, oral contraceptives or anti-androgens would be beneficial. Eg: Spironolactone and Flutamide
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Given to men to treat pattern baldness. Eg: Finasteride

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

• Iron rich foods such as spinach and sea moss
• Vitamin A containing foods such as carrots
• Protein rich foods such as quinoa and lentils
• Zinc-rich foods like green peas, hemp seeds, wheat germ, and chickpeas