BLOG

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, which can affect people of all ages. There are different types of alopecia:

This type is caused by the male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is made from testosterone. It is more common for men to be affected by this type of hair loss, but women can get it too, usually after menopause.

Androgenic Alopecia

This is when hair loss may come and go. It occurs mainly in young people (teenagers and young adults) and is thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system.

Telogen Effluvium

This is hair thinning, rather than hair loss. It is caused by stress or by an adverse reaction to medication. It usually corrects itself.

Scarring Alopecia

This is when scarring of the scalp destroys the hair follicles. Without follicles, hair cannot grow. This can occur as a result of various medical conditions, for instance, shingles.

Hair loss can also be caused by chemotherapy.

Treatments for Hair Loss

Your treatment will depend on the type of alopecia you have. If you have androgenic alopecia, you may be given a hormone blocking medication that works by preventing testosterone from converting into the hormone dihydrotestosterone. This oral treatment is only suitable for men.

There is also a lotion that you can rub into your scalp to promote hair growth.

This was originally developed to treat high blood pressure, but it was noticed that it had a side-effect of inducing hair growth so it began to be used as an alopecia treatment. It can be used by women too.

If your alopecia is caused by scarring, it may be permanent but can sometimes be corrected by surgery.

Alopecia Areata is normally treated with treatments to suppress the over-active immune response. This can be given as a lotion to put on the affected area.

Treatments can stop immune system from attacking your hair follicles and this will allow them to grow back.

Hair loss caused by stress or chemotherapy is temporary and the hair will grow back.

Some people choose not to have treatment or are not suitable candidates for treatment so they opt to wear a wig instead. There are human hair wigs available that look more realistic if you are concerned about your appearance.

Or follow Trichologist advice:

For treatments that work without any side effect read:

• Vitastim Hair Stimulant
• Biostim Hair Stimulant
• Follicle Builder II

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help