Overview
Hair loss and balding are usually something to worry about as people get older. In rare cases, baldness can strike at a young age as well. Though any type of hair loss can have a tremendous impact on a person’s self-esteem, treatment options are available to stop hair loss and encourage regrowth.
Types
According to the University of Virginia Health System, there are several types of balding and hair loss, which are characterized by their causes. Baldness, also called alopecia, is generally more common in men than women, but can affect both genders. The types of baldness are: male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness, alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, toxic alopecia and trichotillomania.
Male-pattern baldness is the most common type of baldness and usually is genetic. Female-pattern baldness usually occurs as a woman ages and is characterized by hair getting thin throughout the head. Alopecia areata, which is a loss of hair in one particular area, can occur suddenly and anywhere on the body. Scarring alopecia occurs when an area is scarred, which prevents hair from growing back. Toxic alopecia is usually caused by a certain type of medication, like chemotherapy, but hair eventually grows back. Trichotillomania is caused by pulling the hair out deliberately until the root dies and hair does not grow back.
Causes
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including: burns and injury, hormonal changes, certain diseases, genetic predisposition and aging. According to the University of Virginia Health System, hair loss is not caused by dandruff, hats, any vitamin deficiencies or poor circulation of blood to the scalp.
Treatment
There are several treatment options for balding and hair loss. If you are seeking treatment, your physician will first want to determine exactly what type of baldness you have before undergoing any restorative procedures. Medications like minoxidil, commercially called Rogaine, are typically used to treat male- and female-pattern baldness. Some people may opt for hair transplant surgery, which involves taking hair grafts from the back and sides of the scalp and placing it on the areas where hair is lacking. Other types of surgery that treat baldness include tissue expansion, scalp reduction and flap surgery. Hair transplant surgeries only work if the person has donor hair on the sides or back of the scalp. Treatment for alopecia areata usually involves injections of corticosteroids.
Warning
Treatment of hair loss and balding may lead to complications, particularly during surgical procedures. In some cases, the skin grafts used on bald spots do not adhere correctly. Excessive bleeding, scarring of the immediate area treated and infections are also possible. Medications like minoxidil may cause allergic reactions in some users and may interact badly with other medications.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the proper course of action to take regarding your particular type of baldness. Effectiveness of any treatment relies heavily on proper diagnosis of the cause of hair loss. Your doctor will also be able to advise the best course of treatment, whether it be medication or surgery, to suit your individual needs.
