HAIR LOSS REASON, TREATMENT AND TIPS FOR MANAGING HAIR

Hair loss is a very common issue with millions of people today.  Generally we shed up to 100 strands daily, which regrows with time without any treatment, but in some losing those hair is permanent.  The reason could be many.  In may be hereditary, side effect of some disease (eg. thyroid, fungal, illness, anemia, infection, flu), imbalanced diet,  side effect of any medicine (chemotherapy etc.), after pregnancy (Falling estrogen levels cause this type of hair loss), menopause, stress  etc.  If hair loss is the side effect of any other disease then it can be treated by treating that particular problem.  Whatever is the issue, but most types of hair loss can be treated (including hereditary hair loss) successfully if you visit the dermatologist at the right time.  Hair loss may cause gradual thinning, bald patches, or complete baldness.

If you are losing your hair continuously and it is noticeably with passing years, you may be suffering from hereditary hair loss.  This is the most common cause of hair loss among millions of people.  Some common types of hair disorders are -

1) Androgenetic Alopecia (Hereditary Thinning of hair) -        When man suffer from hereditary hair loss they watch their hair losing ground.   Their hair line widens with time and in some they see bald patches, especially on the top of the head.  In women most common sign is  widening of their partition.  So if you get any of these symptoms visit your dermatologist.

2) Alopecia areata (Due to Autoimmune Disease) - Here the body's immune system attacks itself and loses hair from different part of the body, making that part smooth with visible round patches of hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body.  The person suffering from this disorder is often healthy otherwise. Hair generally grows back with time but dermatologist may help in re-growing hair faster.

3) Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia (Scarring in follicles) - Rare but found in otherwise healthy people, this disorder forms scar tissues where the follicles once were.  This disorder does not let the hair regrow again through those follicles.  Visit dermatologist to stop scarring of hair follicles.

4) Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia : Starting from the center it progresses (slowly or rapidly) to the other part of the scalp.  The effected area becomes smooth and shiny.  If hair loss is rapid the person may suffer from tingling, burning, pain, or itching on the scalp.  Visit your dermatologist as hair loss can be prevented if scarring is not there.

Blood test, scalp biopsy, hair test and proper interrogation by the dermatologist tells you the exact cause of hair loss in you.  There are so many reasons for hair loss, you may require to visit dermatologist two or three times to find the exact cause.

TREATMENT 

Treat your hair loss early before losing most of the hair.   Dermatologist may give you the mixture of one or more treatment to treat your hair loss.  Minoxidil (AVAILABLE IN 2% AND 5% concentration - 2% is recommended for women while 5% for men) and some laser devices are available over the counter to stimulate your hair growth.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these treatments to treat hair loss. There are some prescribed medicine (like Finasteride and Corticosteroid) approved by FDA.  88% of men experienced slowing of hair fall and 66% experienced stimulating in hair growth with these oral medicines and injections. 

Hair transplantation, Scalp reduction (alone or with hair transplant), Scalp expansion, Scalp Flap are some procedures that dermatologist recommend for better result.

Treatment of hair loss depends upon the reason and amount of hair loss occurred before you visit the dermatologist.  Earlier you visit the dermatologist, better will be the result.

TIPS FOR MANAGING HAIR -

1) Do you try 100 strokes a day to promote healthy hair.  Stop this practice now.  Hair are dead parts of the body and brush strokes doesn't affect them at all other than stripping the ends of the hair that causes split ends.  Dermatologists recommend that brushing be kept to a minimum to limit breakage.

2) Treatments like blow dry, perming, straightening, dyeing, bleaching, curling irons etc. damage the hair and can cause dry, brittle strands.  Use these on the limited basis.

3) Even treating your hair vigorously with towel, combing wet hair etc. lead to hair damage.

4) Wearing tight braid or ponytail will stimulate your hair growth is the saying of the past.  Dermatologist says that wearing tight braids, ponytail or any other hairstyle pull on your hair and when worn continuously usually cause tension that leads to breakage. If the tension continues, traction alopecia (hair loss caused by pulling on the scalp) can develop.

5) Take special care of colored hair (especially if you have lighten the natural hair color).  Going out directly in sun when you have colored hair will lead to weak, dry, rough, faded, and brittle hair.  The chemicals in hair color often cause unsightly yellowing, fading, and a dull appearance.  Use leave in conditioner with zinc oxide will protect your hair from discoloration.  Also wear a wide-brimmed hat when going out in sun.

6) Never Skip Conditioner - Condition your hair after each shampoo.  It does not repair hair but increases shine, decrease static electricity, improve strength, and offer some protection from harmful UV rays.  It makes your damaged hair look better.

7) Take Care Of Your Hair While Swimming.  Wet and condition your hair before you dive in the swimming pool.  This will help in protecting your hair from harmful chlorine to some extent. Apply shampoo and conditioner especially formulated for swimmers to retrieve lost moisture.

8) Products that promise long-lasting hold also causes hair fall and results in thinning of hair over the period of time. Do not comb your hair after applying these products.

SOME RECOMMENDATIONS 

MINTOP Minoxidil 2% - Available in INR 278

Hairmax Lasercomb Advanced 7 Fda - Available in the range of INR 23,000 - INR 32,000

Wella COLOR PRESERVE DETANGLER & LEAVE IN CONDITIONER- Available in INR 1,317

Loreal Kids Swim And Sport Shampoo(FOR KIDS) - Available in INR 299 on rediff (MRP INR 490)

Ultraswim Chlorine-Removal Shampoo 7-Ounce Bottles (Pack Of 4)-Ryk - Available in INR 4,880

Ultraswim Conditioner 7-Ounce Bottles (Pack Of 4)-Tuc - Available in INR 5,463

UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo, 7 fl oz (207 ml) (Imported) - Available in INR 1,373

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Article Resources

http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/e---h/hair-loss/hair-loss-

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/agingskinnet/hair_care.html

ethnichealthcourt.com 

www.doctorfox.co.uk 

drerikson.com  

drjeffdonovan.com

britpaige.com