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 Hair Loss
Causes of Hair Loss
Treatments for Hair Loss
Hair
Loss
Hair Loss (alopecia) is the result of hair loss from the scalp
and can be due to a number of factors, such as taking certain
medications, heredity or other medical conditions.
Androgenic Alopecia (male pattern baldness)
The most common type of alopecia is called androgenetic
alopecia, commonly known as 'pattern baldness'. This type of
baldness is permanent and due to hereditary factors.
Androgenic alopecia usually starts at the hairline, causing it
to recede gradually to form an M shape. This is usually
connected with a corresponding thinning of the hair at the
crown. Over time, the top points of the hairline "M" meet the
thinned crown, resulting in a horseshoe pattern of hair around
the sides and back of the head. Androgenic alopecia is treated
using topical minoxidil or oral finasteride
(Propecia). These treatments can prove to be highly
effective. Minoxidit has demonstrated success in hair
re growth on the crown, as well as a slowing or stoppage of
hair loss in 40 percent of men. Finasteride has been
demonstrated to slow hair loss from the crown in over 85
percent of patients. Over 65% of these patients experienced
increased hair growth on the crown when using finasteride.
Hair loss from the crown appears to be far more responsive to
these treatments than is frontal hair loss.
Alopecia Areata
Less common is alopecia areata. This type of hair loss is
usually temporary and affects under 2% of the population. This
condition affects both hair loss from the head and the body
and it's cause is unknown. The hair follicles of those
suffering from alopecia areata are mistakenly attacked by the
person's own immune system, causing arrested hair growth. It
usually begins with one or a few bald patches on the scalp and
can proceed to cause complete hair loss on the scalp
(alopecia totalis) or on the body (alopecia universalis).
Alopecia areata can affect both men and women at all ages;
however, it most frequently becomes apparent in childhood.
Significant hair loss should be a topic discussed with a
medical doctor or dermatologist. The vast majority of hair
loss is the result of non life threatening triggers; however,
only a medical doctor can rule out the onset of hair loss as a
result of more serious health conditions.
The American Academy of
Dermatology offers excellent resources and articles concerning
all types of
hair
loss, treatments and causes. For information about
treating hair loss with Propecia, read about
Propecia &
Merck & Co., Inc. |
