Types of Hair Loss
Explore the Various Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common condition that comes in different forms, each with unique causes and hair loss patterns. The cause of hair loss can range from genetic conditions, like androgenetic alopecia, to temporary shedding caused by stress or illness. Since there is a variety of conditions, it’s crucial to accurately diagnose the hair loss to effectively manage and treat it. Understanding the different types of hair loss allows for proper diagnosis and the best treatment options to help regain your confidence.
Overview of the Types of Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss and is also referred to as male pattern baldness. It’s caused by hair follicles being genetically sensitive to DHT, which results in hair follicles miniaturizing over time. This results in the hairline receding and thinning at the crown, and progressively worsens over time.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This leads to sudden round patches of hair loss. It is most likely to occur on the scalp, but it can also affect other areas of the body.
Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia totalis is a more advanced form of alopecia areata and results in complete hair loss on the scalp. Similar to alopecia areata, it is an autoimmune condition.
Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia universalis is the most severe form of alopecia areata and causes complete hair loss across the entire body. This includes loss of hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. As with alopecia areata and alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis is also linked to autoimmune conditions.
Cicatricial Alopecia
Cicatricial alopecia is also known as scarring alopecia. This condition destroys the hair follicles and then replaces them with scar tissues, leading to permanent hair loss. It results from inflammation caused by conditions such as lupus or lichen planopilaris.
Tinea Capitis
Tinea Capitis is caused by a fungal infection of the scalp and results in patchy hair loss, scaling, and occasionally redness or swelling. It is most common in children and is treatable with antifungal medication.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a condition that disrupts the normal hair growth cycle. It causes more hairs than normal to enter the telogen (resting) phase of the cycle. This causes diffuse thinning across the scalp. It is commonly caused by a variety of triggers, including stress, illness, or medication.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen effluvium is sudden hair loss during the anagen (growth) phase. It’s often caused by exposure to chemotherapy, radiation, or other toxins. It can lead to excessive shedding but is generally treatable once the trigger is removed.
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, autoimmune conditions, infections, and environmental factors. Consequently, each of these causes requires different treatment to manage the hair loss. Misdiagnosis, or treating hair loss without understanding the root cause, can lead to ineffective results or exacerbate the condition. It is recommended to consult with a medical professional to conduct a proper examination to determine the hair loss condition. This examination can include scalp analysis, biopsy, and lab testing to accurately determine the diagnosis. Regardless of the type of hair loss, proper diagnosis is crucial to understand the proper steps forward to regain your hair and self-esteem.
