Hair diseases and hair loss are interrelated. One cannot be thought without the other.
Common causes of hair loss
No single factor can be identified as the universal cause of hair diseases. There are several causes varying from person to person.
The two types of hair loss diseases
The causes of hair loss can be broadly divided into the following two groups –
The temporary effect and the one involving a prolonged action, usually triggered by genetics.
a.) The temporary effect – Usually these cases can be cured by medications and treatments.
b.) Diseases of prolonged hair loss – Such cases may require long-term treatment. Sometimes drug treatment may seem ineffective. In such circumstances, surgery like hair transplantation can be the solution.
Causes of temporary hair loss include those such as the birth of a child, the use of birth control pills, etc.
Another key factor can be hormonal imbalance. It can have a severe impact by causing baldness. The latter enters the list of the main hair diseases.
Relationship between hair diseases and hair loss
It is sometimes found that a particular cause of hair loss is more often related to a particular hair condition. In this context, one can refer to acquired defects of the hair shaft. These flaws are usually triggered by excessive use of hair treatments and styling products.
Likewise, infectious diseases have their root in unhealthy scalp.
Common causes of hair loss diseases –
The common causes of hair loss diseases are as follows –
o Hormonal imbalance
o Illness
o Defective hairstyle
o Inadequate diet
Hormonal imbalance
In men – Hormonal imbalance is a major cause of http://www.hairdiseases.com/preventing-hair-loss/> hair loss diseases in men. The male hormone testosterone plays a key role in activating hair loss. The 5 alpha reductase enzyme in the hair follicles converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The latter is the most potent androgen promoting male pattern baldness, the common hair loss disease.
In women – Thyroid hormone imbalance is one of the main causes of sudden hair loss in women. The state of the thyroid gland in the state of overactivity and underactivity can cause hair loss. Thyroid hormones largely influence the cellular metabolism of scalp proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and minerals. And the cells of the ciliated matrix are strongly affected by the excess or deficiency of thyroid hormones.
Hormonal imbalance also causes hair loss during pregnancy. Pregnancy witnesses a high level of estrogen hormones. This causes a percentage of hair follicles to grow in the anagen phase. But after the birth of the child, there is a rapid drop in the level of estrogen. As a result, a large number of hair follicles go into the catagen phase. And gradually the hair falls out.
Women can also experience hair loss during the post-pregnancy period. It is usually temporary in nature. But if it continues for months, it may indicate hormonal imbalance in the body. And hormonal imbalance for a prolonged period requires proper treatment.
Disease
Certain serous conditions such as a high fever, severe infection or the flu can lead the hair follicles to a resting phase. This condition called telogen effluvium leads to increased hair loss. But it is a temporary condition that will soon be followed by normalcy.
Some cancer treatments also prevent hair fiber growth. Hair becomes thin and breaks. And gradually hair loss occurs. The condition begins within one to three weeks after starting chemotherapy treatment. The treatment can see patients lose up to 90% of their hair.
Faulty hairstyle
This means using certain hair styling techniques that lead to hair loss diseases like traction alopecia. In this condition, the hair fibers are extracted from the hair follicle by a hairstyle that pulls the roots of the hair fibers. An example of such a faulty hairstyle is braiding or cornrowing. Cosmetic treatments like bleaching, coloring or straightening hair like chemical relaxer can also create problems if the proper procedure is not followed.
Inadequate diet
Going on crash diets to lose weight quickly can lead to hair loss. These diets are low in protein, vitamins and minerals, thus causing malnutrition.
Abnormal eating habits lacking in important nutrients can also lead to hair loss.
