ALOPECIA (HAIR FALL)
The two major forms of alopecia are scarring and nonscarring.
Scarring alopecia is associated with fibrosis, inflammation, and loss of hair follicles.
In nonscarring alopecia, the hair shafts are absent or miniaturized, but the hair follicles are preserved.
Alopecia totalis is complete loss of scalp hair.
Alopecia universalis is complete loss of all hair.
CAUSES OF ALOPECIA
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Telogen effluvium
- Alopecia areata
- Tinea capitis
- Traumatic alopecia
- Psoriasis alopecia
- Drugs
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Secondary syphilis
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypopituitarism
- Deficiencies of protein, biotin, zinc, and perhaps iron
- Cutaneous lupus
- Lichen planus
- Folliculitis decalvans
- Sarcoidosis
- Cutaneous metastases
- Stress
- Depression
- Smoking
- Genetic
- Lack of nutrients
- Exposure to heat
- Hair die
- Hair straightening
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Post-partum
- HIV
TRAUMATIC ALOPECIAC
Broken hairs, often of varying lengths Irregular outline in trichotillomania and traction alopecia.
Pathogensis
Traction with curlers, rubber bands, tight braiding Exposure to heat or chemicals (e.g., hair straighteners) Mechanical pulling (trichotillomania)
TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM
Diffuse shedding of normal hairs follows major stress (high fever, severe infection) or change in hormone levels (postpartum) .
Pathogensis
Stress cause more of the asynchronous growth cycles of individual hairs to become synchronous; therefore, larger numbers of growing (anagen) hairs simultaneously enter the dying (telogen) phase.
ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA (male pattern; female pattern)
Miniaturization of hairs along the midline of the scalp Recession of the anterior scalp line in men and some women
Pathogensis
Increased sensitivity of affected hairs to the effects of androgens .Increased levels of circulating androgens (ovarian or adrenal source in women).
ALOPECIA AREATA
Well-circumscribed, circular areas of hair loss, 2–5 cm in diameter In extensive cases, coalescence of lesions and/or involvement of other hair-bearing surfaces of the body Pitting or sandpapered appearance of the nails.
Pathogensis
The germinative zones of the hair follicles are surrounded by T lymphocytes
TINEA CAPITIS
Varies from scaling with minimal hair loss to discrete patches with “black dots” (sites of broken infected hairs) to boggy plaque with pustules (kerion)
Pathogensis
Invasion of hairs by dermatophytes, most commonly Trichophyton tonsurans.
PREVENTION
- Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns or ponytails.
- Avoid compulsively twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair.
- Treat your hair gently when washing and brushing. A wide-toothed comb may help prevent pulling out hair.
- Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments.
- Avoid medications and supplements that could cause hair loss.
- Protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.
- Stop smoking.
- Drink plenty of water 3-4 liters
- Intake of meat, fish which contain selenium, zinc ,protein ,biotin.
- Avoid stress
- Regular exercise
- Avoid hair die
- Avoid hair colouring
TREATMENT
HOMEOPATHY MEDICINE