Hair Loss

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common condition which may be a consequence of natural aging, a side effect of medication, or a manifestation of a health disorder. It can result in total baldness, thinning of the hair, or patchy bald spots and may be confined to the scalp or affect other areas of the body. Hair loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on its cause. Some of the causes of hair loss include:

Male pattern baldness
Fungal infections of the scalp
Severe infections or high fevers
Poor nutrition
Certain medications
Traumatic stress
Trichotillomania, a psychiatric disorder involving compulsive hair-pulling
Thyroid or pituitary disorders
Certain skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or polycystic ovary syndrome
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder
Telogen effluvium, in which too many hair follicles remain in a resting state

Treatment For Hair Loss

Treatment for hair loss is usually based on the cause of the condition. When hair loss results from a fungal infection, it may be treated with anti-fungal medication. Hair loss that results from cancer treatment is usually temporary. For other types of hair loss, one of the following treatments may be considered:

Hair transplant surgery, hair plugs, scalp reduction
Over-the-counter medications, such as Rogaine or Nizoral
External laser comb
Hair-stimulating treatments

For some patients, wigs or hairpieces may be useful in creating an attractive appearance and reducing self-consciousness about hair loss.