Hair loss and its prevention

Hair loss or alopecia or baldness is a condition where there is absence or loss of hair, especially of the head. Alopecia results from:

• Serious illness
• Drugs
• Endocrine disorders
• Certain types of dermatitis
• Hereditary factors
• Radiation
• Physiological changes as a part of aging

Types of Alopecia and areas affected:

• Alopecia areata occurs in well-defined patches especially involving the scalp and the beard.
• Alopecia capitis totalis: It involves the scalp, there is complete or near-complete loss of hair of the scalp.
• Cicatricial alopecia is in a certain area, due to the formation of a scar.
• Alopecia congenitalis: Baldness since birth because of the absence of hair bulbs.
• Alopecia follicularis: In this type of alopecia baldness is caused due to inflammation of the hair follicles of the scalp.
• Alopecia liminaris happens along the hairline of the scalp both from the front as well as from the back.
• Male pattern alopecia: It begins in the frontal areas and proceeds until just a horse-shaped area is left in the back and on the sides of the scalp. The loss of hair mainly depends on the androgenic hormone or testosterone. This is found in Males.
• Alopecia medicamentosa causes especially after administration of certain medicines, mainly containing cytotoxic drugs.
• Alopecia pityoides not only involves loss of hair from the scalp but also of body hair accompanied by desquamation of bran like scales.
• Alopecia premature: As the name suggests it is baldness which is usually premature.
• Alopecia symptomatica follows after illness, a prolonged fever or during the disease.
• Alopecia toxica, due to toxins of infectious disease.
• Alopecia universalis: Hair loss not only of the scalp but from the entire body.

Management:

• Hiding hair loss
• Medication
• Surgery
• Using hypothermia caps during some kinds of chemotherapy.
• Embracing baldness by shaving hair.
• Alternative treatment, but there is not much evidence to support it.

Prevention:

• Eat a diet rich in proteins
• Include salads, greens, and sprouts in your food.
• Eat food rich in vitamin A as vitamin A has retinol which promotes hair growth. It also helps to keep the scalp healthy.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and all essential mineral
• Regular washing hair and keeping the scalp clean prevents hair fall. Use a proper shampoo opt for a mild shampoo if you have dry hair.
• Coconut oil not only prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth but also protects the hair from damages caused by ultraviolet rays.
• Olive oil helps to condition the hair and slow down hair loss also especially in people who have a family history of baldness.
• Avoid tight braids and styling rods or iron as it damages the hair and breaks the hair shaft also.
• Avoid chemical treatments on hair
• Avoid stress