Hair loss usually from the scalp. It may result in bald spots or spread to the entire scalp or the entire epidermis. It may be androgenetic or caused by chemotherapeutic agents, compulsive hair pulling, autoimmune disorders or congenital conditions
Symptoms of Alopecia
The following features are indicative of Alopecia:
gradual thinning on top of head
circular or patchy bald spots
sudden loosening of hair
full-body hair loss
patches of scaling that spread over the scalp
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Common Causes of Alopecia
The following are the most common causes of Alopecia:
autoimmune disorder
pregnancy
trauma
Other Causes of Alopecia
The following are the less common causes of Alopecia:
unhealthy scalp
congenital triangular alopecia
hypothyroidism
Risk Factors for Alopecia
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Alopecia:
environmental factors
being male
Prevention of Alopecia
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Alopecia. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
eat nutritionally balanced diet
avoid tight hairstyle
avoid compulsively twisting, pulling your hair
treat hair gently
avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments and permanent
Occurrence of Alopecia
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Alopecia cases seen each year worldwide:
Common between 1 - 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Alopecia most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged between 35-50 years
Common Gender
Alopecia can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Alopecia
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Alopecia:
Blood test: To confirm regarding medical condition
Pull test: To determine the stage of shedding process
Scalp biopsy: To determine whether an infection is causing hair loss
Light microscopy: To uncover possible disorders of the hair shaft
Doctor for Diagnosis of Alopecia
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Alopecia:
Dermatologist
Complications of Alopecia if untreated
Yes, Alopecia causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Alopecia is left untreated:
eczema
long-term alopecia
widespread or complete loss of scalp or body hair
Procedures for Treatment of Alopecia
The following procedures are used to treat Alopecia:
Surgery: Hair transplant or restoration surgery
Wigs and hairpieces: To cover either permanent or temporary hair loss
Ultraviolet light therapy: To regrow the hairs
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Alopecia
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Alopecia:
Take nutritional supplements: May helpful in recovery of hairs
Hair Oil treatment: Lavender oil combined with oils from thyme, rosemary and cedarwood for hair growth
Time for Treatment of Alopecia
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Alopecia to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced