BALDNESS
03 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Baldness is also known as alopecia which refers to excessive hair loss majorly from scalp. Anyone can be encountered with baldness but men are more susceptible to this condition. This can lead to many other severe conditions like heart diseases.
CAUSES –
- Hereditary and Genetics
- Medications
- Hormonal changes
- Aging
- Thyroid Disease
- Radiation Therapies
- Hair treatments
RISK FACTORS –
- Stress
- Family History
- Nutritional Deficiency
- Chronic Diseases such as diabetes and cancer
- Aging
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
- Weakening and decline in hair growth from top of the scalp
- Bald spots on the scalp, it can also be seen in eyebrows and beards sometimes
- Frequent hair loss in bulk amount
DIAGNOSIS –
- Blood Test
- Pull Test – Doctor examines the stage of hair loss
- Biopsy
TREATMENT –
- Minoxidil – FDA approved OTC drug to stimulate hair growth which can be used by both the genders.
- Finasteride – Drug specifically prescribed only to men for new hair growth
- Corticosteroids
- Hair Transplantation
- Surgery:
- Scalp reduction- Bald scalp is surgically removed
- Scalp expansion
- Scalp flap
- Laser therapy
PREVENTIONS –
- Nutritional healthy diet
- Avoid harsh chemicals and treatments
- Comb and wash hair gently
- Avoid pulling or twisting hairs frequently
EPIDEMIOLOGY-
- Approximately 35 million males and 21 million female suffer from hair loss worldwide.
- Usually at or after the age of 35, 40% men suffer from baldness. In women, it usually starts at or after the age of 60.