iAremyhair believes in giving our customers ample information so that they can make wise decisions regarding hair loss treatment.
For this purpose, we will be introducing a series of topics that offer insight and objective viewpoints. Topics range from basics of hair to hair loss causes to treatment options to other related and interesting issues.
To ensure that our readers get the most out of our newsletters, we have condensed information from established publications and online reference materials such that each topic can be easily digested. iAremyhair invites you on this journey and welcomes your comments.
HORMONAL
There are many life events that can cause hormonal changes such that the male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Hormonal imbalance leads to hair loss. An example of hair loss condition caused by hormonal changes is the hair shedding effect after childbirth. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again. Some hair loss caused by hormonal changes may be temporary while others may be permanent.
AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS
Autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks itself. In a fairly common autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata, the white blood cells attack the deepest part of the hair follicle, commonly known as the bulb area, resulting in temporary hair loss. It is probably the second most common cause of hair loss after androgenetic alopecia. Most people affected by it develop one or two small bald patches on their scalp which persist for several months, after which those areas eventually re-grow hair. While the condition is not life threatening, the sudden occurrence of bald patches can have profound psychological disruptions in those affected. Another autoimmune disease that can result in hair loss is lupus erythematosus. This disease affects the bulge area of the hair follicle rather than the bulb, and can cause permanent hair loss.
OTHER DISEASES OR ILLNESS
Sometimes one to three months after a high fever, severe infection or flu, a person may experience hair loss. This is usually temporary and corrects itself. Fungal infections on the scalp such as ringworm can spread and result in redness, swelling, and even oozing. This contagious disease is most common in children and oral medication will cure it.
Skin cancer and certain rare skin diseases such as severe eczema and psoriasis can result in hair loss. Thyroid and endocrine gland disorders, leprosy, shingles and advanced stages of syphilis have all been noted to cause hair loss.
DRUGS & MEDICATIONS
Some prescription drugs may cause temporary hair shedding in a small percentage of people. Examples of such drugs include some of the medicines used for the following : gout, arthritis, depression, thyroid, heart problems, acne, cholesterol, hormonal conditions, high blood pressure or blood thinning. For example, accutane is a treatment for acne and it is derived from vitamin A but high doses of it may cause hair shedding. The consumption of birth control pills can cause hormonal changes which may trigger the onset of the androgenic alopecia.
PHYSICAL TRAUMA TO THE SCALP
Physical trauma to the scalp, such as wounds from accidental cutting, thermal burns from fire, chemical burns from acids, and from freezing due to exposure to severe cold or liquefied nitrogen can cause permanent hair loss. Continuous pressure on the scalp from a tight fitting helmet or other headgear worn every day can also cause permanent hair loss in some people. This is because prolonged pressure prevents blood from getting to the hairs. Trauma injuries can be the result of cosmetic surgery such as improperly performed hair transplants or radical scalp lifts that result in scalp tissue death.
CANCER TREATMENTS
Chemotherapy and radiation treatment will cause hair loss because it stops hair cells from dividing. Hairs become thin and break off as they exit the scalp. This occurs one to three weeks after the treatment. Patients can lose up to 90 percent of their scalp hair. The hair will re-grow after treatment ends and patients may want to get wigs before treatment. There are some drugs in development to help prevent this hair loss from occurring. STRESS. Stress can cause a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. This stress is not caused by the general stress of ordinary interactions with people at home or at work, but rather by sudden severe emotional or physiological incidents. There is usually a delay of a few weeks to a few months before shedding is noticed. In most cases, it is temporary if the person is not predisposed to genetic or androgenic alopecia. If they are, stress may worsen existing androgenic hair loss.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
An obsessive compulsive disorder called trichotillomania is the urge in some people to pull or yank their hair from the scalp. If this behaviour is not stopped, permanent hair loss can result from the constant stress on the scalp. While cutting the hair short to make pulling more difficult may help in the short term, counselling to address this issue is the best longterm treatment. This condition is more common in children than adults and more women than men suffer from this disorder.
DIETARY FACTOR
Iron deficiency occasionally produces hair loss. Some people don't eat enough foods that contain iron or may not fully absorb iron in their diets. Women who have heavy menstrual periods may develop iron deficiency which can be corrected by taking iron pills. Also, people who go on 'crash diets' or have severely abnormal eating habits, may develop a deficiency in the area of proteins, zinc, essential fatty acids and other nutrients essential for hair growth. Also, studies have shown that a high fat diet can interfere with hormonal activity and thus causing hair loss. Eating the right foods regularly may prevent further shedding.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Some scientists believe that toxins and carcinogens found in polluted air can stop hair from growing by blocking the mechanisms that produce the protein from which hair is made.
MECHANICAL DAMAGE
Damage to the hair can be self inflicted. Styling hair by bleaching, curling and straightening can cause damage and results in hair being lost. Hair can become weak and break if any chemicals used in these procedures are applied too often and left too long on the hair. Avoid the frequent use of these products and go only to qualified hair stylists who use safe products. Braids or weaves that constantly strain the hair follicle can cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Make sure the person applying the braids or weave is qualified to do so and don't wear braids or weaves continuously for extended periods of time.
Reference Materials
Panagotacos, Peter J, M.D. "Hair Loss Answers". USA : Author's Publishing Cooperative, 2005.
http://www.hairlosshelp.com/hair_loss_research/hairloss_causes.cfm
Kobren, Spencer David, "The Bald Truth". USA : Pocket Books, 1998.
