Hair loss facts

Hair loss facts

• Hair loss without scarring of the scalp is a very common condition and affects most people at some time in their lives.
• Medical professionals should distinguish hair loss from breakage of the hair shaft from hair loss due to decreased hair growth.
• Common balding (androgenetic alopecia) occurs in men and women and is due to the effect of testosterone metabolites in genetically susceptible hair follicles.
• Thyroid disease, anemia, protein deficiency, secondary syphilis, chemotherapy, and low vitamin levels may cause hair loss.
• Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss produced by the autoimmune destruction of hair follicles in localized areas of skin.
• Medications indicated for hair regrowth include minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia).
• Prevention of hair loss includes good hair hygiene, regular shampooing, and good nutrition.
• Medical health screening for hair loss may include blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC), iron level, vitamin B, thyroid function tests (TFT), and a biopsy of the scalp.