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Throughout time, hair has been an important aspect of a person's appearance and personality. Color, length, style and amount have often been associated with youth, sex appeal, health and power. It's no wonder then, that balding, thinning hair or a receding hairline is a serious concern for those coping with hair loss. Hair has been called our “crowning glory.” Society has placed a great deal of social and cultural importance on hair and hairstyles. Unfortunately, many conditions, diseases, and improper hair care result in excessive hair loss. People who notice their hair shedding in large amounts after combing and brushing or whose hair becomes thinner or falls out should consult a dermatologist. With correct diagnosis, many people with hair loss can be helped. Dr. Neiman, a Board Certified Dermatologist who specializes in treating diseases of the hair and skin, will evaluate a patient’s hair problem by asking questions about diet, medications (including vitamins and health food taken in the last six months), family history of hair loss, recent illness and hair care habits. Hormonal effects may be evaluated in Ipural women by asking about menstrual cycles, pregnancies and menopause. After examining the scalp and hair, a dermatologist may check a few hairs under the microscope. Sometimes blood tests or a scalp biopsy may be required for an accurate diagnosis. It is important to find the cause and to determine whether or not the problem will respond to medical treatment. NORMAL HAIR GROWTH About 90 percent of the hair on a person’s scalp is growing at any one time. The growth phase lasts between two and six years. Ten percent of the hair is in a resting phase that lasts two to three months. At the end of its resting stage, the hair is shed. When the hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces it and the cycle starts again. Scalp hair grows about one-half inch per month. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows. Natural blondes typically have more hair (140,000 hairs) than brunettes (105,000 hairs) or redheads (90,000 hairs). Most hair shedding is due to the normal hair cycle, and losing 50-to-100 hairs per day is no cause for alarm. However if you are concerned about excessive hair loss or dramatic thinning, consult your dermatologist. CAUSES OF EXCESSIVE HAIR LOSS Improper Hair Cosmetic Use / Improper Hair Care – Many men and women use chemical treatments on their hair, including dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners and permanent waves. These treatments rarely damage hair if they are done correctly. However, the hair can become weak and break if any of these chemicals are used often. Hair can also break if the solution is left on too long, if two procedures are done on the same day, or if bleach is applied to previously bleached hair. If hair becomes brittle after chemical treatments, it’s best to stop these until the hair has grown out. Hairstyles that pull on the hair like ponytails and tightly pulled braids should be alternated with looser hairstyles. The constant pull causes some hair loss, especially along the sides of the scalp. Shampooing, combing, and brushing too often can also damage hair, causing it to break. Using a cream rinse or a conditioner after shampooing will make hair easier to comb and more manageable. When hair is wet, it is more fragile, so vigorous rubbing with a towel as well as rough combing and brushing should be avoided. Do not follow the old rule of 100 brush strokes a day—that damages hair. Do use wide toothed combs and brushes with smooth tips. Hereditary Thinning or Balding Hereditary thinning or balding is the most common cause of hair loss. The tendency can be inherited from either the mother or father’s side of the family. Women with the trait develop thinning hair, but do not become completely bald. This condition is called androgenetic alopecia, and it can start in the teens, twenties or thirties. There is no cure, although medical treatments have become available that may help some people. One treatment involves applying a lotion, minoxidil, to the scalp twice a day. Another treatment for men is a daily pill containing finasteride, a drug that blocks the formation of the active male hormone called DHT in the hair follicle. When confronted with thinning hair or baldness, men and women may consider hair transplantation, which is a permanent solution to hair loss. Anyone who has suffered permanent hair loss may be a candidate for hair transplantation. The procedure of hair transplantation involves moving some hair from hair bearing-portions (donor sites) of the head to bald portions (recipient sites) and/or removing bald skin (scalp reduction). Dr. Neiman will help decide which method or combination of methods is right for you.
In this type of hair loss, hair usually falls out, resulting in totally smooth, round patches about the size of a coin or larger. It can-rarely-result in complete loss of scalp and body hair. This disease may affect children and adults of any age. The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. Apart from the hair loss, affected persons are generally in excellent health. In most cases, the hair regrows by itself. Dr. Neiman can treat many people with this condition. Treatments include topical and/or oral medications, a special kind of light treatment or in most cases local injections or cortisone into the affected areas. Cases with the worst prognosis are those that develop early in life. Childbirth When a woman is pregnant, more of her hairs will be growing. However, after a woman delivers a baby, many hairs enter the resting phase of the hair cycle. Within two to three months, some women will notice large amounts of hair coming out of their brushes and combs. This can last one to six months, but resolves completely in most cases. High Fever, Severe Infection, Severe Flu Illnesses may also cause hairs to enter the resting phase. Four weeks to three months after a high fever, severe illness, or infection, a person may be shocked to see significant amounts of hair falling out. This shedding usually corrects itself. Thyroid Disease Both over-active and under-active thyroid can cause hair loss. Dr. Neiman can diagnose thyroid disease through laboratory tests. Hair loss associated with thyroid disease can be reverted with proper treatment. Inadequate Protein in Diet Some people who go on crash diets that are low in protein, or who have severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. The body will save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months later. Hair can then be pulled out amounts by the roots fairly easily. This condition can be reversed and prevented by eating proper amounts of protein and, when dieting, maintaining adequate protein intake. Medications Some prescription drugs may cause temporary hair shedding. Examples include some medications used for the following: gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems, high blood pressure, or blood thinner. High doses of vitamin A may also cause hair shedding. Cancer Treatments Some cancer treatments will cause hair cells to stop 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 regrow after treatment ends. Birth Control Pills Women who lose their hair while taking birth control pills usually have an inherited tendency for hair thinning. If hair thinning occurs, a woman can consult her gynecologist about switching to another birth control pill. Two or three months after discontinuing use of oral contraceptives, hair may also begin to shed. This may continue for six months, at which point shedding usually stops. This is similar to hair loss after the birth of a child. Low Serum Iron Iron deficiency occasionally produces hair loss. Some people do not have enough iron in their diets or may not fully absorb ingested iron. Women who have heavy menstrual periods may develop iron deficiency. Low iron can be detected by laboratory tests and can be corrected by taking iron pills. Major Surgery/Chronic Illness Anyone who has had a major operation may notice increased hair shedding within one to three months afterwards. The condition reverses itself within a few months, but people who have a severe chronic illness may shed hair indefinitely. Fungus Infection (Ringworm) of the Scalp Caused by a fungal infection, ringworm begins with small patches of scaling that can spread and result in broken hair, redness, swelling, and even oozing. This contagious disease is most common in children and oral medication will cure it. Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania) Children and sometimes adults will twist or pull their hair, brows or lashes until they come out. In children especially, this is often just a bad habit that gets better when the harmful effects of the habit are explained. Sometimes hair pulling can be a coping response to unpleasant stresses, and occasionally is a sign of a serious problem needing the help of a mental health professional. ARE THERE SOLUTIONS?
Although most consider
hair transplantation to be the best solution for baldness, there are certainly some supplementary treatments. It would be wise to consider
concentrating MOST of your transplant sessions toward the frontal area and
mid-scalp. This would serve to frame the face correctly. A person could then
embark upon a regular oral Finasteride (Propecia) or topical Minodoxil
(Rogaine) treatment plan. WHAT SURGICAL TREATMENTS WILL BE USED? It is not uncommon to use a combination of techniques to produce the best results. The type of hair replacement surgery chosen depends on the extent and pattern of hair loss, along with the patient's individual situation, lifestyle, and desire.
Cancellation Policy: In fairness to other patients and our staff, a 24 hour notice is required to cancel any appointment. When notice is not given for cancellation, full service cost will be charged or gift certificate forfeited. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment. |
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HAIR LOSS INFORMATION
Alopecia Areata