Although shedding some hair is a common physiological process, it is important to find the cause of hair loss if it is excessive in nature. Various causes may be associated with excessive hair loss, including, underlying diseases, hormonal imbalance, hereditary, too much of styling etc. Some of the most common causes are discussed in this article.
Causes Of Specific Types Of Hair Loss
Pattern baldness: Although the exact reasons for pattern baldness are unknown, heredity is believed to play a major role. In most cases of pattern baldness, the time of hair growth shortens and hairs become increasingly thinner. Chances of pattern baldness increases, if any of your parent has suffered from this condition .
Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia: It is a permanent type of hair loss. Scarring alopecia occurs when there is an inflammation of the scalp and the hair follicles are damaged. This type of infection is seen with several types of skin conditions, including lichen planus or lupus erythematosus.
Alopecia areata: It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, but the exact causes are still unknown. It may be noted that some patients who suffer from alopecia aerata also suffer from other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid. However, it can also affect healthy people.
Telogen effluvium: This type of hair loss occurs due to a change in the normal hair cycle. This may be due to a shock; emotional or physical. This type of hair loss is associated with emotional distress, such as, death in the family, or physiological stress, such as, sudden or excessive weight loss, high fever, surgery, nutritional deficiencies, or metabolic disturbances.
Traction alopecia: This type of hair loss occurs due to excessive hair styling or hairstyles that pull the hair too tightly. Normal hair growth may be resumed by eliminating the pulling factor, before any scarring occurs.
Other Causes Of Hair Loss
One of the most common reasons for hair loss is poor nutrition. Adequate amount of iron and protein is required to keep hair healthy.
Medications, such as those used to treat gout, arthritis, depression, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension may also cause hair loss.
Diabetes and lupus may also lead to hair loss. In these diseases, the major cause for hair loss is hormonal imbalance.
Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also cause excessive hair loss. However, re-growth is observed as soon as the medical condition is under control.
Hormonal changes may also lead to hair loss. This usually occurs due to pregnancy, childbirth, thyroid disorders, discontinuing contraceptives and menopause. Overproduction of testosterone may also be responsible for thinning of hair around the crown area of the scalp.
Overuse and improper use of chemicals used for dying, bleaching, tinting, straightening or permanent waves can also damage hair and lead to hair loss. If the hair shaft is damaged due to chemical treatments, over styling and excessive brushing can worsen the condition.
Scalp infection, such as ringworm can also lead to hair loss. However, as soon as the infection is treated, there is regrowth of hair.
Compulsive hair pulling behavior, known as trichotillomania can also be responsible for hair loss. The reasons for this behavior is not known yet.