Hair Loss

Hair loss is a major concern, regardless of gender. It has been noted by ADA that more than

eighty million men and women in the world are affected by hair loss, also known as alopecia. It can affect the hair on your scalp and body. Alopecia is more common in adults;

however, excessive hair loss is seen in children as well. It is considered normal to lose fifty to hundred strands of hair per day. Our scalp has100,000 hair strands, which makes it unnoticeable. New hair constantly replaces the lost hair. Although the chances of that don’t always

happen. Hair loss develops gradually and can lead to permanent damage as well. Moreover, counting the amount of hair lost everyday is impossible. Nevertheless, if you think you are losing excessive hair and you see bad patches on your scalp, you should consult a doctor. Intense hair fall is not normal.

Risk Factors and Causes of Hair Loss

It can be very challenging to get to the root cause of hair fall because there are tremendous

reasons behind it. The term used medically for hair loss is called alopecia. Most hair loss has no significant link with systemic or internal diseases. A person’s hair can just start becoming thinner due

to aging and hereditary factors. A lot of men and women notice mild thinning of their hair during their 30s and 40s.

Hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause can also cause hair loss. Other than

that, illnesses, trauma, diet changes (restricted eating), and protein deprivation can lead

to hair loss as well. Health conditions, which include thyroid disease, diabetes, anemia, iron deficiency anemia, and secondary syphilis may be one of the few reasons behind severe hair loss. Although, whenever people suffering from hair loss get their complete blood count and

thyroid test done, it may appear normal. It is necessary that these are ruled out from the alleged causes.

Treatment Options

Medication

The first course treatment for hair loss is medications. They mostly comprise over the

counter gels and creams, which can be applied to the scalp directly. The most common

ingredient in these topical medications is Minoxidil. The side effects of Minoxidil are irritation of the scalp and abnormal hair growth in adjacent areas, such as the forehead.

Prescription medication often prescribed is finasteride, which is taken orally for male pattern

baldness. Men have also experienced new hair growth after taking this medication.

Doctors also prescribe corticosteroids, like prednisone. It reduces inflammation and

suppresses the immune system. Moreover, they also mimic the hormones made by your

adrenal glands.

Medical Procedures

Medications don’t always work to stop hair loss, leading to the requirement of surgical

procedures to treat baldness.

Hair Transplant Surgery

This procedure works well for someone who has hereditary baldness, since they lose hair

from the top of their scalp. Since it is a chronic condition, which progresses with time, it

requires multiple surgeries.

Prognosis

Hair loss can be stopped and treated with the right approach, especially if it is due to

illnesses. However, it isn’t always easy to treat hereditary hair loss.

Get in touch with a Certified Trichologist.

We’re here to help at Ottawa Hair Loss Clinic & Wellness

www.ottawahairlossclinic.com