Hair Loss Conditions

Alopecia Areata is a condition where hair falls out in small, round patches. This happens because the body’s immune system incorrectly attacks the hair follicles, causing hair to stop growing in those areas. It can happen anywhere on the body but commonly occurs on the scalp. Anyone of any age, gender and ethnicity can experience alopecia. While it is not harmful or painful, it can be emotionally challenging. Sometimes, the hair grows back on its own, while in other cases, it may require treatment to encourage regrowth. The exact causes are not fully understood but genetics, lifestyle and external factors are thought to be related.

Telogen Effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs when the body experiences stress, such as illness, surgery, or a significant life event. A poor or restricted diet can also trigger it. Hair fails to grow during the ‘Telogen’ or resting phase, eventually leading to dormant follicles and hair loss. Unlike other types of hair loss, Telogen Effluvium is usually temporary, and the hair often grows back once the body recovers from the stress.

Trichotillosis, also known as Trichotillomania, is a condition where people have a strong urge to pull out their hair. This can happen with hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body parts. The urge is often hard to resist and can be a way of coping with stress, anxiety, or boredom. Over time, it can lead to noticeable hair loss and feelings of guilt or shame. However, with the proper support and treatment, people can learn to manage this behaviour and reduce the urge to pull out hair.

Postpartum hair loss, also known as postpartum alopecia or telogen effluvium, is a common condition that many women experience after giving birth. During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels help keep hair in a growing phase, leading to thicker, fuller hair. However, hormone levels drop after childbirth, causing more hair than usual to enter the shedding phase. This results in noticeable hair loss, often a few months after delivery. The good news is that this hair loss is temporary, and most women see their hair return to its normal growth cycle within a year.

Male Pattern Hair Loss (androgenetic alopecia) is a common form of hair loss in men. It typically starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown of the head. Over time, these areas can expand, leading to more noticeable baldness. This condition is primarily influenced by genetics and hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects hair follicles. While the hair loss is usually permanent, treatments can help slow down the process and, in some cases, even regrow some lost hair.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the skin. These patches, known as plaques, can be itchy, sore, and sometimes crack or bleed. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system triggers skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to a buildup of cells on the surface. It can appear on various body parts, including the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and we do not fully understand its causes. Although biological and environmental factors, such as stress, diet, and weather, can all contribute to the condition. There is currently no cure for psoriasis. However, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Traction Alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated pulling or tension on the hair. This often happens when hair is styled in tight ponytails, braids, or buns or when extensions are used frequently. Over time, the constant tension weakens the hair follicles, leading to thinning and hair loss, especially around the hairline and temples. The good news is that Traction Alopecia can be reversed if caught early by changing hairstyles to reduce stress on the hair. However, if the tension continues, the hair loss can become permanent.

Scarring Alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, is a group of conditions where inflammation destroys the hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue. Unlike other forms of hair loss, the damage in Scarring Alopecia is permanent, and the hair will not grow back. This condition can appear in patches or affect more extensive areas of the scalp, often causing symptoms like itching, pain, or a burning sensation. The exact cause is not always clear, but it can be caused by infections, for example, fungal or bacterial, autoimmune disease, trauma to the scalp and even certain medications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and prevent further hair loss.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) primarily affects women, usually after menopause, but is occasionally seen in men. It causes a slow, progressive hairline recession, often resulting in a band-like pattern of hair loss across the forehead. This condition is thought to be related to the immune system attacking the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and scarring, which prevents hair from regrowing. In addition to the hairline, FFA can sometimes affect the eyebrows and other body hair. Prompt treatment can help slow the progression and manage symptoms, although the hair loss is often permanent.

Pityriasis Amiantacea is a scalp condition characterised by the formation of thick, silvery, or yellowish scales that stick to the hair shafts in clumps. The scales can sometimes be mistaken for severe dandruff or other scalp disorders. While it does not directly cause hair loss, the intense scaling can lead to temporary hair shedding if left untreated. If the crust is peeled away, it can pull the hair with it, leaving an open sore and potentially resulting in permanent hair loss in the area. The condition is often linked to underlying issues such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or fungal infections. Managing Pityriasis Amiantacea needs to be done by professionals and typically involves addressing the underlying scalp condition. Self-treatment is rarely successful.

Also known as Pityriasis Simplex Capitis, Dandruff is a well-known and common scalp condition where dead skin cells shed and appear as white or grey flakes. These flakes can be noticeable in the hair and shoulders and may be accompanied by itching or irritation. Dandruff occurs when the scalp’s natural process of shedding skin cells speeds up, often due to dry skin, sensitivity to hair products, or an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. While dandruff is not harmful or contagious, it can be annoying and affect self-confidence. Treatment involves daily use of anti-dandruff shampoos and proper scalp care to manage the symptoms and reduce flaking.

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, or seborrheic eczema, is a chronic skin condition primarily affecting areas rich in oil glands, such as the scalp, face, and upper body. It causes red, inflamed skin with greasy, yellowish scales or flakes and can be accompanied by itching or discomfort. It can appear like dandruff on the scalp but with more severe scaling and irritation. In severe cases, sufferers may break the skin by scratching it. The condition is a progression of dandruff and is believed to involve a combination of factors, including an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia, a naturally occurring fungus on the skin, and an abnormal immune response. Stress, chilly weather, and hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, can also trigger or worsen the condition. While there is no cure, seborrhoeic dermatitis can be managed with professional advice, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments.

Atopic Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy, inflamed, and often weeps. It frequently appears in patches on the face, neck, elbows, knees, and other areas where the skin folds. Atopic Eczema is most common in children but can continue into adulthood or start later in life. It is related to a combination of genetic factors and an overactive immune system that reacts strongly to environmental triggers like allergens, stress, or irritants. People with Atopic Eczema may also have other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever, so it is usually advised to be assessed for food intolerances or allergies. While there is no cure, the condition can be managed through regular moisturising, avoiding triggers, and topical corticosteroids.