|
Losing one's hair can be a rather traumatic experience, and only certain
types of hair loss can nowadays be treated successfully.There are various types
of hair loss. Hairs can fall out from the entire scalp, from the region of the
forehead or in patches from the crown of the head.
Types of hair loss
With hair loss we distinguish between effluvium, the process of losing hair,
or alopecia, a condition which ranges from thinning of hair, i.e. reduction in
hair density, to complete baldness.
Alopecia is divided into two types: the
scarring and non-scarring alopecia. In the scarring form the follicles are
irreversibly destroyed and hairs can no longer be produced. In non-scarring
alopecia hair follicles do function fully.
Diffuse and androgenetic alopecia
as well as alopecia areata belong to this group.
-Alopecia areata or circular hair
loss
Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring hair loss disease that can
affect men, women and children. The factors that activate the onset of alopecia
areata and the mechanisms of its development are not yet fully enlighted.
The aetiology of
alopecia areata, the circular hair loss, is not fully elucidated to this
day.Abnormality in the auto-immune system is surmised.
-Androgenetic hair
loss
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss.
Androgenetic alopecia is an extremely common disorder affecting both men and
women. The incidence is generally considered to be greater in males than
females.
Although androgenetic alopecia is a hormonal determined condition,
latest information in research have shown, that in women, also other reasons may
cause this type of hair loss.
An average of 47% of men under 30 years of age
have androgenetic hair loss, the incidence rising with age. About 19% of women
aged over 20 years are affected.
Male hair loss pattern in androgenetic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a genetic disposition under the influence
of androgens. The catabolic product of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone,
initially causes a shortening of the anagen phase, ultimately leading to
advanced miniaturisation and resulting exhaustion of the hair follicle.
According to Norwood-Hamilton, androgenetic alopecia expresses itself in
seven different stages, from balding at the temples to "monk's tonsure".
Female hair loss pattern in androgenetic alopecia
 |
Female hair loss pattern starts in the parting area and spreads from there
into all directions.
- Diffuse hair
loss
Diffuse alopecia is a type of hair loss that is seen in both men
and women. With men it is difficult to determine with respect to the
androgenetic alopecia. Diffuse hair loss tends to affect the whole scalp, rather
than specific areas of it. It can occur at any age. The first signs are of
increased hair loss which is followed after a while by recognizable thinning of
the hair.
Nearly 40% of all women, but also 20% of men aged over 20, develop
diffuse hair loss at least once in their lifetime.
Causes of diffuse
alopecia
There are numerous causes of diffuse alopecia which can be of
psychological as well as of physical nature:
- States of exhaustion,
stress
- Somatic and psychosomatic states
- Fever, infections,
rheumatism
- Metabolic disorders e.g. thyropathy
- Anemia
- Pregnancy
and lactation
- Malnutrition, diet regiments, alcohol abuse
- Ingestions
of drugs e.g. cytostatics, lipid lowering agents
- Intoxications
-
Radiation
Symptoms of diffuse hair loss can be treated by supplying the body with
essential nutrients and active ingredients as contained in
Newcare.
Female hair loss pattern in diffuse alopecia
In contrast to androgenetic alopecia, the hair loss pattern in female diffuse
alopecia is characterised by an even loss of hair, mainly all over the head.
|