Hair And Scalp Diseases - Alopecia
When one hears a medical term that refers to a medical condition the first question they ask nowadays is, is it catching? With all the antibiotic resistant germs out there it’s no wonder one would be concerned. Ironically enough when one hears the word alopecia they tend to react the same way, at least until they find out that it falls into the category of hair and scalp diseases. So this is not a disease or illness it is a medical term used to describe the loss of hair.
There are many forms of alopecia, and some are indicators that there is an underlying illness or medical problem. In other forms, it is a result of an action such as injury or prescriptive drugs.
The most common for is that which causes male pattern baldness known as androgenic alopecia. Now, as we said about alopecia is not catching and is in the category of hair and scalp diseases but we didn’t say it couldn’t be hereditary which is the case with androgen tic alopecia.
Actually if you are male and look back, most probably your father or your grandfather suffered from it. It is not just something that affects males incidentally; women suffer from it as well.
Alopecia in regards to baldness sort of sneaks up on a person as do many of the hair and scalp diseases. It starts off with a thinning of the hair. You may notice that when you wash or brush your hair you are losing more. At first, this is a common occurrence but then you notice an increase in the loss and you can actually see where your hair is beginning to thin. Most of the time at the top of the head and/or the crown. Unfortunately, this particular type of hair loss is for the most part permanent.
As we said, there are various forms of alopecia. Before you jump to the conclusion that it is the androgen type consider some of the other types in the event that there are other steps you may be able to take to correct the problem there is traction alopecia which can be inadvertently caused by your applying to much stress to your hair which will damage the hair root. Perhaps from continuously tight braiding, or excessive harsh brushing which can also lead to other hair and scalp diseases.
You will note the loss here most noticeable at the tightest point of the hairstyle causing the problem. If you allow this problem to continue, it can result in permanent hair loss.
Then there is the hair loss that is associated with various medical treatments such as chemotherapy. These fortunately are usually of a temporary nature and regrowth will begin after the medications are stopped.
Anagen effluvium is that which is associated with chemotherapy. Usually it will begin to regrow six months after chemo stops. Then there is telogen effluvium is where the hair begins to shed to the point of thinning. This also can be reversible once the cause has been determined and eliminated.
If you are suffering hair loss, it is highly recommended that you research the quality products which offers the solution to many types of hair loss problems. Be sure that you stay diligent in watching for any of the various hair and scalp diseases besides alopecia that one can be afflicted with.
