Hair loss treatment

Alopecia is a pathological hair loss. About 50% of men by the age of 50 show signs of male-pattern baldness, and approximately 40% of women report signs of alopecia. Hair loss leads to hair thinning and, in some cases, complete disappearance of hair in certain areas of the scalp and body.

The most common types of alopecia are:

• androgenetic;

• diffuse;

• focal (areata);

• scarring.

Androgenetic alopecia is hair loss observed in both sexes and results from the effects of male sex hormones on the cells of hair follicles. Causes include:

• polycystic ovary syndrome;

• carcinoid;

• use of certain medications (testosterone, anabolic steroids, progestogens);

• pituitary or ovarian hyperplasia;

• adrenal cortex enlargement.

Loss of mature hair refers to hair thinning that reduces hair density but does not lead to complete baldness. Causes include:

• postpartum period, as a consequence of physiological changes in a woman’s body;

• use of certain medications (anticancer drugs, blood-thinning medications, etc.);

• stress;

• endocrine system disorders;

• poor nutrition.

Loss of growing hair almost always leads to complete baldness. Causes include:

• mycosis fungoides;

• radiation therapy;

• use of medications (anticancer drugs);

• poisoning with arsenic, boric acid, gold, etc.

Scarring alopecia is the appearance of shiny smooth areas without hair follicles on the scalp. The main causes of scarring baldness include:

• congenital malformations of hair follicles;

• pigmented spots, vitiligo;

• infections;

• sarcoidosis;

• lichen planus;

• radiation exposure;

• basal cell carcinoma;

• exposure to acids, alkalis, extreme temperatures.

It is important to know that hair should fall out relatively evenly throughout the day. One of the first signs of developing alopecia may be a high concentration of fallen hair in one place. However, it is also important to remember that alopecia is not always accompanied by increased hair loss. For example, in focal alopecia, the patches can appear in different areas of the scalp, and a person may not even be aware of their presence.

As for the pronounced symptoms, in the early stages of the disease, alopecia in men appears as frontal bald patches, while in women it manifests as slight, almost unnoticeable thinning along the parting. It is important to keep in mind: the more advanced the stage of alopecia, the more difficult it is to restore hair.

Currently, there are several methods for treating this condition. A comprehensive approach to the disease is characteristic of all treatment types. Diagnosing the cause of alopecia is quite difficult, but the experienced specialists at the Oxford Medical clinic can always select an effective treatment. If the disease appears after the completion of puberty, in 80% of cases hair growth is fully restored. The most important thing is to consult a specialist in a timely manner.