Hair - Part II

Hair Loss and Health
Hair loss can start at any time and can happen to anyone. It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of the normal cycle of hair growth. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Besides the fact that it represents a cosmetic issue, it might also be a health issue, since increased hair loss can be related to an illness.

Logistics – Numbers for Normal Cycle of hair growth
2 to 6: number of years for normal cycle of hair growth
1: number of centimeters each hair grows per month during the hair growth cycle
90: percentage of the hair growing at any one time on the scalp
10: percentage of hair that it is a resting phase at any one time
2 to 3: number of months after the resting phase that the hair falls out
0: starting point after the hair falls out and a new hair starts to grow in its place

Hair loss - Possible causes
Male standard alopecia: is the most common cause of hair loss affecting men after the puberty, since androgen hormones concentration is higher. Although alopecia is more common in men, it can also affect women and children.

Possible causes are as follows: genetics, aging, burns, lesions, poor diet, radiotherapy, conditions involving high fever, some infections, systemic illnesses, such as Lupus and Diabetes, use of some medications, such as Cancer medications, Vitamin A and derivatives, etc.

More causes - improper hair care
Hair style / improper hair care: tight hair rollers, waves - the pull on hair can cause hair loss. If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, the hair will grow back normally.

Chemical burns: perms and straightening may cause chemical burn and inflammation of the hair follicle, which can result in hair loss and even scarring of the scalp.

Hair loss can start at any time and happen to anyone. Talk to a professional and inform your family history, if you are taking medications, including vitamins, if you have any thyroid problems, and your daily diet. For women, also inform your menstrual cycle, use of birth control pills and if you are pregnant. The Doctor will probably take a biopsy and request a blood test to determine possible causes.

Treatments - reality check
There are many treatments available, depending on the cause of the hair loss. The success of the treatment will depend on the diagnosis in an early stage and in many cases, how consistent you use the medication. If it works, it might take about six months to see results. Depending on the cause, there is no cure and the hair loss will happen once you discontinue the treatment.

Treatment - options
1. Hair transplant - suitable for men or women, where the hair follicles are transferred from one part of the body to another
2. Oral medication, such as Finasteride, the generic name for the brand name Propecia – prescription only
3. Minoxidil (topical use) – in few cases Minoxidil shows to be effective to promote hair growth
4. Topical treatment (lotion or shampoo), such as capsaicin, peppermint, Jaborandi inducing hair growth by causing a local and small irritation
5. anti fungal medicines to treat the fungal infection that is causing the hair loss
6. Other treatments involve the use of corticosteroids, for hair loss related to the immune system.

Another cosmetic option is to try different hairstyles, use hairpieces, wigs or even make-up to cover-up the lack of hair in the area.

Check what is suitable for your condition and seek treatment as soon as possible, at least to clear the health issue. Finally, remember that what is inside is more important than what is outside.

Vanessa