Hair Loss: Is Alopecia Areata the Cause? Other Tips If you’ve seen a lot of extra hair on your pillow, brush, or shower drain, or you’ve noticed odd little bald spots in the mirror, you might have an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata. When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks your own body. With alopecia areata, it’s the hair follicles that are attacked. This causes the hair to come out, often in clumps the size and shape of a quarter. The amount of hair loss is different in everyone. Some people lose it only in a few spots. Others lose a lot. It’s rare, but you can lose all the hair on your head (alopecia areata totalis) or entire body (alopecia areata universalis). Each case of alopecia areata is different. Sometimes, hair grows back but falls out again later. In others, hair grows back for good. If you think you do have alopocia areata, you may want to see a dermatologist. Is There A Cure? Alopecia areata can’t be cured. But it can be treated and hair can grow back.

If you have it, there are several things to try: Corticosteroids. These are anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed for autoimmune diseases. They can be given as an injection into the scalp or other areas. They can also be given in pill form or rubbed on the skin as an ointment, cream, or foam. The downside is that it may take a long time to work. Topical immunotherapy . This is used when there’s a lot of hair loss , or if it happens more than once. Chemicals are applied to the scalp to produce an allergic reaction . If it works, this reaction is actually what makes the hair grow back. It also causes an itchy rash , and usually has to be repeated several times to keep the new hair growth. Minoxidil ( Rogaine ). This treatment, which is put on the scalp, is already used for pattern baldness. It usually takes about 12 weeks before you see growth, and some users are disappointed in the results. Other treatments for alopecia areata include medications that are sometimes used for other autoimmune disorders. These medicines have differing amounts of success in re-growing hair.

Continued Other Tips Apart from drug treatments, there are other things you can try if you have alopecia areata. Wear wigs, hats, or scarves. They cover your hair loss and will protect your head from the sun. Reduce stress . Personal troubles seem to trigger alopecia areata, although this has not been proven scientifically. Alopecia areata isn’t usually a serious medical condition, but it can cause a lot of anxiety and sadness. Support groups are out there to help you deal with the psychological effects of the condition. Remember, even if you lose all your hair, it could grow back. And if it doesn’t, there are all kinds of great options if want to cover your hair loss. If you notice sudden hair loss, always check with a doctor. There can be a lot of other reasons for it besides alopecia areata. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Debra Jaliman, MD on September 08, 2016 Sources Alopecia Areata : What It Is, Diagnosis, and Treatments Have abnormal color, shape, texture, or thickness of the fingernails or toenails . Because hair is an important part of appearance, hair loss can result in feeling unattractive.

In some people with alopecia areata, the fingernails and toenails become pitted-they look as if a pin had made many tiny dents in them. They may also look like sandpaper. Alopecia areata cannot be "cured" but it can be treated. Most people who have one episode will have more episodes of hair loss. Continued How is alopecia areata diagnosed? Alopecia areata is diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination . Your doctor will ask you questions about your hair loss, look at the pattern of your hair loss, and examine your scalp. And he or she may tug gently on a few hairs or pull some out. If the reason for your hair loss is not clear, your doctor may do tests to check for a disease that could be causing your hair loss. Tests include: Hair analysis . Your doctor will take a sample of your hair and examine it under a microscope. A scalp sample is also sometimes taken. Blood tests, including testing for a specific condition, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism ). How is it treated? Because hair usually grows back within a year, you may decide not to treat alopecia areata.

If you choose not to treat the condition and wait for your hair to grow back, you may wish to: Wear hairpieces. Hairpieces are made from human or synthetic hair that is implanted into a nylon netting. Hairpieces may be attached to the scalp with glue, metal clips, or tape. But hair weaving, which involves sewing or braiding pieces of longer hair into existing hair, is not recommended because it may cause permanent hair loss. Use certain hair care products and styling techniques. Hair care products or perms may make hair appear thicker. Dyes may be used to color the scalp. But continual use of perms or dyes may result in more hair loss. The most common treatment for patchy hair loss is many injections of corticosteroids into the scalp or skin , about 1 cm (0.4 in.) apart, every 4 to 6 weeks. Children and some adults may be treated with topical corticosteroids that are applied to the affected skin. Minoxidil ( Rogaine ) may be used along with topical corticosteroids. Anthralin is an ointment that may help hair grow again. It looks and feels like tar, and it can irritate and stain the skin.

So anthralin is applied to bare patches on the scalp only for a short time and then is washed off. It may take 2 months or more for new hair to grow. Contact immunotherapy triggers an allergic reaction on the scalp that may help hair to grow. A medicine is "painted" on the scalp once a week. This irritates the skin and makes it red and scaly. Hair growth may appear within 3 months of beginning treatment. Side effects of contact immunotherapy include a severe rash ( contact dermatitis ) and swollen lymph nodes , especially in the neck. Continued How will alopecia areata affect your life? Alopecia areata does not affect you as another condition might: it is not painful, it does not make you feel sick, and it does not result in serious health problems. You cannot spread it to other people, and it should not interfere with school, work, or recreation. But if hair loss is making you feel unattractive, it is important to talk to someone about it. A counselor can help, as can talking to other people with the same condition. WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.

Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.© 1995-2015 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Pagination Alopecia | definition of alopecia by Medical dictionary Alopecia | definition of alopecia by Medical dictionary Alopecia simply means hair loss (baldness). Description Hair loss occurs for a great many reasons, from conditions that make people literally pull it out to complete hair loss caused by the toxicity of cancer chemotherapy . Some causes are considered natural, while others signal serious health problems. Some conditions are confined to the scalp. Others reflect disease throughout the body. Being plainly visible, the skin and its components can provide early signs of disease elsewhere in the body. Oftentimes, conditions affecting the skin of the scalp will result in hair loss. The first clue to the specific cause is the pattern of hair loss, whether it be complete baldness (alopecia totalis), patchy bald spots, thinning, or hair loss confined to certain areas. Also a factor is the condition of the hair and the scalp beneath it.

Sometimes only the hair is affected; sometimes the skin is visibly diseased as well. Causes and symptoms Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is considered normal in adult males. It is easily recognized by the distribution of hair loss over the top and front of the head and by the healthy condition of the scalp. Top of balding male's head. (Photograph by Kelly A. Quin. Reproduced by permission.) Alopecia areata is a hair loss condition of unknown cause that can be patchy or extend to complete baldness. Fungal infections of the scalp usually cause patchy hair loss. The fungus, similar to the ones that cause athlete's foot and ringworm , often glows under ultraviolet light. Trichotillomania is the name of a mental disorder that causes a person to pull out his or her own hair. Complete hair loss is a common result of cancer chemotherapy, due to the toxicity of the drugs used. Systemic diseases often affect hair growth either selectively or by altering the skin of the scalp. One example is thyroid disorders. Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) causes hair to become thin and fine.

Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) thickens both hair and skin. Several autoimmune diseases (when protective cells begin to attack self cells within the body) affect the skin, notably lupus erythemematosus. In 2004, a report a the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology said that alopecia was becoming nearly epidemic among black women as a result of some hairstyles that pull too tightly on the scalp and harsh chemical treatments that damage the hair shaft and follicles. Diagnosis Dermatologists are skilled in diagnosis by sight alone. For more obscure diseases, they may have to resort to a skin biopsy , removing a tiny bit of skin using a local anesthetic so that it can be examined under a microscope. Systemic diseases will require a complete evaluation by a physician, including specific tests to identify and characterize the problem. Treatment Successful treatment of underlying causes is most likely to restore hair growth, be it the completion of chemotherapy, effective cure of a scalp fungus, or control of a systemic disease. Two relatively new drugs—minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Proscar)—promote hair growth in a significant minority of patients, especially those with male pattern baldness and alopecia areata.

While both drugs have so far proved to be quite safe when used for this purpose, minoxidil is a liquid that is applied to the scalp and finasteride is the first and only approved treatment in a pill form. Key terms Athlete's foot — A fungal infection between the toes, officially known as tinea pedis. Autoimmune disease — Certain diseases caused by the body's development of an immune reaction to its own tissues. Chemotherapy — The treatment of diseases, usually cancer, with drugs (chemicals). Hair follicles — Tiny organs in the skin, each one of which grows a single hair. Lupus erythematosus — An autoimmune disease that can damage skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. Ringworm — A fungal infection of the skin, usually known as tinea corporis. Systemic — Affecting all or most parts of the body. Minoxidil was approved for over-the-counter sales in 1996. When used continuously for long periods of time, minoxidil produces satisfactory results in about one-fourth of patients with androgenic alopecia and as many as half the patients with alopecia areata.

There is also an over-the-counter extra-strength version of minoxidil (5% concentration) approved for use by men only. The treatment often results in new hair that is thinner and lighter in color. It is important to note that new hair stops growing soon after the use of minoxidil is discontinued. Over the past few decades a multitude of hair replacement methods have been performed by physicians and non-physicians. They range from simply weaving someone else's hair in with the remains of one's own to surgically transplanting thousands of hair follicles one at a time. Hair transplantation is completed by taking tiny plugs of skin, each containing one to several hairs, from the back side of the scalp. The bald sections are then implanted with the plugs. Research completed in 2000 looked at the new technique of hair grafting, and found that micrografts (one or two hairs transplanted per follicle) resulted in fewer complications and the best results. Another surgical procedure used to treat androgenic alopecia is scalp reduction. By stretching skin, the hairless scalp can be removed and the area of bald skin decreased by closing the space with hair-covered scalp.

Hair-bearing skin can also be folded over an area of bald skin with a technique called a flap. Stem cell research is generating new hope for baldness. Scientists know that a part of the hair follicle called the bulge contains stem cells that can give rise to new hair and help heal skin wounds . Early research with mice in 2004 showed promise for identifying the genes that cause baldness and to identify drugs that can reverse the process. Prognosis The prognosis varies with the cause. It is generally much easier to lose hair than to regrow it. Even when it returns, it is often thin and less attractive than the original. Resources Periodicals Cohen, Philip. "Stem Cells Generate Hair and Hope for the Bald." New Scientist (March 20, 2004): 17. Lohr, Elizabeth. "Alopecia Nearly Epidemic Among Black Women." Clinical Psychiatry News (March 2004): 96. Nielsen, Timothy A., and Martin Reichel. "Alopecia: Diagnosis and Management." American Family Physician. Other Loss of hair due to formation of scar tissue. alopecia congenitalis Baldness due to absence of hair bulbs at birth.

alopecia follicularis Baldness due to inflammation of the hair follicles of the scalp. alopecia liminaris Loss of hair along the hairline, both front and back, of the scalp. male-pattern alopecia Male-pattern baldness. alopecia medicamentosa Loss of hair as a result of medical treatment, esp. treatment with drugs used in chemotherapy for cancer. alopecia pityroides Loss of both scalp and body hair accompanied by desquamation of branlike scales. alopecia prematura Premature baldness. alopecia symptomatica Loss of hair after prolonged fevers or during the course of a disease. This baldness may be due to systemic or psychogenic factors. alopecia totalis Absence or loss of hair. [G. alōpekia, a disease resembling fox mange, fr. alōpēx, a fox] alopecia (al´əpē´shə), n the loss of hair. Baldness. Various types with varying causes. alopecia deficiency of the hair or wool coat; may be caused by failure to grow or by loss after growth.

There is a significant difference amongst those in which grown fibers are lost, between those in which stumps of fibers remain, and those in which the hair root has been shed from the follicle. See also hypotrichosis , alopecic . alopecia areata noninflammatory hair loss in sharply defined areas. A rare condition seen in dogs, cats, horses and primates; the cause is unknown, but immune-mediated mechanisms are suspected. bilaterally symmetric alopecia a clinical feature associated with endocrine and metabolic causes of hair loss in dogs and cats, although other causes including self-trauma are sometimes responsible. cicatricial alopecia, alopecia cicatrisata irreversible loss of hair associated with scarring. collar frictional alopecia loss of hair around the neck occurs in some cats wearing collars. It is reversible when the collar is removed. color dilution alopecia color mutant alopecia (below). color mutant alopecia a clinical syndrome seen in dogs with blue or fawn coat color caused by the dilution gene at the D locus. Clinical signs include bacterial folliculitis, scaling and hair loss, mainly over the back and commencing within the first year or two of life.

Hairs contain clumped melanin (macromelanosomes) with distortion and fracture of the shaft. Seen most often in Doberman pinschers but reported in a number of other breeds. Called also blue Doberman syndrome, fawn Irish setter syndrome. Seen also in many breeds of cattle, especially Simmental, Angus. Characterized by short, sparse, curly haircoats and wispy tail switch. Called also color dilution alopecia. alopecia congenitalis complete or partial absence of the hair at birth. endocrine alopecia hair loss caused by an endocrine abnormality that adversely affects hair growth. Usually characterized by symmetrical distribution and noninflammatory changes in the skin. feline acquired symmetric alopecia a bilaterally symmetric hair loss on the posterior abdomen, inner thighs, perineum and, less consistently, ventral thorax, flanks and forelegs of cats, most commonly neutered males. The skin is usually normal and nonpruritic. The cause is unknown; sex hormone deficiency was previously believed to be responsible, but abnormal thyroid function is also suspected. Some cases are in reality self-inflicted by excessive grooming or the cat's response to unrecognized pruritus. Called also feline endocrine alopecia.

inherited symmetrical alopecia calves born with a normal haircoat lose their hair over bilaterally distributed specific areas of the skin. See also inherited congenital hypotrichosis . alopecia medicamentosa hair loss due to ingestion of a drug. alopecia mucinosa hair loss associated with mucinosis of the epidermis and hair follicles. pattern alopecia a pinnal alopecia observed in miniature poodles. Regrowth usually occurs in 3 to 4 months. pinnal alopecia gradual loss of hair on the pinnae until there is total alopecia. Occurs mainly in Dachshunds and may have a hereditary basis. pituitary alopecia see growth hormone-responsive dermatitis. post-clipping alopecia a failure of hair to regrow, usually for a long period, after clipping. Seen particularly in Chow Chows, Samoyeds and Siberian huskies. The cause is unknown. postvaccination alopecia and panniculitis a focal area of hair loss occurring at the site of rabies vaccination; miniature poodles are predisposed.

progressive alopecia, congenital anemia and dyskeratosis a condition seen in Hereford cattle; affected calves are born with sparse, short kinky or curly hair which is gradually lost. They are also anemic. psychogenic alopecia hair loss resulting from intensive self-trauma such as licking or biting and for which no cause can be found. Boredom is often considered a factor. See also acral lick dermatitis, idiopathic hyperesthesia syndrome. seasonal flank alopecia a cyclic follicular dysplasia which tends to occur seasonally, mainly in spring or fall. There is a nonpruritic hair loss and often hyperpigmentation of the skin in irregular, defined areas on the flanks and lateral thorax. Many cases regrow hair after 3 to 6 months, but recurrences at the corresponding time in following years is common. Boxers, Airedale terriers, English bulldogs, and Miniature schnauzers are predisposed breeds, but it has been reported in others. Called also cyclic follicular dysplasia.

symptomatic alopecia, alopecia symptomatica loss of hair due to systemic or psychogenic causes, such as general ill health, infections of the skin, nervousness, a specific disease, or to stress. The hair may fall out in patches, or there may be diffuse loss of hair instead of complete baldness in one area. traction alopecia loss of hair due to traction, as occurs in dogs of breeds in which hair on the head is held by rubber bands or barrettes. traumatic alopecia that caused by self-trauma (licking, scratching, chewing or pulling); possible in any pruritic skin disease in any species, but particularly severe in cats. The area of hair loss corresponds to those areas most accessible to the form of self-trauma. alopecia universalis congenital absence of hair from the entire body. A characteristic of the Canadian hairless cat and Sphinx cat. Patient discussion about alopecia Q. What medications cause hair loss? I have RA, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, allergies and depression for which I take medication. Which of these cause hair loss? A. any one of them can, you need to ask your pharmacist about it Q. Will my hair fall off if I have leukemia?

I was diagnosed with ALL and I have to pass on a series of chemotherapy treatments, will my hair fall off? What are the side effects of chemotherapy? A. Sorry but Yes. Most chemotherapy drugs that will be used do have the side effect of hair loss. However, this will only be temporary and your hair will grow back, probably even better than before! This is just a minor setback, not to be concerned about it.. Q. Do you know if Propecia can truly stop hair loss and even grow back hair. do you have any statistics about it? do you know if there are any side effects to this medication? A. it does work but there is some side affects, as in E.D. while you are on the med. American Hair Loss Association - Hair Loss Glossary Hair Loss Glossary Hair Loss Glossary > Hair Loss Glossary A Aldactone: Brand name for spirolactone, a prescription high blood pressure medication that is also prescribed to treat women's hair loss. Alopecia : Loss of hair as a result of illness, functional disorder, or hereditary disposition. The medical term for hair loss. Alopecia Areata: A disease that causes the body to form antibodies against some hair follicles.

It can result from such factors as stress, genetics and the immune system. Alopecia Areata causes sudden smooth, circular patches of hair loss. Alopecia Totalis: A condition that results in no hair on the scalp. It may begin as Alopecia Areata or some other cause. Alopecia Universalis: A condition that results in no hair on any part of the body, this includes eyelashes, eyebrows, and scalp hair. It may develop as alopecia areata or result from another cause Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein. A deficiency of amino acids may adversely affect hair growth. Amortization: The process of converting one enzyme to another, such as Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone. Anagen: The growing phase of hair, usually lasting between one and seven years. Anagen Effluvium: Loss of hair that is supposed to be in the anagen or growing phase. This is the type of hair loss that is associated with chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Androgen: general term referring to any male hormone. The major androgen is testosterone. Androgenetic Alopecia: Hair loss resulting from a genetic predisposition to effects of DHT on the hair follicles.

Also termed female pattern baldness and male pattern baldness, male pattern baldness, hereditary alopecia and common baldness. Anterior: Front Antiandrogen: An agent that blocks the action of androgens by preventing their attachment to receptor cells, interfering with their metabolism, or decreasing their production in the body. Aromatase: An enzyme (actually an enzyme complex) involved in the production of estrogen that acts by catalyzing the conversion of testosterone (an androgen) to estradiol (an estrogen). Aromatase is located in estrogen-producing cells in the adrenal glands, ovaries, placenta, testicles, adipose (fat) tissue, and brain. Autograft: A graft taken from your own body Azelaic Acid - Azelaic acid like Retin-A is more commonly used in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. It inhibits the activity of the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, involved in the conversion of testosterone to DHT .

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH): A noncancerous condition related to aging in men whereby the prostate gland swells, usually to a size that reduces the urine flow and prevents the bladder from emptying completely, causing frequent and difficult urination. Biopsy: Piece of tissue cut out for microscopic examination Bonding: A term used to describe the simple act of gluing a hairpiece onto the scalp. C Catagen: The intermittent stage between the growing ( anagen ) and resting ( telogen ) phases of the hair's growth cycle. Chemotherapy: chemical treatment, usually of cancers, using drugs that have high levels of toxicity, frequently causing temporary alopecia universalis. Club Hair: A hair that has stopped growing or is no longer in the anagen phase. It is anchored to the skin with its "club-like" root, but will eventually be pushed out and replaced by a growing hair. Cobblestoning: "Plugs" that have not healed flush with the skin and therefore have left the scalp lumpy." Plugs" seldom heal flush with the skin. Cobblestoning occurs in almost all "plug" procedures.

Cortex: The layer of the hair shaft that surrounds the medulla and is filled with keratin fibers. The main structural part of the hair fiber that accounts for most of its size and strength. Crown: The highest part of the head Cuticle: The outer surface of hair, composed of overlapping scales made of colorless keratin protein. It gives hair luster and shine and also provides some of its strength. D Dermal Papilla: The dermal papilla is situated at the base of the hair follicle. The dermal papilla contains nerves and blood vessels, which supply glucose for energy and amino acids to make keratin. This structure is extremely important in the regulation of hair growth since it has receptors for both androgens and hair-promoting agents. Dermis: one of the two layers of cells that form skin. Specifically, it is the innermost layer. Diazoxide: A drug that dilates blood vessels by opening potassium channels and also promotes hair growth. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): is a male hormone that is suggested to be the main cause for the miniaturisation of the hair follicle and for hair loss.

DHT is formed when the male hormone testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Donor Site: Area where pieces of hair-bearing skin are taken from during a hair transplant. Double Blind Study: A scientific study where neither the subjects nor the researchers know who specifically is receiving the drug of treatment under study. Dutasteride: A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor medication by GlaxoSmithKline. Dutasteride inhibits both type-I and type-II 5-alpha reductase. Epidermis: The outer protective, nonvascular layer of the skin Estrogen: The female hormone secreted primarily by the ovaries. Female Pattern Baldness (FPB): Progressive thinning of hair throughout the entire head caused by genes, age and hormones. It usually develops at a much slower rate than male pattern baldness. 5-Alpha-Reductase: The chemical that is responsible for transforming testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors : Prevent the body from converting testosterone to DHT by blocking the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Finasteride: The generic name of the brand name drug Proscar.

Proscar is manufactured by Merck and is FDA approved for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement. 1mg tablets of finasteride have been marketed under the brand name Propecia as a treatment for hair loss. It is an antiandrogen that blocks the formation of dihydrotestosterone by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase. Flap: A type of hair replacement surgery in which a piece of hair bearing scalp is cut on three or four sides and transplanted onto bald areas of the scalp. Follicle: A saclike structure just below the surface of your scalp. The sheath within which hair grows. Follicular Unit: Natural groupings of hair that grow together as a group in the scalp and share the same blood supply. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Modification of the standard follicular unit transplant where follicular units are removed individually from the donor area. Follicular Unit Transplantation: An advanced form of hair transplantation in which the surgeon harvests hair in naturally occurring follicular units and grafts them to balding sections of the scalp.

Free Flap: A surgical procedure in which a wide strip of scalp from the side/back of the head is excised and then transferred to the frontal area of the scalp to form a hairline. Frontal Alopecia : Hair loss at the front of the head G Gene Therapy : Is a treatment method that involves the manipulation of an individual's genetic makeup. A form of therapy that attempts to fix the defective gene which is causing the disease. Genetic: pertaining to genes or any of their effects. A gene is the smallest physical piece of heredity. It determines what features we will pass on to our children as well as which ones we have gained from our biological parents. Grafting: A variety of procedures describing the removal of hair bearing scalp from the back of the head to a recipient site. The most widely used types of grafting are slit grafts, micrografting and minigrafting (All outdated). Grafts: Transplanted hair H Hairliftï¿½: Surgical procedure used to eliminate large areas of bald scalp by lifting and advancing the entire hair-bearing scalp in an upward and forward direction (considered to be a barbaric procedure by most ethical physicians).

Hair Cloning: Currently not available, but cloning hair may make it possible for you to have an unlimited crop of donor hair for a hair transplant. Hair Integration : see hair weaving. Hair Intensification: see hair weaving. Hair Matrix: Region where hair and the structures that compose it ( cortex , cuticle and medulla ) are made. Hair Multiplication: Currently not available, same theory as hair cloning, individual hair strands will be multiplied or duplicated to create more available donor area for transplantation. Hair Shaft: Filament projecting from the epidermis that provides protection and warmth (Hair). Hair Weaving : A process by which a hair piece (synthetic or human hair) is attached to existing hair on scalp through braiding or another interweaving process. Hamilton Scale: method proposed by Hamilton to rate hair loss. Hirsutism: Excessive growth of hair of normal or abnormal distribution Hormonal: Pertaining to hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that are usually carried by the bloodstream. They exert their effects on specific target organs. Hypertrichosis: Excessive growth of hair all over the body.

Hypothyroid: Deficiency of thyroid hormone which is normally made by the thyroid gland which is located in the front of the neck. Hypothyroidism can result in hair loss. Inflammatory: pertaining to inflammation. Inflammation is the process whereby the body reacts to injury or abnormal stimulants. Infundibulum: the superior, or highest portion, of the hair follicle. Inhibitory Protein: protein found in healthy scalps (without hair loss) that appears to inhibit the binding of dihydrotestosterone to its receptor. This protein appears to be absent in androgenetic alopecia. Intermediate Hairs: hairs which demonstrate characteristic between vellus and terminal hairs. They contain a moderate amount of pigment and are medullated. Isthmus: the middle region of the hair follicle which usually contans the sebaceous gland. Juri Flap: Surgical procedure during which a large section of hair bearing scalp is taken from the side of the scalp and rotated 180 degrees to the front, forming a hairline. Keratin: A tough, fibrous, insoluble protein forming hair and finger nails. Ketoconazole: An antifungal agent that has antiandrogenetic properties.

Active ingredient in the shampoo Nizoral. Lanugo Hair: The downy hair on the body of the fetus and newborn baby. Resembles vellus hair, soft and unpigmented. Linear Graft: A row of hair and skin that is transplanted onto bald regions (outdated). M Male Pattern Baldness (MPB): The most common type of hair loss that is caused by hormones, genes and age, and is usually progressive in nature. It affects the central and frontal area of the scalp and often results in a pronounced U-Shape configuration. Medulla: A central zone of cells present only in large, thick hairs. Melanin : Pigmenting granules within the keratin fibers of the hair shaft that determine hair color. They usually decrease with age, resulting in gray or white hair. Melanocyte : A specialized cell containing pigment (melanin), which determines hair color. Menopause : The permanent cessation of menstruation and estrogen secretion from a woman's ovaries. Merck & Co., Inc.: the manufacturer of Proscar and Propecia (finasteride). Micrograft : A very small hair graft consisting of one or two hairs.

Midline : Region towards the middle of the scalp Miniaturization : The destructive process by which DHT shinks hair follicles, key marker of androgenetic alopecia. Minigraft : A small hair graft consisting of three to eight follicles each. Minoxidil : A prescription medication taken orally for the treatment of high blood pressure and used topically to retard hair loss and/ or encourage hair growth. Generic name for Rogaine . Nonscarring Alopecia: A broad category of different types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia. The hair follicle remains intact, thus increasing the likelihood that hair loss can be reversed. Norwood Scale : a scale for the classification of hair loss P Papilla : The small root area at the base of hair, which receives the nutrients from the follicle needed for hair growth. Placebo : a pill, topical, or injection made to appear exactly like a test medication, but without any of its active ingredients. Polysorbate 80 : an emulsifying agent that has been marketed extensively by "private" companies as a hair growth promoting agent.

Postauricular Flap : Surgical procedure during which a strip of hair-bearing scalp is taken from the area behind the ear and is rotated 90 degrees to the front, forming a hairline. Posterior Scalp: Back of the head. Preauricular Flap : Surgical procedure during which a strip of hair-bearing scalp is taken from the temple area and is rotated about 90 degrees to the front, forming a hairline. Progesterone: Female sex hormone that induces secretory changes in the lining of the uterus essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. Synthetic compounds with progesterone like activity have been developed that, along with estrogen , are used in oral contraceptives. Propecia : The brand name for 1mg dose of finasteride , approved for the prevention and treatment of male pattern baldness. Proscar : finasteride as an FDA approved treatment for BPH . Prosthetic : An artificial replacement Punch Graft: A group of ten to twenty hairs in a circular graft. Recipient Site : Bald area which hair grafts are transplanted. Rejection : Tissue not accepted by the body and which, therefore dies Retin-A: A brand name for a prescription acne medication.

Has in some cases shown to be effective against hair loss, particularly when combined with minoxidil, however, can cause extreme scalp irritation that can make hair loss worse. Retroauricular Area: Area behind the ear Rogaine: The brand name for minoxidil topical hair growth solution, available over the counter in 2% solution and 5% extra strength solution. Rotational Flap: A surgical procedure which involves lifting a three-sided area of hair-bearing scalp and pivoting it 90 to 180 degrees into the balding area. S Saw Palmetto: A natural herb that has been shown to be an effective antiandrogen Scalp Reduction: Surgical procedure in which an ellipse of bald scalp is removed from a small midline bald spot and the hair-bearing scalp between the ears is pulled together and sutured closed. This reduces the bald area. Scarring Alopecia: Patchy hair loss with obvious sign of scalp inflammation. Scleroderma : A disease of the skin and connective tissue that can cause hair loss over the affected areas. Sebaceous Glands: Fatty glands found in hair follicles throughout the body that secrete an oil into the hair and surrounding skin.

Seborrheic Dermatitis : A condition marked by small discolored patches or spots on the skin and frequently occurs on the face and scalp. Sebum: An oily secretion manufactured by tiny sebaceous glands near the follicles that keeps your hair lubricated and shiny. Senescent Alopecia: the type of hair loss that naturally occurs with age. During the process of aging, both the duration of hair growth and the diameter of the hair follicle decrease. Shock Fallout: The condition that occurs when hair transplantation is performed on men with a significant amount of naturally occurring hair left on their head. Trauma due to the procedure itself induces a telogen phase for much of the hair around the implanted grafts. Hair lost due to shock fallout returns in some cases. Slit Graft: A graft of three to four hairs inserted into a slit rather than a round hole. SOD: Also known as Superoxide Dismutase, are enzymes which destroy superoxide free radicals and prevent the cellular damage that free radicals cause. Researchers have discovered that SODases also stimulate hair growth and decrease hair loss. Sprionolactone: A diuretic drug that acts as an antiandrogen.

Used in the treatment of androgen related disorders such as female pattern baldness and hirsuitism . Brand name is Aldactone. Stretch Back: A condition that occurs after a scalp reduction procedure due to the elastic characteristic of the skin. The bald area that could not be eliminated totally during a scalp reduction, increases in width three months after the procedure, thus reducing the procedure's effectiveness. Suture: Stitch. Suture Implants: A method of attaching a hairpiece that involves sewing stitches in the scalp and securing the hairpiece to them. Systemic Side Effects: undesirable effects produced throughout the body. For example, some antiandrogens will cause decreased sex drive and breast enlargement in men. T Telogen: The resting phase of the hair cycle which usually lasts approximately three months. Telogen Effluvium: The second most common form of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia is the first). A condition that causes an increased number of hairs to enter the telogen, or resting phase. The additional shedding usually occurs in response to various stresses such as emotional trauma, post-pregnancy and illness, major surgery, certain medications.

Telogen effluvium can be delayed (occurring a few months after the stressful incident) or chronic (unresolved). Telogen Loss: Loss of hair during resting phase of hair or "natural" loss Temporal Recession: Hair loss in the temple region Terminal Hair: The coarser, pigmented hair that appears on the scalp, face, armpits, and pubic areas. Testosterone: The male hormone which is released by both the adrenal gland and the testicles, promotes the development of male characteristics. Theory of Donor Dominance: Scientific basis for hair transplantation stating that hair's genetic code resides within the hair follicle and not in the recipient site into which it is transplanted. Tinea Capitis: Any of a number of contagious skin diseases caused by several related fungi, characterized by ring-shaped, scaly, itching patches on the skin. Tissue Expansion: A method used to increase the effectiveness of surgical hair restoration. A balloon-like device is inserted under the scalp several weeks before the procedure and is gradually inflated weekly with saline. Topically: directly applied on the skin Traction Alopecia: This refers to hair loss which occurs do to traction placed on hair.

Traction alopecia is commonly seen with braids, pony tails and other hairstyles which create traction on the scalp. Tretinoin: The generic term for the medication Retin-A, which is most commonly prescribed for acne. Trichotillomania: A type of alopecia caused by the constant pulling and twirling of a specific area of scalp. The hair loss usually improves once the habit is precluded; however, in some severe cases it is permanent. Tunnel Graft: A method of attaching a hairpiece that involves taking skin grafts from behind the ear or from the hip and attaching them to the scalp. Hairpiece clips can be fastened to them, thus, securing the hairpiece in place. Alopecia - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments Alopecia Treatments What is alopecia? Alopecia is hair loss that can be caused by heredity, aging, disease, medications or lifestyle. The timing and course of hair loss can provide clues to its cause. For example, hair loss that comes on suddenly may be attributed to illness, diet, or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Gradual hair loss that becomes more prominent over the years is likely to be hereditary and a normal occurrence of aging.

This form of hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause and a natural symptom of the aging process. Sudden, drastic hair loss that occurs over a short period of time should be evaluated by your health care provider, as it can signal underlying disease. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes the hair to fall out in patches. Another cause of hair loss is a condition called cicatricial alopecia, in which the hair follicles that produce hair are destroyed. Hair loss can be experienced by people with certain types of anemia, anorexia, and thyroid disease. It is also a side effect of many medications, including those used to treat depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Hair loss also occurs in patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment. Looking for a Doctor? Search Now Find a Great Dermatologist Near You Men and women experience hair loss differently. The male pattern of hair loss typically affects the hairline (receding hairline) or top of the scalp, while women tend to experience hair loss over the front or top of the scalp.

In the United States, hereditary hair loss affects 80 million men and women, and more than half of all women will experience it at some point in their lives (Source: AgingSkinNet ). 8 Common Skin Allergens A number of treatments are available for hair loss. When hair loss is a sign or symptom of an underlying illness, that condition is typically treated first. Options for the more common hereditary hair loss that occurs with aging include both over-the-counter treatments and therapies available from your doctor that encourage the regrowth of hair. Surgical techniques can be used to transplant the hair or area of skin where hair growth occurs to one where it has ceased. Although alopecia is not life threatening, it can suggest underlying illness, especially if the hair loss is sudden. Seek prompt medical care if you experience sudden, unexpected hair loss (occurring over a few weeks or months). Alopecia Areata: Learn About Symptoms and Treatment Medical Author: Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles.

He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency. Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Alopecia areata is a hair-loss condition which usually affects the scalp . Alopecia areata causes one or more patches of hair loss . Alopecia areata affects both genders. It is an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, is believed to cause alopecia areata. For most patients, the condition resolves without treatment within a year, but hair loss is sometimes permanent. A number of treatments are known to aid in hair regrowth. Multiple treatments may be necessary, and none consistently works for all patients. Many treatments are promoted which have not proven to be of benefit.

What is alopecia areata? Alopecia areata is an acquired skin disease that can affect all hair-bearing skin and is characterized by localized areas of non-scarring hair loss . Alopecia areata is occasionally associated with any other external or internal medical problems. Most often these bald areas regrow their hair spontaneously. Alopecia areata is rare before the age of 3 years. There seems to be a significant to inherit the tendency to develop alopecia areata from ancestors. What causes alopecia areata? Current evidence suggests that alopecia areata is caused by an abnormality in the immune system. This particular abnormality leads to autoimmunity, a misguided immune system that tends to attack its own body. As a result, the immune system attacks particular tissues of the body. In alopecia areata, for unknown reasons, the body's own immune system attacks the hair follicles and disrupts normal hair formation. Biopsies of affected skin show immune lymphocytes penetrating into the hair bulb of the hair follicles. Alopecia areata is occasionally associated with other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease , vitiligo , lupus , rheumatoid arthritis , and ulcerative colitis .

The diagnosis or treatment of these diseases is unlikely to affect the course of alopecia areata. Sometimes, alopecia areata occurs within family members, suggesting a role of genes. Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 5/11/2015 Alopecia - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis - Canada.com Health Column The Facts Alopecia refers to hair loss from any part of the body for any reason. There are several types, ranging from thinning hair to complete baldness. Diffuse alopecia (thinning scalp hair) is common among seniors, both men and women alike. Androgenic alopecia, also known as "male pattern baldness," can strike younger as well as older people. In spite of its masculine name, women can get this condition, too. It's genetic, so having a family history can predict if you might inherit it. In both men and women, it's linked to having an excess of male hormones (androgens) around the hair follicles, which can block hair growth. Women are more likely to develop androgenic alopecia after menopause, when they have fewer female hormones. Most cases of hair loss are due to androgenic alopecia.

Approximately 50% of men by the age of 50 years and 15% of women before the time they reach menopause have some degree of androgenic alopecia. Alopecia areata typically causes a few temporary bald patches on the scalp. It tends to run in families and often strikes in childhood. The hair loss seems to be part of an immune system problem, in which the body's natural defences mistakenly attack its own tissue. Once the hair has fallen out in certain spots, new growth is suppressed for weeks or months. This type of alopecia sometimes affects people who have other "autoimmune" diseases like thyroid disease, lupus, or pernicious anemia. Sometimes, it may produce complete scalp baldness (alopecia totalis) or total loss of body hair (alopecia universalis). Telogen effluvium is a form of hair loss often associated with pregnancy, medication use, life stress, or surgery. It results in a larger amount of hair cycling into the resting (telogen) state where the hairs are ready to fall out. This type of alopecia usually improves on its own after several months.

Scarring alopecia is a form of hair loss that results in scarring, where scarred areas will not regrow hair. This type of alopecia may have several causes. For example, fungus can leave permanent bald patches. Causes There are many different potential causes of alopecia. Hair loss - temporary or permanent - can be triggered by any number of factors. These can include allergies, irritants, toxins, burns, injuries, and infections. We also know that certain medications (especially anabolic steroids), chronic kidney failure, radiation, and chemotherapy can cause hair to fall out. Sometimes, hair loss may be due to a vitamin A overdose, iron deficiency anemia, a malfunctioning thyroid gland, fever, or pregnancy. Symptoms and Complications Thinning hair is the most obvious symptom of androgenic alopecia. In men, it begins at the crown, temples, or both. They also tend to get a "high forehead" that's associated with a receding hairline. This is less common in women. While men can go completely bald, women don't usually lose all the hair on the crown of the head.

Alopecia areata appears as sudden losses of small round patches of hair, usually from the scalp, but sometimes from the face or body. The fingernails may be lightly pitted or stippled. The disease often comes and goes in cycles, with regrowth in between. Making the Diagnosis While hair loss can be very distressing, alopecia by itself isn't harmful - the damage is cosmetic. But there's always a chance that alopecia might be a secondary effect or symptom of some other illness. To be sure, only medical tests and a full discussion with your doctor can ensure the right diagnosis. Always see a doctor if you start to lose hair. Family history will often tell the doctor what type of alopecia a person has. Occasionally, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the type of hair loss. Looking at plucked hairs under a microscope can help to tell the difference between alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia. Other tests might be done to check for autoimmune diseases like lupus that can accompany alopecia. Treatment and Prevention While there's no way to prevent most types of hair loss, it's sometimes possible to stop or slow the alopecia. Medications are available that encourage regrowth of hair.

These medications, such as minoxidil* and finasteride, are not appropriate for everyone with hair loss. Hair growth medications work to varying degrees in different people, and only trigger complete regrowth in a minority of individuals. They work best for people who have smaller amounts of hair loss. Hair loss returns if you stop taking the medication. Finasteride is not appropriate for women. Corticosteroids are another type of medication that may be used for some types of hair loss. Less severe cases of alopecia areata are sometimes treated with corticosteroids injected into the affected area. Systemic (pill-form) corticosteroids have long-term side effects and are reserved for more severe cases. Another treatment for unresponsive alopecia areata is to deliberately provoke an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) with a chemical applied to the scalp. A rash develops, and hair often grows back in the same spot a few months later. It can be uncomfortable, though. Some people with hair loss have slightly low iron or zinc levels and may benefit from iron and zinc supplements. For severe alopecia of any type, medication may improve the condition, but not cure it. The remaining options are to undergo surgery or wear a wig or hairpiece.

The other option is to learn to live with the condition and not pursue medical options. Surgery usually means a hair transplant. Small plugs of scalp, each with two or three hairs attached, are taken from areas of thick hair, and planted in the affected part of the scalp. Fewer hairs per square inch are needed for people with wavy or curly hair, or people whose hair and skin colours match. Unfortunately, further hair loss can ruin any transplant, and leave you without enough donor hairs. The least successful candidates for transplant are men in their 20s who are balding fast. Such men, especially those whose fathers were or are bald by the age of 55 years, should know that a very expensive transplant won't last forever. Although wigs may not sound like the best option, they often are. Good quality modern hairpieces can be undetectable (though expensive). Many grip by vacuum and won't fall off - even during contact sports. *All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).

A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. More on Body and Health Hair loss Causes - Mayo Clinic Medications Family history (heredity) The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. It usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns — a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair in women. Heredity also affects the age at which you begin to lose hair, the rate of hair loss and the extent of baldness. Pattern baldness is most common in men and can begin as early as puberty. This type of hair loss may involve both hair thinning and miniaturization (hair becomes soft, fine and short). Hormonal changes and medical conditions A variety of conditions can cause hair loss, including: Hormonal changes. Hormonal changes and imbalances can cause temporary hair loss. This could be due to pregnancy, childbirth or the onset of menopause. Hormone levels are also affected by the thyroid gland, so thyroid problems may cause hair loss.

Patchy hair loss. This type of nonscarring hair loss is called alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh). It occurs when the body's immune system attacks hair follicles — causing sudden hair loss that leaves smooth, roundish bald patches on the skin. Scalp infections. Infections, such as ringworm, can invade the hair and skin of your scalp, leading to scaly patches and hair loss. Once infections are treated, hair generally grows back. Other skin disorders. Diseases that cause scarring alopecia may result in permanent loss at the scarred areas. These conditions include lichen planus, some types of lupus and sarcoidosis. Hair-pulling disorder. This condition, also called trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh), causes people to have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair, whether it's from the scalp, the eyebrows or other areas of the body. Medications Hair loss can be caused by drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, high blood pressure and birth control. Intake of too much vitamin A may cause hair loss as well.

Other causes of hair loss Hair loss can also result from: Radiation therapy to the head. The hair may not grow back the same as it was before. A trigger event. Many people experience a general thinning of hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary. Examples of trigger events include sudden or excessive weight loss, a high fever, surgery, or a death in the family. Certain hairstyles and treatments. Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause traction alopecia. Hot oil hair treatments and permanents can cause inflammation of hair follicles that leads to hair loss. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent. Hair loss. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Accessed Feb. 9, 2015. Hair loss. American Academy of Family Physicians. Accessed Feb. 9, 2015. Hair transplants. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Accessed Feb. 9, 2015. Lavender. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health. Accessed Feb. 9, 2015.

AskMayoExpert. Alopecia (adult and pediatric). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. Hair loss. American Cancer Society. Accessed Feb. 9, 2015. Hair loss. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. research.com. Accessed Feb. 9, 2015. Van Zuuren EJ, et al. Interventions for female pattern hair loss. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Accessed Feb. 13, 2015. Jimenez JJ, et al. Efficacy and safety of a low-level laser device in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss: A multicenter, randomized, sham device-controlled, double-blind study. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2014;15:115. Accessed Feb. 9, 2015. Banka N, et al. Pattern hair loss in men: Diagnosis and treatment. Dermatologic Clinics. 2013;31:129. Mirmirati P. Age-related hair changes in men: Mechanisms and management of alopecia and graying. Maturitas.

2015;80:58. Champagne C, et al. Hair loss in infancy and childhood. Paediatrics and Child Health. 2014;25:2. Second opinion. Mayo Clinic Health Letter. 2013;11:8. Hair loss. American Academy of Dermatology. Accessed Sept. 30, 2014. McMichael A. Female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia in women): Pathogenesis, clinical features and diagnosis. Accessed Feb. 11, 2015. Riggin EA. Decision Support System. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 15, 2015. Safety announcement. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed March 11, 2015. Products and Services Hair Loss Treatment, Causes and Prevention Medical Author: Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles.

He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency. Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Hair loss facts Hair loss is a very common condition and affects most people at some time in their lives. Hair loss from breakage of the hair shaft is different than hair loss due to decreased hair growth. Androgenetic hair loss is seen in both men and women but is more dramatic in men. Thyroid disease , anemia , protein deficiency, chemotherapy , and low vitamin levels may cause hair loss. Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss produced by the autoimmune destruction of hair follicles in localized areas of skin.

Medications indicated for hair regrowth include minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). Prevention of hair loss includes good hair hygiene, regular shampooing, and good nutrition . Medical health screening for hair loss may include blood tests such as complete blood count ( CBC ), iron level, vitamin B, thyroid function tests (TFT), and a biopsy of the scalp . What are causes and risk factors for hair loss? Because there are many types of hair loss, finding the cause can be challenging. This review will cover the most common causes of hair loss occurring on normal unscarred scalp skin. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia . Most hair loss is not associated with systemic or internal disease, nor is poor diet a frequent factor. Hair may simply thin as a result of predetermined genetic factors and the overall aging process. Many men and women may notice mild physiologic thinning of hair starting in their 30s and 40s. Life vicissitudes, including illness, emotional trauma , protein deprivation (during strict dieting ), and hormonal changes like those in pregnancy , puberty , and menopause may cause hair loss. Several health conditions, including thyroid disease and iron deficiency anemia , can cause hair loss.

While thyroid blood tests and other lab tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), on people who have ordinary hair loss are usually normal, it is important to exclude treatable causes of hair loss. What types of doctors treat hair loss? Such basic health screening can be done by a family physician, internist, or gynecologist. Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in problems of skin, hair, and nails and may provide more advanced diagnosis and treatment of hair thinning and loss. Sometimes a scalp biopsy may be necessary. Although many medications list "hair loss" among their potential side effects, most drugs are not likely to induce hair loss. On the other hand, cancer chemotherapy and immunosuppressive medications commonly produce hair loss. Complete hair loss after chemotherapy usually regrows after six to 12 months. Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 5/13/2016 Common Hair Problems: Conditions, Treatments, and Pictures | skinsight Common Hair Problems 6 Common problems affecting the hair and scalp include hair loss, infections, and disorders causing itching and scaling. Hair loss (alopecia) is a frequent concern for both men and women, although it is normal to shed some hair each day.

People who experience more than normal hair loss may have the inherited tendency to "common baldness." Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men, with a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head. Women may develop female pattern baldness in which the hair becomes thin over the entire scalp. Sudden and temporary loss of a large amount of hair may be related to the stress of an illness or recent delivery of a baby (telogen effluvium). Alopecia areata causes hair loss in small, round patches while tight elastics or braids may cause hair loss at the hairline (traction alopecia). Certain diseases (eg, thyroid problems, diabetes, and lupus), medicines, or poor nutrition may also cause hair loss. Infections of the scalp include bacterial infection of hair follicles (folliculitis), infestation of head lice (pediculosis capitis), and fungal infection of scalp ringworm (tinea capitis). Itching and excessive flaking of the scalp is seen with both dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) and psoriasis. Click the images below to get medical information about common scalp and hair problems. Share

Question: What is the common term for alopecia?
Answer: Baldness