Better Health & Living
Posts tagged hair loss
Natural Treatment for Hair Loss – Alopecia Areata
Apr 29th
Some of the natural methods for the treatment of alopecia areata are mentioned below: 
Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is necessary in the treatment of alopecia areata. Vitamin A is necessary for maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin A also plays an important role in the production of sebum in the skin of the scalp. Sebum is an essential lubricant of the skin and helps to protect the skin. An individual affected by alopecia areta must include fruits and vegetables in the diet that are rich in vitamin A
Another vitamin that is necessary for proper blood circulation in the scalp and plays a vital role in the growth of hair is vitamin E
Calcium
Home remedies in the treatment for alopecia areata
There are some excellent home remedies that can be used for the treatment of alopecia areata. Many hair care shampoos and lotions are advertised regularly and claim to cure alopecia areata permanently. But many times these hair care products may do more harm than good as they are full of harmful chemicals and synthetic agents. Natural home based remedies are safe to use as they are devoid of any harsh chemicals and agents.
Castor oil
Another home remedy that is widely used in the treatment for hair loss is almond oil. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and help to reduce the hair loss and promote hair growth in the patchy bald spots.
Some naturopaths recommend the use of coconut oil. Coconut oil
An Ayurvedic preparation known as shikakai is widely used in India for treating hair loss. Shikakai is used to wash the hair.. It is made of certain herbs that are known to promote the hair growth .It is devoid of any harsh chemicals and helps to stop hair loss.
Homoeopathic remedies
Some of the well known homeopathic remedies used in the treatment for alopecia areata are acid flour, silicea, arsenicum album and sepia. But these remedies must be taken in consultation with the homeopath as well as the family doctor.
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Symptoms of Hair Loss
Apr 28th
Symptoms of Hair Loss – Alopecia Areata
Alopecia is also known as alopecia areata in medical terms. In simple terms alopecia areata is a condition of hair loss. This
disease can affect men, women and children of any age.
Normal hair loss should not be mistaken for alopecia areata. It is quite normal to lose 100 to 150 hairs daily as part of the normal cycle of hair shedding. Some people may lose more hair as a result of excessive brushing of hair or having a hot shower, frequent washing of hair or even using a faulty shampoo or hair care product.
The hallmark symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss which occurs in bald patches on the scalp. The areas of hair loss are usually random and can involve hairs in any part of the body. The common body parts affected by this condition are eyebrows, eyelashes and the scalp. In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a coin.
Hair Loss in children
In children alopecia areata may be an associated symptom of a number of conditions. The most common conditions causing alopecia in children are listed below:
- Ringworm infections of the scalp
This is a common skin condition affecting the scalp resulting in hair loss.
- Trichotillomania or hair pulling
This is a self comforting habit. Many babies tend to pull their hair when they are tired, anxious, bored angry or sleepy. Toddlers tend to pull their hair especially when they are in the midst of throwing temper tantrums. This results in hair loss and may occur in bald patches. Trichotillomania is also an associated symptom of obsessive compulsive disorder in which the affected individual resorts to hair puling.
- Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is also a condition of excessive hair loss which is seen in kids who wear tight braids or ponytails or tight hair bands resulting in hair loss due to hair pulling. It is also seen in newborn babies and infants who tend to lie on their back in the cribs. This results in constant friction between the hair on the back of the head and the bed clothes in the crib. As a result of this there are bald patches on the heads of the babies.
- Childhood cancers
In children, alopecia areata can also be an associated symptom of childhood cancers.
Alopecia in women
In women alopecia can be caused due to stress and hormonal changes. Hair loss can be quite common during and after pregnancy. It can also be an associated symptom of menopause where women lose hair from the top of their head resulting in a receding hairline. Alopecia can also be an associated symptom of thyroid disorders.
Alopecia in men
Hair loss is common in males. Males lose hair in a well defined pattern beginning above the temples. Hair also thins at the crown of the head. Often a rim of hair around the sides and rear of the head is left, or the condition may progress to complete baldness.
Cure for Alopecia – Hair Loss
Apr 27th
Alopecia areata is a disease characterized by hair loss which occurs in bald patches. In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a coin.
When there is total hair loss on the scalp then the condition is known as alopecia totalis. In cases when there is complete loss of body hair, the condition is known as alopecia universalis.
Treatment for Alopecia Areata – Hair Loss
Alopecia areata often causes considerable embarrassment in the affected individuals. Many people suffering from this condition may resort to the use of hair care shampoos and hair care oils that are widely advertised and easily available in the supermarkets. However, before starting any kind of hair care treatment, it is extremely important to consult your family doctor. The health care professional will make proper diagnosis of the condition and refer you to a dermatologist for advanced treatment.
Treatment of alopecia areata with the help of steroids
The most widely used form of treatment for alopecia areata is steroids. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the hair follicles. Steroids help to suppress the abnormal immune reactions that result in the patchy unexplained hair loss. But in the process of curing alopecia areata the steroids may suppress the normal immune reactions as well. In many cases the dermatologist will prescribe giving steroid injections on the patchy bad spots on the scalp. This usually gives excellent results. The individual receiving this type of treatment usually reports fewer incidences of hair loss and increased hair regrowth. However, in cases of extensive and rapidly progressive alopecia areata, the dermatologist may look into prescribing steroid tablets instead of the steroid injections. Steroid treatment is often successful but it does not suit everyone. Many people receiving the steroid treatment have often reported increased hair loss as soon as the treatment is stopped. Also, one of the major side effects from any steroid use is thinning of the skin.
Use of topical irritants in the treatment of alopecia areata
In cases of alopecia areata where the individual does not respond well to the treatment of steroids, the dermatologist may prescribe the use of topical irritant or immunotherapy. In this type of treatment, the topical irritant is applied directly to the bald spots on the scalp. Other types of irritants frequently used in the treatment for alopecia areata include dithranol and salicylic acid. Some dermatologists prefer to use immunotherapy agents such as diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP). These agents function to divert the immune attacks toward the skin surface and away from the hair bulb. This facilitates the growth of hair on the bald spots. Some individuals may complain of mild to severe reactions to these treatments. Topical irritants are not suitable for everyone. These treatments would need to be used for several months in order to achieve the desired results for hair growth.
PUVA therapy can also be used to treat alopecia areata
Another treatment alternative is PUVA therapy, which requires visits to the doctor’s surgery 3 times per week for treatment with ultraviolet light.
Causes of Alopecia
Apr 26th
Alopecia areata is a disease of the hair follicles. In simple terms alopecia areata is a condition of hair loss. It is a disease characterized by hair loss which occurs in bald patches on the scalp. In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a coin. When there is total hair loss on the scalp then the condition is known as alopecia totalis. In cases when there is complete loss of body hair, the condition is known as alopecia universalis.
Normal Hair Cycle
The normal hair cycle consists of two phases which are mentioned as below:
- 1. Phase one of hair cycle is known as anagen phase
Hair follicles are a part of the skin from which the hair grows. Normally each hair follicle on the scalp produces a number of hairs throughout the life of the individual. Hair grows from the base of the hair follicle. The rate at which the hair grows is about 1cm a month. This hair growth usually lasts for about three years. This growth phase in the hair cycle is called anagen.
- 2. Phase two of hair cycle is known as telogen phase
After the growth phase or the anagen phase, the hair dies. There is no further growth of the hair. As a result of this hair lies in the hair follicle in a dormant state. The telogen phase or the dormant phase of the hair lasts for about a three month period in normal circumstances.
Cycle continues
After the telogen phase, the hair grows again. The new growing hair pushes the old dead hair out from the hair follicle. This results in shedding of the old hair and there is hair loss. But at the same time the new hair is growing and this marks the beginning of the anagen phase. This hair cycle of shedding the old hair and growth of new hair continues throughout the life of the individual.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. In the case of alopecia areata the immune system of the body starts attacking the hair follicles in the anagen phase or the growth phase. As a result of this the telogen phase or phase in which there is shedding of the old dead hair or hair loss continues as per normal. However, since the hair follicles are attacked in their growth phase, there is no more growth of the new hair. This results in the formation of bald patches on the scalp and other parts of the body. This results in hair loss. The areas of hair loss are usually random and can involve hairs in any part of the body. The common body parts affected by this condition are eyebrows, eyelashes and the scalp.
What causes alopecia areata is still a mystery. Some scientists have linked the disease to a genetic tendency. Some scientists have identified certain trigger factors such as viral infections and stress. But the exact cause of alopecia areata is not yet known.
What is Alopecia
Apr 25th
Alopecia is also known as alopecia areata in medical terms. In simple terms alopecia areata is a condition of hair loss. It is 
a disease characterized by hair loss which occurs in bald patches on the scalp. The areas of hair loss are usually random and can involve hairs in any part of the body. The common body parts affected by this condition are eyebrows, eyelashes and the scalp. Alopecia areata is a disease of the hair follicles. Hair follicles are a part of the skin from which the hair grows. This disease can affect men, women and children of any age.
In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a coin. Many people with the disease get only a few bare patches. Some people may lose more hair. Rarely, the disease causes total loss of hair on the head or complete loss of hair on the head, face, and body.
When there is total hair loss on the scalp then the condition is known as alopecia totalis. In cases when there is complete loss of body hair, the condition is known as alopecia universalis.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are those diseases in which the immune system of the body, whose main function is providing protection to the body cells, starts attacking the body cells. The immune system can mistakenly attack any part of the body. In the case of alopecia areata the immune system starts attacking the hair follicles. This results in hair loss.
What causes alopecia areata is still a mystery. Some scientists have linked the disease to a genetic tendency. Some scientists have identified certain trigger factors such as viral infections and stress. But the exact cause of alopecia areata is not yet known.
Normal hair loss should not be mistaken for alopecia areata. It is quite normal to lose 100 to 150 hairs daily as part of the normal cycle of hair shedding. Some people may lose more hair as a result of excessive brushing of hair or having a hot shower. If the hair loss is excessive and in bald patches then you should consult your health care professional. Hair loss may also be a symptom of other conditions such as hormonal changes or in thyroid disorders.
Many shampoos and hair care treatments claiming to cure alopecia areata, are available in the market. It is very important to seek the advice of your family doctor and dermatologist before using any such treatment.
Since alopecia areata is a disease of hair loss and is directly related to the appearance of the individual, losing a significant amount of hair can affect the confidence and self esteem of a person. There are many support groups available for alopecia areta where people share their experiences and discuss treatments and coping skills. These support groups are usually very useful and provide excellent support for people affected by this condition. They conduct seminars and conferences for people suffering from alopecia areata and also for their families.
