Hair Loss by Any Other Name...
Male Pattern Baldness
Male Pattern Baldness is the most common type of hair loss. It typically appears as a receding front hairline or thinning on the top of the head (the crown). It also appears as a loss of hair in a horseshoe pattern (called Hamilton Pattern Baldness). Male pattern baldness Hair Loss can begin in the teen years. It’s generally caused by a combination of factors: A genetic pre-disposition to excessive with DHT and hormone production and age related changes in the body.
Androgenetic Alopecia
In men, Androgenetic Alopecia can run the gambit from spot hair loss to total baldness. In women, diffused thinning appears over the top or sides of the scalp. Basically, androgenetic alopecia is caused by inherited hormonal fluctuations that result in DHT toxicity. Most male and female patterned baldness is associated with androgenetic alopecia.
Androgenic Alopecia
Male and female pattern baldness or hair loss associated with pseudo-estrogens and inherited hormonal imbalances in the body. The appearance of androgenetic and androgenic alopecia are the same, but the cause is different. Androgenic alopecia is not inherited and can run the gambit from spot hair loss to total baldness.
Mitogenic Alopecia
Male and female pattern baldness, hair loss associated with a mite named Demodex Folliculorum. This type of hair loss is usually associated with excessive sebum production and inflammation. Mitogenic alopecia can appear as pattern or diffused thinning, or simply a receding hairline.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata generally appears on the scalp, but may occur or spread to facial and body hair as well. It is generally believed to be an autoimmune disorder, even though no one is exactly sure. What is known is that once you have it, you always have it. A change in your nails like ridging, roughening, or a loss of sheen may be signs of a predisposition to alopecia areata.
Alopecia Totalis
An advanced form of Alopecia Areata, it refers to the total hair loss of scalp hair.
Alopecia Universalis
An advanced form of alopecia areata, it refers to hair loss over the entire scalp and body.
Scaring Alopecia
An uncommon form of alopecia caused when the hair follicle becomes inflamed due to infection. It usually appears as rough circular patches on the scalp. It has been linked to and is believed to be caused by a variety of skin disorders.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
A connective tissue disease that creates small lesions surrounded with or without scaling. If not treated, skin becomes smooth and hair will not renew.
Lichen Planus
A rare skin disease that attacks the skin and mucous membranes which can cause hair loss. It usually appears as itchy patches on the wrists and forearms, legs and ankles, or lower back. It can, however, appear on the scalp as reddish raised bumps.
Pseuopelade
A very rare skin disease that generally affects older people that results in permanent hair loss. It shows itself as small bald patches that appear smooth, soft and slightly depressed.
Alplasia Cutis Congenita
A rare skin disorder that appears at birth as a small blistered area on the scalp. It usually heals itself over time.
Congenital Atrichia
Quite common and present at birth, congenital atrichia usually appears as small spots where the follicle does not grow hair.
Traction Traumatic Alopecia
Generalised hair loss brought on by aggressive brushing, styling or hair weaving. It is also caused by prolonged stress or tension (pulling) created by overly tight weaving, extensions and corn rowing styling techniques placed on weak hair. It can result in permanent hair loss. Extreme heat styling and strong chemical services like beaching, colouring and permanent waving can also cause temporary rapid hair loss.
Trichotillomania
The unnatural and irresistible urge to pull out one’s own hair caused by certain psychological disorders. It’s estimated that 8 million Americans are affected by this compulsive action. These disorders can actually cause people to impulsively pull out their hair in large clumps. There are prescribable drugs that have been effective in treating this condition. However, hair re-growth is not always successful.
Tinea Capitis
A patchy hair loss caused by Trichophyton Tonsurans, a fungal infection of the scalp. This common scalp fungus causes hair to break off at the scalp. Flaking and scaling on the scalp is a symptom of tinea capitis. If treated early, hair loss can be minimised.
Teogen Effluvim
A generalised hair loss that occurs after physical trauma, emotional stress, or thyroid abnormalities — usually within 2 or 3 months of incident. High levels of stress, surgery, infections, high fevers and sudden hormonal level changes (like from childbirth) can trigger this form of hair loss in both men and women.
Anagen Effluvium
Hair loss caused by the radiation and chemotherapies used to treat cancer. Radiation and chemicals used in cancer treatments work to kill the cancer and often cause hair to stop growing as well: They are designed to kill cells that reproduce very rapidly like those produced in the hair papilla.
Drugs known to cause hair loss
Amsacrine
Cisplatinum
Cytosine Arabinoside
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Epirubicin, Etoposide (Taxol)
Ifosfamide
Vincristine (Oncovin).
Drugs not linked to hair loss
Actnomycin
Bleomycins
Carboplatin
Methotrexate
Mitomycine C
Vinblastine