The Causes Of Alopecia & Suggested Treatment Options

Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss across the body because it occurs when the immune system inadvertently destroys healthy hair follicles. Many individuals with alopecia areata are in otherwise good health. Unpredictability is a common trait of hair loss. A regrowth of hair may occur naturally. When a person has bald spots, this occurs more often.

What age does alopecia areata usually start? It usually begins in infancy or teenage. Without treatment, over half will develop hair within a year. Hair may never fall out again. Long-term hair loss and growth might be unpredictable.

Causes and symptoms

Hormones and Genetics

Androgenic alopecia—male or female pattern baldness—is the most common kind. Males may have balding and a thinning hairline, while women may experience hair thinning or part spreading. Genetics and hormones cause androgenic alopecia.

Dihydrotestosterone comes from testosterone (DHT). DHT testosterone-binding weakens hair follicles. Women have testosterone. DHT induces androgenic alopecia in testosterone-estrogen imbalances.

Stress

Before giving you a diagnosis, your doctor will probably do a physical examination and ask you about your diet, how you care for your hair, and your medical and family history. Some causes may include: 

• Medications 
• Stress
• Childbirth
• Accidental physical abuse
• Dietary restrictions
• Variations in daily existence

Women report telogen effluvium more than men. In 2019, Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology reported that men may not notice telogen effluvium due to shorter haircuts or hair neglect.

This thinning reveals persistent female-pattern thinning in some women, causing their hair to never seem as thick again. If healthy, "watching and waiting" is the main treatment. Conditions like asthma can play a role in bringing on alopecia areata. Some more causes may include:

• Sinusitis and hay fever
• Stress
• Nutrition

Alopecia may be brought on by iron or vitamin D deficiency. Although the AAD acknowledges the importance of vitamin D, additional study is required to determine whether or not it may prevent hair loss. To maximize the likelihood of your hair growing back, see your primary care physician about treating these conditions.

Thyroid Problems

Hormones involved in metabolism are regulated by the thyroid, a gland in the neck. Alopecia may be brought on by both underactive and hyperactive thyroid. The following signs may indicate that your thyroid needs to be examined, therefore you should visit your doctor if your hair loss is followed by any of the:

• Abnormal, sudden weight gain or loss
• Low or high intensity
• Transitions in menstruation
• Diagnosis
• Blood testing is Possible for diagnosing medical hair loss

Test pull: Your doctor will gently pull a few dozen hairs to see how many can be removed. This helps determine the shedding phase.

Scalp genomics: Your doctor will take a skin sample or a few scalp hairs to investigate the hair follicles under a microscope. This procedure may determine whether your hair loss is illness-related.

Possible Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy

The goal of topical immunotherapy is to induce an allergic response by applying medications to the scalp. This, in turn, helps the immune system function better and promotes hair growth. Diphencyprone, dinitrochlorobenzene, and squaric acid dibutyl ester are examples of chemicals that might be employed in this method.

Injectable Minoxidil

Rogaine, or minoxidil, is a topical therapy available over-the-counter that is simple to use. After the immune system has stopped attacking the hair follicle and it is once again able to produce hair, minoxidil may stimulate its growth and make it grow at a quicker rate.

Topical minoxidil solutions are most often available in either a 2 or 5 percent concentration. The remedy is applied topically once or twice daily, either to the scalp or wherever it is needed.

Anti-Inflammatory Injections of Corticosteroids

Alopecia areata is treated with corticosteroid injections because they reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system. Hair loss in people with alopecia areata is caused by an autoimmune reaction against the body's hair-growing mechanisms. The use of corticosteroids helps stop these assaults before they even start.

The question may arise: does insurance cover hair loss? The answer is yes, many medical insurances can help you in this regard.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing sudden hair loss, it's advisable to see a doctor instead of trying to cure it yourself. A trip to the doctor should provide insight into the root of your hair loss and some recommendations on how to proceed. Possible options here include adjusting your lifestyle, getting a prescription, or using an OTC medication.