THE INSTITUTE OF TRICHOLOGISTS
HAIR CONDITIONS
ALOPECIA
Alopecia is a blanket term for hair loss of any kind. There are many types and causes of hair loss (alopecia), most of which can be effectively treated. Hair loss may be genetically inherited, or it may be caused by a variety of other factors including protein or other dietary deficiency, hormonal imbalance, and stress. Hair loss can also be the first sign of an otherwise undiagnosed or undetected underlying illness.
Androgenetic Alopecia
The main type of hair loss for which there is no effective treatment is genetically inherited hair loss (known as Male Pattern Baldness or Androgentic Alopecia).
It is important to note, however, that this condition can and does affect females too, even though it is called Male Pattern Baldness (it is gene-linked, not sex-linked). In women, it is likely to lead to diffuse hair loss, (a general thinning of the hair density) rather than to obvious bald patches.
Although there is no cure for this condition, hair loss can be limited or slowed down in some cases and treatments are likely to be more effective on women than on men.
The important thing to understand is that the best that can be said of treatments for genetically inherited hair loss is that they can be effective to some degree on some people some of the time.
Scarring Alopecia
Can occur after infectious scalp disorders or, more rarely, they are auto-immune conditions (when the body attacks the hair follicle as it would invading bacteria).
Other Alopecia
Other types of alopecia that you may have heard of include Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Total is, Alopecia Universalis and Traction Alopecia (there are others, too). These are all entirely distinct from Androgentic Alopecia (above) and have a much better chance of responding to professional diagnosis and treatment.
THYROID DISORDER
Hair problems including decreased manageability may rarely be one of the first signs of thyroid undersecretion. The hair loss, if any, will be diffuse, and the condition can therefore be confused with several other conditions, including androgenetic alopecia in women. Expert trichological or medical advice is essential; but, providing early treatment is initiated, full recovery of the hair should occur. Correct diagnosis will require blood tests.
IRON DEFICIENCY
More and more cases of diffuse hair loss in women are attributable to iron deficiency. This is more probably common among vegetarians and those with eating disorders. It is not always appreciated that iron deficiency can occur even not a patient is not clinically anaemic and has normal haemoglobin levels. As with thyroid problems, with which the symptoms of iron deficiency can be confused, a blood test is essential to correct diagnosis. No diffuse alopecia (thinning of the hair) should ever be ignored. It can be an early manifestation of several underlying conditions.
TRAUMATIC HAIR LOSS OR BREAKAGE
This type of hair loss is caused by hairdressing damage and other traumas involving chemicals, heat or physical trauma. Often the sufferer is unaware of the causative factors. If treated before the scalp is damaged, hair will regrow.
THE INSTITUTE OF TRICHOLOGISTS - Founded 1902