Hair loss Causes, Myths and Homeopathic treatment

                                         

Alopecia is medical term for hair loss. There are many types of hair loss with different symptoms and causes. In Hindi it is also known as ‘Ganjapan’. It may be diffused or localized to one or several areas on the scalp. This may be associated with many other disorders. It may be scarring or non- scarring.

Adult male pattern baldness is most commonly seen. It is also kown as androgenic alopecia. It is caused due to genetics and is associated with male sex hormones testosterone.

Main causes of Alopecia or Hair loss

                                                       

A type of alopecia which is temporary type known as telogen effluvium is also seen in various cases like severe illness after childbirth and stress. Telogen Effluvium is the second most common form of hairl oss. In this condition there is thinning of hair due to lesser growth but more fall. This can be caused due to surgery, trauma, stress, high fever, weight loss, changes of hormones etc.

Post febrile alopecia commonly seen after fever occurs when a fever exceeds 39 C, particularly with recurrent episodes.

Hair loss is also seen in various disease such as typhoid, influenza, malaria etc.

Dietary factors such as iron deficiency and hypoproteinaemia may play a role, but are rarely the sole cause of diffuse alopecia.

Malnutrition with a protein deficiency also causes alopecia.

Fungal infections of the scalp may cause patchy hair loss.

A mental disorder, Trichotillomania, in which person pulls his or her own hair may cause loss of 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.

Certain medicines like cytotoxic agents, anticoagulants, immunosuppressant’s, and some anti-thyroid drugs may cause diffuse hair loss.

Another type of hair loss is Alopecia areata, which is defined as a type of hair loss caused by attack of immune system on hair follicles. Damage to hair follicles causes loss of hair from that area. It could be scalp or skin. In most of the cases hair are lost in patches.

Causes of alopecia areata can be many such as genetic causes, associated with down’s syndrome.

Along with these types there is another type known as scarring alopecia which can be due to various causes like trauma, burns, bacterial infections, pyogenic infection, (any pus forming ) infection syphilis ( commonly known as updansh which is a sexual disease).

Various other causes of hair loss are Psoriasis, Lupus erythematosus, Herpes (zoster and simplex) etc.

                                  

Common myths regarding baldness

Myth: Cutting and shaving affects the future growth and texture of hair.

Fact: Research has shown that neither of these activities affects the growth or the texture of hair.

Myth: To have healthy hair, you need to eat a lot of protein.

Fact: Hair is mostly made up of protein. To have healthy hair requires the same balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals as the rest of the body. Eating enough of a wide variety of foods is the key to a healthy body, including healthy-looking hair.

Myth: Baldness is a genetic trait inherited through the mother’s side of the family.

Fact: It is true that susceptibility to hair loss is genetically determined. However, baldness can be inherited from either the maternal or paternal side of the family. It is genetic in nature.

Myth: Hair loss can begin at any age

Fact: Male type of baldness is seen soon after puberty. It usually begins in the mid-twenties. Female type of baldness can be seen after childbirth (temporary) or after menopause.

Treatment of Hair Loss

Here is given list of few medicines that are used for treatment of alopecia.

Fluoricum acidum 30

This medicine is especially useful for chronic disease with syphilitic conditions it is best suited medicine of hair loss.

Kali carb 30

It is given in cases of extreme dryness of hair and falling of hairs. It further prevents thinning of hairs and automatically produces hair growth.

Lycopodium 30

It can be given in premature balding, in women who have hair fall after childbirth. It also prevents greying of hair.

Silicea 30

It is used for strengthening of hair and treating hair dryness.