Normal hair shedding ranges from 50 to 100 strands a day; however when this rate triples, such that hair thinning becomes noticeable or there are patches of baldness, it is identified as alopecia. Alopecia is not just physical; it also attaches a lot of emotional and psychological baggage. Let me take you through the condition holistically, types, causes, treatments, and the damage it causes to those it traps.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a medical word meaning loss of hair from the scalp, face, or even the body. Alopecia can affect people of any age, sex, or race, and the baldness can be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying cause.
Types of Alopecia
Alopecia Areata
What it is: An autoimmune condition wherein the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in spotty baldness.
Symptoms: Round or oval patches of baldness on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows.
Progression: Sometimes it can progress to total baldness on the scalp (Alopecia Totalis) or total baldness on the entire body (Alopecia Universalis).
Androgenic Alopecia
What it is: Genetic, this kind of baldness is hormonal with respect to men and women generally called male or female pattern baldness.
Symptoms in Men: Overall thinning at the crown and receding hairline.
Symptoms in Women: Diffused thinning across the scalp, especially along the part line.
Traction Alopecia
What it is: Hair loss due to prolonged tension on the hair resulting from tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or extensions.
Symptoms: Thinning or bald spots along the hairline or zones of tension.
Alopecia Scarring (Cicatricial Alopecia)
What it is: This is a rare disease where inflammation destroys hair follicles and replaces them by scar tissue.
Symptoms: Leads to permanent alopecia with possible associated symptoms of erythema, scale, or pain in the scalp.
Causes Of Alopecia
Most common causes of alopecia are such as:
Genetics: Family history plays a part in androgenic alopecia.
Autoimmune Disorders: Condition like alopecia areata cause immune deprivation.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, or an imbalance in thyroid causes hair loss.
Stress: Physical and emotional stress cause hair shedding phase (telogen effluvium).
Hairstyle Practices: Tight hairstyles and overuse of heat and chemical keratins produced traction alopecia.
Nutritional deficiencies: Iron, protein, or vitamin biotin unavailability weakens hair.
Medications and Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and certain drugs produce hair loss.
Diagnosis of Alopecia
The diagnosis of alopecia generally requires obtaining a medical history and physical examination. A dermatologist may also perform:
Scalp biopsy: Microscopic analysis of hair follicles
Blood investigation: For understanding the other causes including thyroid dysfunction or nutritional deficiency
Pull test: Gentle pulling of hairs to assess the amount of shedding.
Treatment Options of Alopecia
1.Medication:
Diverge Plus Spray: It contains Procapil 5%. An excellent treatment that opens up dormant hair follicles, strengthens roots, prevents hair falling, improves blood circulation and sends the essential nutrients directly to the scalp.
Diverge C Spray: It contains Capixyl 3%. Strengthens the hair strand while nourishing the scalp for better long-term strength from excessive hair fall and Blocks DHT.
Diverge Hair Serum: Contains Procapil, Capixyl, and Redensyl-the three most powerful active ingredients-in reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth, making it a patent formula with visible effects from the 12th week.
2.Hair Regrowth Procedures:
Hair Transplant: The transfer of hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another.
Scalp Micropigmentation: A cosmetic procedure to create the illusion of hair.
3.Lifestyle Changes:
Balanced nutrition intake full of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Avoid tight hairstyles and minimize the use of heat and chemicals.
4.Advanced Treatment:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Steers your blood plasma and uses it to stimulate hair growth.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): regrows hair using lasers
Living with Alopecia
It doesn’t define your life, although it may be difficult. You have the option of going on a journey through treatments or acceptance. Much love and strength can surround you, and you can find what works for you. Remember that beauty is multifaceted.
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