Definition
Partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.
Causes
Baldness is not usually caused by a disease, but is related to aging, heredity, and testosterone. In addition to the common male and female patterns from a combination of these factors, other possible causes of hair loss, especially if in an unusual pattern, include:
- Alopecia areata -- bald patches that develop on the scalp, beard, and, possibly, eyebrows. Eyelashes may fall out as well.
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
- Burns
- Certain infectious diseases such as syphilis
- Chemotherapy
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Definition
Partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.
Causes
Baldness is not usually caused by a disease, but is related to aging, heredity, and testosterone. In addition to the common male and female patterns from a combination of these factors, other possible causes of hair loss, especially if in an unusual pattern, include:
- Alopecia areata -- bald patches that develop on the scalp, beard, and, possibly, eyebrows. Eyelashes may fall out as well.
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
- Burns
- Certain infectious diseases such as syphilis
- Chemotherapy
- Emotional or physical stress
- Excessive shampooing and blow-drying
- Fever
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Considerations
Hair loss usually develops gradually and may be patchy or diffuse (all over). Roughly 100 hairs are lost from your head every day. The average scalp contains about 100,000 hairs.
Each individual hair survives for an average of 4-1/2 years, during which time it grows about half an inch a month. Usually in its 5th year, the hair falls out and is replaced within 6 months by a new one. Genetic baldness is caused by the body's failure to produce new hairs and not by excessive hair loss.
Both men and women tend to lose hair thickness and amount as they age. Inherited or "pattern baldness" affects many more men than women. About 25% of men begin to bald by the time they ...
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Other Names
Loss of hair; Alopecia; Baldness
Home Care
Hair loss from menopause or childbirth often returns to normal 6 months to 2 years later.
For hair loss caused by illness (such as fever), radiation therapy , or medication use, no treatment is necessary. The hair will usually grow back when the illness has ended or the therapy is finished. A wig, hat, or other covering may be desired until the hair grows back.
For hair loss due to heredity, age, and hormones, the topical medication Rogaine (minoxidil) can be helpful for both male and female pattern baldness. Expect to wait 6 months before you see results. The oral medication Propecia (finasteride) is effective in some men. This medicine can decrease sex drive. When either medication is stopped, the former baldness pattern returns.
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References
Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology . 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:844-845.
Rakel P. Conn s Current Therapy 2005 . 57th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005: 897.
