Hair Loss

What is hair loss?

Hair loss is an issue that affects both men and women and becomes more prevalent with age. You normally lose 50-100 hair a day, and this typical hair loss is not an issue. It won’t lead to baldness or thinning. If you do see a bald spot appearing, or notice that your hair is thinning in some areas, there are lots of possible reasons why this may be happening. 

Most people lose their hair because of hereditary hair loss, which you inherit through your genetics. There are also diseases, medications, and habits that cause or exacerbate hair loss. Fortunately, most cases of hair loss are treatable in some way or at least concealable if no dermatological treatments make a difference. 

What causes hair loss?

There are near-countless causes of hair loss and hair thinning. Your dermatologist at Foothill Dermatology Medical Center explores the possible causes, as some of them can be directly addressed by stopping, starting, or altering a treatment. 

The many causes of hair loss fit into these categories:

Disorders

Hair loss disorders like hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and alopecia areata, an immune disease, are genetic conditions that cause hair loss by affecting your hair follicles. 

Diseases

Diseases like anemia, ringworm of the scalp, and certain infections can lead to hair loss for some people. 

Nutritional deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies like low iron, eating disorders, and too much vitamin A can disrupt hair growth and cause hair loss. 

Medications

Blood thinners, vitamin A supplements, cancer treatments, and anabolic steroids are among the many medications with hair loss as a possible side effect.

Hair care

Certain hair treatments, products, styles, and habits can lead to extensive hair damage or a form of hair loss called traction alopecia. 

Is hair loss treatable?

Effective hair loss treatment requires an in-depth investigation of your reasons for losing hair. Your dermatologist at Foothill Dermatology Medical Center carefully looks at your scalp and hair, and reviews your personal and family medical history. They also ask for an updated list of the medications you take.

For an even more in-depth look, your dermatologist might recommend a scalp biopsy. They take a sample of skin from your scalp to examine closely in a lab. Once they’re certain of the cause, they can recommend or prescribe treatments like:

• Finasteride prescription medication
• Corticosteroid scalp injections
• Hair transplantation
• Scalp reduction
• Scalp expansion
• Scalp flaps
• Nonprescription medications and products
  
  

If your hair loss comes from a specific medication, it might be possible to speak with the prescribing physician about adjusting the dosage or changing to a different medication with the same purpose. You could also consider wearing looser hairstyles or exploring gentler hair products than you already use. 

Losing your hair at any age can be frustrating at best and traumatic at worst. To set up a hair loss treatment consultation, call Foothill Dermatology Medical Center or request an appointment online today.