Nimmi (age 32), an officer at a private bank, came to my clinic last Tuesday evening. She was under severe mental stress.
"Dr. Priya, my hair has been falling out in clumps lately. Not only when I bathe or comb it, but even when I touch it, strands of hair are falling out. Also, in one area of my head, my hair has completely fallen out and I'm bald. I'm afraid that all my hair will fall out and I'll be bald," Nimmi explained her worry with teary eyes.
I examined her scalp and explained: "Nimmi, don't worry. The hair loss on your scalp is due to a condition known in medical science as Alopecia Areata . This is a condition that occurs when our immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. In addition, there are different types of hair loss, such as Androgenic Alopecia, which is hereditary, and Telogen Effluvium, which is caused by severe stress. Today, we will talk about how each of these types occurs and what the correct treatments are."
BMI Calculator
Know your body mass index (BMI) and weight classification
🚨 Red Flags that require immediate medical attention
Although hair loss is a common condition, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:
- Severe itching, pain, peeling skin, or pus on the scalp (this could be a serious fungal or bacterial infection, such as tinea capitis).
- Hair loss not only on the head but also on the eyebrows, eyelashes, and entire body (may be a condition called Alopecia Universalis).
- Unusual weight gain without a reason, frequent extreme fatigue, and inability to tolerate cold (may be signs of an underactive thyroid gland).
- Rapid hair loss from the entire head within a very short period of time (a few days).
The main causes and types of hair loss
It is normal to shed 50-100 hairs per day. However, if more than that is shed and no new hair is growing, it is a medical condition.
1. Genetic Causes (Androgenic Alopecia): This is a hereditary balding condition that affects both men and women. It is mainly caused by the effect of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) . In men, the hairline recedes from the sides of the forehead, while in women, the hairline thins in the middle of the head.
2. Hormonal changes and illnesses: Hair loss occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems.
3. Nutritional deficiencies: Hair roots become weak due to deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins that the body needs.
4. Side effects of medications: Chemotherapy for cancerHair loss can be a side effect of certain medications taken for treatment, high blood pressure, and mental illness.
5. Wrong hair styles: Traction Alopecia caused by tight ponytails or braids and the use of excessive chemicals (dyes, perms).
6. Mental Disorders: Trichotillomania, a mental illness in which one pulls out one's own hair.
Natural solutions for hair fall
100% natural hair solutions for alopecia and medical hair loss.
Check Availability →Comparing different treatment methods
| Treatment method | Suitable occasions | How it works | Side effects/limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil liquid | For male and female Androgenic Alopecia. | Increases blood circulation to the scalp and stimulates hair growth. | You have to continue using it, as if you stop, your hair will fall out again. |
| Finasteride tablets | Only for male pattern baldness. | Inhibits the production of the hormone DHT, which causes hair loss. | Not suitable for women and pregnant mothers. |
| Hair Transplant | In cases of permanent baldness. | Hair follicles from the back of the head are removed and placed in the bald area. | Since it is a surgical procedure, it is very expensive. |
| Nutrition Counseling | When hair falls out due to nutritional deficiencies. | Provide foods or supplements rich in iron, zinc, biotin, and protein. | It takes several months for the body to recover from the deficiency. |
Do's & Don'ts
| ✔️ Things to do | ❌ Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Use a wide-toothed comb when combing your hair. | Avoid combing wet hair vigorously or rubbing it roughly with a towel (wet hair breaks more easily). |
| Include nutritious eggs, vegetables, fish, and nuts in your daily diet. | Do not use hair straightening, perming, or high-heat tools frequently. |
| When going out in the sun, use an umbrella or hat to protect your hair from ultraviolet (UV) rays. | Avoid pulling your hair tightly and tying it with rubber bands (risk of traction alopecia). |
No comments yet. Be the first to share your question or experience below.