Understanding and Managing Hair Loss: Causes, Conditions, and Treatments:(මෙම ලිපිය ➡සිංහලෙන් කියවන්න.
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Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common concern that can be distressing for many.
While losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, excessive or noticeable thinning can signal an underlying issue.
Understanding the various causes, associated medical conditions, and available treatments is the first step toward managing this condition.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss is a complex issue, often resulting from a combination of factors, which can be temporary or permanent.
Hereditary Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia): This is the most common cause globally, known as male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. It is genetic and typically occurs gradually with age, resulting in a receding hairline and bald spots in men, and overall thinning or a broadening part in women.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones can trigger temporary or permanent hair loss. This is often seen during:
Pregnancy and Childbirth: Postpartum hair shedding (Telogen Effluvium) is common due to decreased estrogen levels.
Menopause: Hormonal shifts contribute to thinning.
Thyroid Problems: Both an overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid can disrupt the hair cycle.
Stressful Events (Telogen Effluvium): A significant physical or emotional shock—such as major surgery, severe illness (like a high fever), or extreme emotional stress—can push a large number of hairs into the resting phase, leading to noticeable shedding and general thinning a few months later This is usually temporary.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Not getting enough essential nutrients can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Deficiencies in iron, protein, zinc, and vitamins A, D, and B (especially B12 and biotin) are frequently implicated.
Medications and Medical Treatments: Certain drugs can have hair loss as a side effect, including those used for:
Cancer (Chemotherapy, Anagen Effluvium)
Arthritis, depression, and high blood pressure
Hairstyles and Treatments: Constant pulling from tight hairstyles like cornrows, braids, or tight ponytails can cause a form of hair loss called Traction Alopecia, which can become permanent if scarring occurs. Harsh chemical treatments (perming, bleaching) and excessive heat styling can also weaken hair shafts, leading to breakage .
Associated Illnesses and Conditions
Hair loss can be an important sign of an underlying medical issue, especially when it is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by other symptoms.
| Illness/Condition | Type of Hair Loss | Description |
| Alopecia Areata | Patchy or Total | An autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, typically non-scarring, patchy hair loss on the scalp or body. |
| Lupus | Patchy or Diffuse | A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, which can affect the skin and destroy hair follicles, sometimes leading to permanent hair loss and scarring. |
| Thyroid Disease | Thinning or Patchy | Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism disrupt T3 and T4 hormone levels, which are critical for regulating hair growth. |
| Scalp Infections | Bald Patches, Scaling | Fungal infections like ringworm (tinea capitis) can invade the hair shaft and scalp skin, leading to broken hair and patchy loss. |
| Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Thinning, Receding Hairline | A hormonal disorder in women that involves an excess of androgens (male hormones), which can contribute to hair thinning on the scalp (similar to male-pattern baldness). |
| Anemia | Thinning | Iron deficiency anemia can cause hair loss as the body prioritizes oxygen delivery to essential organs, diverting it from non-critical functions like hair growth. |
Steps to Reduce Hair Fall and Possible Treatments
Addressing hair loss effectively often requires a dual approach: making lifestyle adjustments and pursuing medical treatments tailored to the specific cause.
Lifestyle and Hair Care Adjustments
Optimize Nutrition: Ensure a well-balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and key vitamins and minerals. Consider a blood test to check for deficiencies and discuss appropriate supplements (like iron, Vitamin D, or zinc) with your doctor.
Manage Stress: Since significant stress can trigger temporary shedding (Telogen Effluvium), incorporate stress-reducing practices like yoga,
Gentle Hair Handling:
Avoid tight hairstyles (braids, tight ponytails) that pull on the roots.
Limit the use of excessive heat styling (blow dryers, straighteners, curlers) and harsh chemical treatments (perms, bleaches).
Gently comb hair with a wide-tooth comb, especially when wet, to prevent breakage.
Protect Your Hair: Protect hair from prolonged sun exposure by wearing a hat or using UV-protectant products.
Medications:
Minoxidil (Rogaine): An over-the-counter topical treatment (liquid, foam, or shampoo) applied to the scalp. It helps regrow hair and slow the rate of loss, especially in hereditary baldness.
Finasteride (Propecia): A prescription oral pill primarily for men that helps slow hair loss and may promote new growth by blocking a hormone that shrinks hair follicles.
Steroids: Injections or creams can be used to treat autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata.
Procedures:
Hair Transplant Surgery: Involves removing hair from an area of high density (donor site) and transplanting it to the thinning or bald areas.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: A patient's own blood is processed to concentrate platelets, which are then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Devices (combs, caps, helmets) that use light to stimulate hair follicles, approved for hereditary hair loss.
Medical and Clinical Treatment Options
For persistent or hereditary hair loss, a dermatologist can diagnose the exact cause and recommend targeted treatments:
Crucially, if you are experiencing significant or sudden hair loss, it is vital to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider. Early diagnosis of an underlying medical condition or deficiency can lead to effective treatment and better outcomes.
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