Alopecia (baldness or Hair Loss)
What is alopecia? Alopecia (also known as baldness or hair loss) refers to the loss or lack of hair on part or all of the scalp and in some cases, other body parts. Hair loss may be temporary or permanent and may affect people of all ages. Although alopecia can occur anywhere in the body, the more painful when it affects the scalp. It can vary from a small place naked, which is easily masked by the hair to a more comprehensive and clear [3, 4]. AlopeciaCauses causes of a disease or condition, 1. Genetics2. Fever3 prolonged. Hormonal changes such as childbirth, birth control pills or thyroid disease4. The treatment for cancer, as chemotherapy5. Continue pulling the hair or scalp rubbing6. Therapy7 burns or radiation. Stress8 emotional or physical. Scalp ringworm (tinea capita) 9. Some prescription drugs (to name a few) types AlopeciaThe different types of alopecia associated with loss of hair on the scalp include, 1. Androgenetic alopecia (genetic hair loss) androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss is an important issue that affects men and is such that, at the age of 50 years, up to 50% of men who are genetically predisposed to be interested. E 'is characterized by progressive loss of scalp hair, model, and its prerequisites, a genetic predisposition and sufficient circulating androgens (steroid hormones such as testosterone or androsterone, that promotes male characteristics). According to Sinclair (1998) all white males have the autosomal inherited predisposition, and as such, 96% hair loss to some extent. Sinclair also mentioned that Caucasian men are four times more likely to develop premature baldness Black men. Hair loss usually begins after puberty, with a rate of progression is highly variable [1, 5]. The condition is also common in women and is known as female pattern hair loss. In women, is characterized by a widespread reduction in density of hair on the crown and frontal scalp with retention of the frontal hairline [6]. Birch et al (2002) refer to the fact that in some women, hair loss can affect a small area of frontal scalp, whereas in others the entire scalp is involved. In advanced female pattern hair loss, hair becomes very low at the top of the scalp po 'a circle of hair is maintained along the leading edge. The vertex (the crown or top of the head) baldness seen in men is rare in women, but female pattern baldness is rare in men [6]. The nature of androgen-dependent and the genetic basis of female pattern baldness has not been clearly established, although a study by Sinclair et al (2005) have shown that androgens play an important role in the development of female pattern hair loss . 2. Alopecia areata (AA), alopecia areata (AA) is a common nonscarring mediated immunity form of hair loss, which occurs in all ethnic groups, age (more common in children and young adults), and both sexes, It affects approximately 1. 7% of the population [8, 9]. Alopecia areata is unpredictable and patients often have several episodes of hair loss and regrowth in their lifetime. Recovering from hair loss may be complete, partial or nonexistent. It is believed that 34 and 50% of patients with AA will recover in a year, while 15 and 25% will progress to total hair loss or loss of scalp hair and whole body in the that full recovery is rare [8, 11]. It usually presents as a single patch or multiple confluent oval patch of signs asymptomatic (without obvious symptoms or disease), alopecia well circumscribed, with severity ranging from a small space in the loss of scalp hair. Common features AA patch exclamation hairs, which can be present at their margins, the exclamation mark hairs are broken, short hair, which taper proximally. Hair loss of AA may be the only obvious clinical abnormality or may be associated with abnormalities of the nails. Less common associated diseases are diseases of the thyroid and vitiligo [4, 10, 11]. The clinical presentation of AA is subcategorised based on the pattern and degree of hair loss. If classified according to the scheme, consider the following: a. AA irregular, consisting of round or oval patches of hair loss and is the most common, B. Reticular AA, which is a lattice (network) pattern hair loss in patches, c. ophiasis band as AA, which is the loss of hair on the parieto-temporo-occipital scalp (medial-lateral posterior scalp), D. ophiasis inversus, a rare group-like pattern of hair loss in fronto-temporal parietal scalp (first half of the side of the scalp) of the Andes. AA diffused, a general decrease in hair density. [Adapted from Shapiro J and S Madani, 1999] If classified by degree of participation, the following are considered: a. alopecia areata, which is the partial loss of hair, B. total alopecia, which is 100% loss of hair, from the Andes. alopecia universalis, which is 100% loss of body hair. [Adapted from Shapiro J and S Madani, 1999] 3. Telogen effluvium (TE), telogen effluvium is a disorder of the hair cycle, resulting in excessive loss of telogen (resting phase of hair cycle), hair and is more common in women. Women with this disorder usually notice a greater amount of hair on their hairbrush or shower floor. Loss of hair may vary daily hair 100-300. It is believed that tea may unmask previously androgenetic alopecia. The most common cause of ET is behind the tension, other causes include some disorders such as thyroid disease and certain medications, pituitary, and the birth of a child, to name a few. In many cases, however, can not find the cause. TE usually begins two to four months after the causal event and can last several months, [4, 12]. Unlike some other hair loss conditions, TE is temporary and hair growth is possible [4]. Telogen effluvium in three ways: a. Acute telogen effluvium, where hair shedding should stop in 3-6 monthb. Chronic diffuse telogen hair loss, which are the telogen hair shedding persisting more than 6 months. The most common causes are thyroid disorders, Acrodermatitis, profound iron deficiency anemia, and malnutrition. c. Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) is the most common cause of hair loss in women, affecting 30% of women between 30 and 60 years, the United Kingdom. CTE is such that there is a change in the rate of growth in the rest of hair, and in many cases excessive hair shedding has been present for at least 6 months. According to Rushton et al (2002), studies have shown that 95% of CTE from nutritional imbalance in the participation of the essential amino acid L-lysine and iron. Other common causes of CTE is medication, thyroid diseases and childbirth [1, 11]. 4. Cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia) Circatricial alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, refers to a group of rare diseases arising from hair, a condition that damages the scalp and hair follicle. They appear as areas of hair loss in which the underlying scalp is checked, sclerotic or atrophic. In other words, the riots destroy the hair follicle and the hair replacement with scar tissue, causing permanent hair loss. Conditions associated with alopecia circatricial include autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus, lupus, head injury, infections like tuberculosis and syphilis, and radiotherapy. Circatricial Alopecia affects adults and children, and can present as primary or secondary alopecia circatricial [4, 13]. 5. Chemotherapy related AlopeciaAlopecia caused by chemotherapy can range from mild hair thinning to complete baldness. The extent of alopecia depends on the choice of drugs and their dosages. Drugs that cause severe alopecia include methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, ifosphamide, vincristine and taxanes to name a few. When drugs are used in combination, which is normally the case with many treatment regimens, the incidence and severity of alopecia may be higher than usual. According to Randall et al (2005) "Chemotherapy-related alopecia was assessed by patients as one of the most serious concern and traumatic chemotherapy-related side effects." The loss of hair due to chemotherapy is not permanent and as such, the hair will grow back once treatment is completed [14]. 6. AlopeciaThis trauma is usually a very common cause of hair loss in women from certain ethnic groups (particularly women in Africa / Caribbean descent). It is caused by the fact that the hair preparation techniques using hair products reforming the way to relax, board, hot combs, rollers and foam products permanent waves and hair braiding methods . These techniques of hair follicle damage over time [15]. Traumatic alopecia is divided into three categories: a. Traction alopecia, which results from pulling the hair tight rollers, ponytails or persistent light fabrics. The use of hairdryers, vigorous combing or brushing hair and teeth whitening can also contribute to hair breakage. Thinning begins over his ears and rectum, and if the methods of causal style will not stop, hair loss may be irreversible, as it destroys the hair follicles [15, 16]. b. Chemical alopecia, which is derived from the commercial use of relaxer and styling products. These products contain chemicals such as mercaptoacetic curls create or fix your hair with the destruction of the disulfide bonds of keratin. In addition to curling or straightening hair, these substances may have irritating effects on the scalp, which can damage the hair shaft, swelling and loss of scalp hair roots. It may lead to irreversible damage to hair follicles [15, 16]. c. Hot-comb alopecia, also known as follicular degeneration syndrome, the result of excessive use of pomades with a hot comb or iron, which leads to progressive destruction of hair follicles. Ointment when in contact with a hot comb or hot iron, it melts and drips down the hair shaft in the follicle. This results in chronic inflammatory folliculitis that can lead to scarring alopecia and hair loss, so permanent. Thinning usually begins around the head and then spread evenly across the head. The condition is irreversible [15, 16]. Common baldness / hair loss mythsSeveral myths about hair loss, some serious, some not so serious. These myths are: 1. The male pattern baldness (as well as baldness in women) is inherited from her mother's side of the family: This is not true, as there have been studies that show conclusively that may come from both sides of the family. 2. The haircut can make it grow faster and stronger. When the hair grow, and are used by normal use and as such is a little thinner around the stem diameter. Cut the hair cut back to where there is less wear and, later, the hair shaft is slightly thicker, giving the impression that cutting hair thickening. It would also grow as fast as the hair grows almost exactly one centimeter per month, whether cut or not. 3. Wearing a hat can cause hair loss. This can only happen if the hat is too tight, as all forms of tension or stretching of the hair may have some effect on hair loss, but with a hat alone can not cause hair loss. 4. Dry your hair rigorously will make your hair fall more rapidly. This can only happen if the hair is due to the fall in any case, but not promote hair loss rigorously5 additional sponge. Rub the head curry help hair loss. Not only does not work, then it is likely that the smell too. 6. Split ends can be repaired. This is not true, as the open ends can not be repaired and must be cut away to prevent the fragmentation of its high and causing more damage to the hair. 7. Having a cow lick on top of the head may help hair loss. Not help the hair loss, but it might be fun to watch. 8. Standing at the head or hanging upside down, increase the flow of blood to the head and reduce hair loss. It is true that standing on your head or hanging upside down, increase the flow of blood to the head, but will do nothing for hair loss. Quality of life and psychological aspectsThe hair is an integral part of our being and our identity and loss of hair, as this can cause a wide range of psychological problems related to our identity. Alopecia by itself has few harmful physical effects, however, could lead to problems such as high levels of anxiety, social phobia, paranoid disorder and major depressive episodes. The extent of alopecia is one of the predictors of the severity of psychological distress [12, 17]. There is an important link between hair and identity, especially for women. Femininity, sexuality, attractiveness and personality, as reiterated by Hunt et al (2005), is symbolically linked to a woman's hair and hair loss as can seriously affect self-esteem and body image. Hunt et al (2005) also indicated that approximately 40% of women with alopecia have had marital problems as a result, while some 63% claim to have had his career-related problems [18]. Psychological problems can also be experienced by children suffering from alopecia. AlopeciaAlopecia management can be handled in different ways, depending on the type and severity. The various methods of management are: 1. Medical therapy, such as the use of minoxidil, oral finasteride, topical tretinoin, exogenous estrogens, anti-androgens spironolactone and androgenetic alopecia. The type of treatment and dose may vary according to sex and age (ie, adult or children). 2. Medical therapy, such as the use of immunomodulatory agents (steroids e. g, 5% minoxidil, and anthralin cream) and topical immunotherapy agents (e. g dinitrochlorobenzene and diphenylcyclopropene) for alopecia areata. 3. For hair loss caused by telogen effluvium, the cause is usually treated first. 4. Scarring alopecia are sometimes managed using both systemic and topical, this includes the use of hydroxychloroquine, topical immunomodulators (e. g of tacrolimus and pimecrolimus), intralesional injection of triamcinolone, mycophenolate, cyclosporine, and isotretinoin, to name few. 5. When hair loss is extensive, wigs can be used, there is also the possibility of transplantation of hair (with minigrafts). 6. To reduce the risk of traumatic alopecia, techniques for the regulation of hair should be used with caution, taking into account the sensitivity of the scalp and hair follicles. Cessation of practice style may lead to a reduction in hair loss and hair growth in part this depends on the duration of the offense to the roots. The full re growth is possible if the hair loss is handled first [15]. 7. The use of laser light therapy, which offers a respite from drugs, chemicals, lotions, visiting hospitals, dermatology and surgery, non-toxic, safe and can be used at home (see our new product Hairbeam phototherapy) . Recommended products lossReferences1 hair. Rushton DH, Norris MJ, Busuttil N. causes of hair loss and changes in hair rejuvenation. Int J Cosm Sci 2002, 24: 17-23. 2. Biondo S, Goble D, Sinclair R. Women with female hair loss tend to underestimate the severity of your hair loss. Br J Dermatol 2004; 150: 750-752. 3. Anonymous. What should I know about hair loss? Am Fam Physician 2003; 68 (1) :107-108. 4. Thiedke CC. Alopecia in women. Am Fam Physician 2003; 67 (5): 1007-1014. 5. Sinclair R. Male pattern androgenetic alopecia. Br Med J 1998; 317: 865-869. 6. Birch MP, Lalla SC, Messenger AG. Female pattern hair loss. Dermatol Clin 2002; 27: 383-388. 7. Sinclair R, Wewerinke M, Jolley D. Treatment of female pattern hair loss with oral antiandrogens. Br J Dermatol 2005; 152: 466-473. 8. Tosti A, Bellavista S, M. Iorizzo Alopecia areata: a long follow-up study of 191 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; doi: 10. 1016 / J Jaad. 2006. 05. 008. 9. Kaelin U, Hassan AS, Braathen LR. Treatment of alopecia areata partim universalis with efalizumab. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; doi: 10. 1016 / J Jaad. 2006. 05. 062. 10. Olsen et al. Alopecia areata guidelines for experimental evaluation. J Am Acad Dermal 1999 40: 242-246. 11. Shapiro J, Madani S. Alopecia areata: diagnosis and management. Int J Dermatol 1999; 38 (Suppl 1): 19-24. 12. Harrison S, Sinclair R. telogen effluvium. Clin Exp Dermatol 2002; 27: 389-395. 13. Whiting DA. Scarring alopecia: clinicopathologic features and treatment. Dermatol Clin 2001; 19: 211-225. 14. Randall J, Ream E. Hair loss with chemotherapy: at a loss for its management? Eur J Cancer Care 2005; 14: 223-23115. Goodheart HP. Hair and scalp disorders. In the women's health in primary care in 1999, 2 (5): 338, 343. 16. Institute of beautiful women and thinning hair. Traumatic alopecia. Rogaine 2003. Available at: http://www. womenshairinstitute. com / th_wcth_ta. asp [Accessed on 05/07/2007]. 17. Schmidt S, Fischer TW, Chren MM, Strauss BM, Elsner P. coping strategies and quality of life in women with alopecia. Br J Dermatol 2001; 144: 1038-1043. 18. Hunt N, McHale, S. The psychological impact of alopecia. BMJ 2005; 331:951-953. 19. Understanding Hair loss. Hair loss. Available at: http://www. understanding hair loss. net / hair-loss-myths. htm [Accessed on 05/07/2007]. 20. Hair styles. 10 Myths of hair. Available at: http://www. hairstyles. org/top-10-hair-myths. html [Retrieved: 05/07/2007]. DisclaimerThis article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a doctor and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please keep all information provided in this article only after consulting your doctor or other qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.
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