Hair Loss: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Hair is an elongated thread-like structure composed of a protein referred to as Keratin. It is released from a pore within the skin, referred to as the hair follicle. Humans have approximately 1,00,000 hair follicles that produce the hair shaft, also known as the hair that we see. Hair shafts and hair follicles, as with every other part in our bodies, can be prone to be damaged, resulting in hair loss or fall in hair.
Hair shedding
It’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day. When the body sheds significantly more hairs every day, a person has excessive hair shedding. The medical term for this condition is telogen effluvium.
Excessive hair shedding is common in people who have experienced one the following stressors:
Lost 20 pounds or more
Given birth
Experiencing lots of stress (caring for a loved one who is sick, going through a divorce, losing a job)
Had high fever
Undergone an operation
After exogen, a brand new hair growth cycle starts, and hair is in an the anagen phase. In any given time, about 10-15 percent all your hairs may be in the normal shed, also known as telogen/exogen. This is around 50-100 hairs that may shed each day that can be seen on your towel, comb and even on the floor. It is part of the normal process and nothing to be concerned about.
Hair Loss or Alopecia
Hair loss occurs when something stops the hair from growing. The medical term for this condition is anagen effluvium. The most common causes of hair loss include:
Hereditary hair loss
Immune system overreacts
Some drugs and treatments
Hairstyles that pull on the hair
Harsh hair-care products
Compulsion to pull out one’s hair
If you have hair loss, your hair will not grow until the cause stops. For example, people who undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments often lose a lot of hair. When the treatment stops, their hair tends to regrow.
If you suspect that a treatment or drug is causing your hair loss, talk with your doctor. Serious side effects can occur if you immediately stop a treatment or drug. There are many types of hair loss conditions caused by various factors; continue to know all these factors and ways to treat them. At this Stage it is important to consult a hair specialists
Symptoms of Hair Loss
Hair loss has many possible causes. The most common include:
Hereditary hair loss from genetics (genes you inherit from your parents).
Fungal infections on the scalp.
Hairstyles that pull the hair tightly (such as braids, hair extensions or tight ponytails).
Haircare that may cause damage due to processing (including perms and bleach).
Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, childbirth or menopause).
Medical treatment (such as chemotherapy and certain medications).
Nutritional deficiencies (especially not getting enough iron or protein).
Stressful events (like having surgery or losing a loved one).
Thyroid Disease.
What are Hair Loss Diagnostic Methods by Hair Specialists in Lucknow?
Some hair loss symptoms are visible, while some others are invisible. When you notice you suffer from hair loss, visit a hair specialist in Lucknow immediately. The doctor will perform the following tests to find the cause behind the hair condition to treat it effectively.
Pull Test- The most basic diagnostic step that the doctor performs is the pull test. In this test, the doctor lightly pulls a bunch of hair to see how many come up – the pulled hair are then observed to identify the stage of the hair growth cycle.
Blood Test – Your dermatologist may advise a few blood tests to find out the underlying medical conditions that can cause hair loss.
Light Microscopy – Light microscope or tracheoscopy is an instrument used by the hair loss doctor to find the changes seen at root level or scalp level.
Biopsy of the Scalp – In a biopsy, the doctor collects the root sample by plucking some hairs and taking a part of the skin. By observing the roots in the microscope, the doctor verifies if any underlying changes in the scalp or hair structure is causing hair loss.
When and Why to Visit a Hair Specialists
Hair loss because of genetic composition and hormonal changes is not prevented, but it is possible to slow down. If you’ve tried every solution and taken all safety guidelines but you still suffering from hair loss and you are not sure what to do, seek out a qualified dermatologist who treats hair loss. It’s not too late to see an expert doctor, however, the earlier you go to see a doctor the sooner you’ll be able to save. The signs of hair loss should not be dismissed lightly.
Consult or visit a hair specialist in Lucknow in one or more of the following cases:
You and/or your child lose more than 80-100 hair daily and need a hair fall solution.
You feel distressed due to constant hair loss in you and/or your kid and, hence, wish to opt for hair fall remedies.
You notice a receding hairline and want to receive hair treatment to avoid potentially permanent baldness.
You and/or your child experience more than usual hair loss when washing and/or combing the hair and require a hair fall solution.
You go through patchy or sudden hair loss which calls for immediate medical hair treatment