Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, either on the scalp or anywhere on the body that typically grows hair. A variety of factors are thought to contribute to alopecia, including hormones, aging, certain illnesses, genetics, and traumas to the skin, such as burns.
Hypertrichosis is a condition characterized by excess hair growth on any area of the body. Both men and women may be affected by the condition, but its impact on self-esteem and a healthy self-image can be particularly devastating to women. In one form of hypertrichosis known as hirsutism, women develop excess hair growth on areas of the body more commonly associated with men, such as the face, chest, back, and abdomen.
While the condition is often hereditary, it can also be caused by pituitary or adrenal disorders. Women may also develop hypertrichosis after menopause, or after the prolonged use of anabolic steroids or corticosteroids, and certain medications.
Certain hairstyles, including braids or tight ponytails, or safety headgear, such as snowboarding or motorcycle helmets can contribute to localized hair loss
An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, alopecia areata can lead to small patches of hair loss, although in some rare cases it can progress to greater or even total hair loss. The exact cause remains unknown.
When skin is damaged from burns, injury, or x-ray therapy, hair may not grow back over scarred areas. Some diseases like lupus, bacterial or fungal skin infections, tuberculosis, lichen planus, sarcoidosis, or skin cancer can also cause scarring that can lead to hair loss. In cases where the hair follicles are damaged or destroyed, the goal for treatment becomes preventing further hair loss.
The most common cause for hair loss in both men and women is a condition called Androgenetic Alopecia. In men, this is often called Male Pattern Baldness. This is typified by the hairline receding back from the temples, forming a distinctive “M” pattern. Additionally, the hair can thin at the top of the head (the crown.) The condition often progresses to complete hair loss.
Hair loss for women typically involves thinning over the entire scalp, but without the receding hairline associated commonly found in men. Female Pattern Baldness usually does not lead to total hair loss.
Temporary hair loss can sometimes be the result of a severe illness, childbirth, or as a side effect from the use of certain medications.
Compulsive hair pulling can also lead to hair loss. This habit is most common in children.
Bamboo Hair occurs when hair shafts break easily. It’s normally due to genetics, but it can also be the result of certain disorders.
It is a hair shaft abnormality that causes the hair strands to look similar to the knots in a bamboo stalk. Normal, healthy hair strands appear smooth under a microscope. Bamboo hair appears to contain nodules (bumps) or evenly spaced ridges.