The average person sheds about 100 hairs per day, but some people can lose far more than this—sometimes hundreds more each day. This kind of hair loss—called telogen effluvium—is usually temporary, and you can take several steps to treat it at home. However, if you’re losing hair faster than normal or suddenly see bald patches on your scalp, you might need medical attention from a dermatologist to figure out the cause of your hair loss and how to stop it from getting worse. Here are the most common causes of hair loss and what you can do about them.
Telogen Effluvium
If you’re just entering puberty, you may be experiencing this type of hair loss as well. In this case, it’s usually triggered by extreme stress or illness, so the body may be reacting to these changes by accelerating the telogen (shedding) stage.
Alopecia Areata (Patchy Baldness)
Alopecia Areata is a form of patchy hair loss that can occur on any part of the body. This type of hair loss is caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system attacks the body’s hair follicles, causing them to shrink or disappear. Alopecia Areata does not have any known cause, but it can run in families and be triggered by emotional stress.
For people who develop Alopecia Areata, it may take months for new hairs to grow back in the affected area; some people find that their hair never grows back at all.
Androgenetic Alopecia
It is a type of hair loss where the hair follicles become sensitive to male hormones. As these hormone levels rise, they shrink the follicles causing them to produce shorter hairs. The hairs then appear thinner because they lack a thick section near the base, which gives them strength. What are the causes of hair loss? The most common cause is Androgenetic Alopecia, which is caused by hormonal influences on genetically susceptible individuals. Doctors usually recommend addressing underlying causes such as hormone imbalances, thyroid disorders, and nutrition deficits rather than focusing on minoxidil treatments or cosmetic procedures. Treating these conditions can help stop or reverse Androgenetic Alopecia symptoms in most cases.
Tinea Capitis
There are a lot of different reasons why hair loss can occur, but thankfully there are also a lot of ways to stop it. Tinea Capitis is a fungal infection that, while harmless, causes hair loss. The fungus attacks the scalp, which leads to inflammation and bald patches. This condition can be treated with medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole.
Anagen Effluvium
Hair loss is one of the most common side effects for people undergoing chemotherapy. The hair follicle slows down or stops producing hair as a result, but most people regain their natural hair color after treatment. Anagen effluvium is hair loss that occurs during the anagen phase, or growth phase, which can happen after surgery like a mastectomy or breast reduction. It typically lasts six months to two years. Alopecia areata causes patches of baldness with no clear cause, while telogen effluvium is caused by emotional stress or other trauma and can last up to six months before any regrowth happens.
Image Credit: Getty Images
By Dua
Recommended1 recommendationPublished in Hairstyles
