Hair loss can have emotional and psychological impacts, affecting a person’s self-esteem and confidence. While some types of hair loss may be permanent, others can be temporary or reversible.
Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, refers to the partial or complete loss of hair from areas of the body where hair normally grows. It can affect both men and women and can occur for various reasons, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors.
TYPES
Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness)
This is the most common form of hair loss, characterized by a progressive thinning of hair on the scalp. In men, it often begins with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while in women, it typically causes overall hair thinning without significant receding.
Alopecia areata
This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, resulting in sudden hair loss in patches or across the entire scalp (alopecia totalis). It can also affect other areas of the body, such as the eyebrows, beard, or body hair (alopecia universalis).
Traction alopecia
This form of hair loss is caused by repetitive tension or pulling on the hair, often due to tight hairstyles, braids, ponytails, or the use of hair extensions. It primarily affects the hairline or areas where hair is frequently pulled.
Telogen effluvium
This type of hair loss occurs when there is a disturbance in the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding. It can be triggered by factors such as stress, childbirth, major surgery, severe illness, or certain medications.
Alopecia totalis and universalis
These are rare and more severe forms of alopecia areata. Alopecia totalis involves the complete loss of hair on the scalp, while alopecia universalis leads to the loss of all body hair, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair on the face and body.
Treatment
Treatment options for hair loss depend on the underlying cause and can include
Medications
Prescription medications, such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia), may help slow down hair loss and promote regrowth, particularly in cases of androgenetic alopecia. New oral (Olumiant) immunomodulatory medications are used in the case of Alopecia Areata.
Corticosteroids
These anti-inflammatory medications can be injected directly into the affected areas to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair regrowth, especially in cases of alopecia areata.
Hair transplant
This surgical procedure involves moving hair follicles from a donor area to the balding or thinning areas of the scalp. It is a long-term solution for hair restoration and can be suitable for individuals with permanent hair loss.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
This technique involves obtaining concentrated form of a patient’s own blood plasma, enriched with a higher concentration of platelets. Platelets contain growth factors and other proteins that play a crucial role in healing and tissue regeneration. The blood is then processed in a centrifuge machine to separate the PRP from other components of the blood.
The resulting plasma is then injected back into the patient’s scalp. The growth factors are believed to stimulate collagen production and enhance hair follicle growth being a very good therapeutic option for patients with androgenetic alopecia and tellogen efluvium.
Dr. Ciocca is a highly regarded dermatologist and an esteemed researcher who is actively involved as a principal investigator in ongoing clinical trials for phase 2 and 3 of innovative immunomodulatory treatments for Hair Loss.
If you are interested in participating in these promising trials or seeking more information, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated research team at www.skinresearchsf.com.
They will provide you with the necessary details and assist you professionally throughout the process.
Treatment
In addition to specific treatments, adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress levels, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive heat styling or chemical treatments can contribute to overall hair health. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, can help determine the cause of hair loss and guide appropriate treatment options.