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22.11.2009 | Author: D.J. Verret, MD | Posted in Medicine | D.J. Verret, MD has blogged 25 posts other posts by D.J. Verret, MD

Hair loss is a problem for men and women. There are many causes for hair loss and determining the cause is the first step to formulating a treatment plan. The most common cause of hair loss in both men and women is termed androgenic or androgenetic alopecia. As suggested by the name, this type of hair loss is related to genetics. Unfortunately there are many different genes related to hair loss and not all of them have been completely identified. Hair loss can come with a person’s mother or father or either side’s relatives. The pattern of loss in men due to androgenic alopecia is rather well defined and easy to identify. In women, although they can suffer from androgenic alopecia, the pattern of hair loss is not as well defined. In some cases, further testing in women is necessary to determine if the hair loss is due to a medical cause which should be treated.

Alopecia areata is the next most common form of hair loss. This form of hair loss results in rapid loss of hair in circular or oval patches. It may be episodic or persistent. Alopecia areata will generally resolve within six months to a year. Should it persist for longer, the chance of recovery is minimal. The condition will recur in approximately one third of patients. The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown. There are multiple theories and the current leading theory is hair loss due to an autoimmune condition, where the body attacks its own hair follicles.

Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in prepubertal patients. Diagnosis of fungal infection is made with a potassium hydroxide slide under a microscope or culture of the fungus which can take quite some time. Once the diagnosis is made, antifungal medications either by mouth and/or applied to the scalp are used to treat the infections.

Certain infections can cause hair loss. Children may have hair loss caused by a fungal infection of the scalp. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines. Hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated.

Finally, tightly pulling hair can cause hair loss. People who wear pigtails, cornrows, or use tight hair rollers can pull the hair and cause traction alopecia. If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, the hair will grow back normally. However, scarring can cause permanent hair loss.

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