Hair & Scalp Conditions
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss, typically in patches on the scalp. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to their shrinkage and inhibition of hair growth. The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The condition can affect individuals of any age, gender, or ethnic background. Hair loss in alopecia areata is usually characterised by round or oval patches on the scalp, but it can also occur on other hair-bearing areas of the body, such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss characterised by excessive shedding of hair. It occurs when there is a disruption in the hair growth cycle, specifically during the telogen phase. The telogen phase is the resting phase of the hair follicles when the hair is not actively growing. Telogen effluvium can be triggered by a variety of factors, including physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, medications, and certain medical conditions.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs when there is repeated and prolonged tension or pulling on the hair. It is typically caused by certain hairstyles or hair practices that put excessive strain on the hair follicles. Traction alopecia is often seen in individuals who frequently wear tight ponytails, braids, cornrows, buns, or extensions.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, refers to a group of rare hair loss disorders characterised by inflammation and destruction of the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss. Unlike other forms of alopecia, scarring alopecia involves the replacement of hair follicles with scar tissue, which hinders the regrowth of hair.
Scarring alopecia can occur due to various causes, including autoimmune diseases (such as lupus erythematosus), infections (such as fungal or bacterial infections), certain medications, genetic disorders, and physical trauma to the scalp. The specific cause and progression of scarring alopecia can vary depending on the underlying condition.
The condition typically presents with areas of hair loss accompanied by inflammation, redness, scaling, and itching of the affected scalp.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a subtype of scarring alopecia that primarily affects the frontal hairline and eyebrows, although it can also extend to involve the temples and sides of the scalp. It is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women but can occur in men and premenopausal women as well.
The exact cause of frontal fibrosing alopecia is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. This leads to inflammation and subsequent scarring, resulting in permanent hair loss in the affected areas.
Trichotillosis
People with trich feel an intense urge to pull their hair out and they experience growing tension until they do. After pulling their hair out, they feel a sense of relief.
A person may sometimes pull their hair out in response to a stressful situation, or it may be done without really thinking about it.
Most people with trichotillomania pull out hair from their scalp, but some pull out hair from other areas, such as their:
- eyebrows
- eyelashes
- genital area
- beard or moustache
Bald patches on the head may have an unusual shape and affect 1 side of the head more than the other.
Post Partum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss, also known as postpartum alopecia or telogen effluvium, is a common condition that affects many women after giving birth. During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause a reduction in hair shedding, resulting in thicker and fuller hair. However, after childbirth, hormone levels normalise, and a larger percentage of hair enters the resting phase (telogen phase), leading to increased hair shedding.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men. It is a progressive condition characterised by a specific pattern of hair thinning or loss that typically begins at the hairline and temples and gradually progresses to the crown of the head.
Male pattern hair loss is primarily influenced by genetic and hormonal factors. It is believed to be associated with an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to the gradual miniaturisation of hair follicles. Over time, affected follicles produce finer and shorter hair strands until they eventually cease to grow new hairs.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic skin condition that primarily affects areas of the body with a high concentration of oil glands, such as the scalp, face, and upper chest. It is characterised by red, itchy, and flaky skin.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. The condition is associated with an overgrowth of a yeast called on the skin, which leads to inflammation and an abnormal immune response.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterised by the rapid build up of skin cells, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface. It is a non-contagious condition that can affect individuals of any age, although it most commonly appears between the ages of 15 and 35.
The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The immune system plays a key role in psoriasis, mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells and causing the excessive growth and inflammation observed in affected areas.
The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, characterised by raised, red patches covered with silver or white scales. These patches can occur anywhere on the body but are often found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis may also affect the nails, causing pitting, discoloration, and thickening.
