When a person has hair thinning or falling out, it can have a big impact on how they feel about themselves. People who have hair loss are usually in good health. But emotionally, this condition can be hard to handle and can change a persons body image.
Causes of hair loss include:
(1) Shock
E.G. post illness, stress and pregnancy. Hair loss here is usually temporary.
(2) Nutritional deficiency
E.G. iron deficiencies and unhealthy dieting.
(3) Hormonal influences
E.G. thyroid problems, hypotuitarism, contraceptive pills, post menopause.
(4) Local scalp condition
E.G. severe dandruff, Lichen Planus, Discoi Lupus Erythematosus, ringworm.
(5) Hair styling
E.G. prolonged traction, perming and vigorous brushing.
(6) Hereditary
Aka common baldness, pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia. Onset may be caused by age and testerone.
(7) Prescription Medication
E.G. Cytoxic or immunosuppressive drugs.
Treatments
Knowing the possible causes of hair loss may help in the understanding of the various treatments currently available, which in turn may help you to choose the right one for you.
(1) Medications:
(i) Topical e.g. Regaine. The way it works is not fully understood. It seems to stimulate the follicular cells in the scalp.
(ii) Oral drugs e.g. Propecia, a prescription medication which is clinically proven to reduce hair loss by reducing the effect of testosterone.
Problems:
Hair loss usually recurs six months after stopping Propecia and Regaine. Both these drugs are not available on the NHS for this purpose.
(2) Surgical Procedures
Such as hair transplants, hair hair plugs, scalp reduction, and scalp flaps.
Problems:
Complications of the surgery include scarring and chronic infection.
(3) Wigs, Toupees and Hairpieces
Problems:
Wigs can come off relatively easy, causing embarrassment in public or humiliation in an intimate setting. To keep them looking presentable, they must be of high quality, and be maintained with scrupulous care.
(4) Laser Treatments
Problems:
Still not independently reviewed.
Further information will be provided during your free consultation, treatment will vary from patient to patient, due to the nature of this procedure. Contact the clinic now to arrange an appointment for a free consultation.
