Hair Loss
Hair loss is related to the tendency of hair follicles to stop producing hair growth. The most common cause is
hereditary, expressed through family patterns of genes and hormones. This is known as genetic hair loss, common
baldness or male / female pattern baldness (MPB, FPB). There are two proven hair loss treatments available, drugs
called finasteride and minoxidil. Finasteride is a tablet (not suitable for women) and works by slowing the rate
of hair loss. Minoxidil is a lotion and works by stimulating new hair growth.
Diseases characterized by high fever (e.g., scarlet and typhoid fevers), malnutrition, chemotherapy, and glandular disorders can all cause balding. Treatment of the disease or dysfunction will usually halt the loss of hair, and if the scalp and hair follicles are not severely damaged, hair will usually regrow spontaneously. Scalp infection, oiliness or dirtiness of the scalp and hair, and excessive teasing and lacquering of hair are also conducive to baldness. Alopecia areata is a disease of unknown origin characterized by noninflamed bald patches in the scalp hair and beard. It is recurrent but is usually of short duration.
Call your doctor if:
- You are losing hair in an atypical pattern.
- You are losing hair rapidly or at an early age (for example, teens or twenties).
- You have any pain or itching associated with the hair loss.
- The skin on your scalp under the involved area is red, scaly, or otherwise abnormal.
- You have acne, facial hair, or menstrual irregularities.
- You are a woman and have male pattern baldness.
- You have bald spots on your beard or eyebrows.
- You have been gaining weight or have muscle weakness, intolerance to cold temperatures, or fatigue.
