Most individuals shed between 50 and 100 hair each day. This hair loss does not have a negative effect on a person’s appearance because simultaneously, between 50 and 100 hair enter the growing phase.
Emotional turmoil, medications, skin conditions, poor nutrition and illnesses can cause hair follicles to enter the telogen phase prematurely, resulting in increased shedding which presents itself as temporary diffuse thinning. Hair loss or baldness is referred to as alopecia and the later term was coined by Aristotle and still used today in medical practice.
Classification of Alopecia
Alopecia can be broadly differentiated as scarring and nonscarring.
•SCARRING ALOPECIA : Caused by skin disorders, diseases, or bacterial infections.
•NONSCARRING ALOPECIA :
Caused by skin disorders, certain drugs, certain diseases, autoimmunity, iron, mineral & vitamin deficiency, severe stress, scalp radiation, pregnancy, or pulling at one’s hair.
Non-scarring alopecia is the most common variety and is potentially reversible.
Types of Alopecia
•ALOPECIA ANDROGENETICA : This is the classical male / female pattern baldness.
•ALOPECIA AREATA : Hair loss occurring in patches in any part of the body.
•ALOPECIA BARBAE: Loss of facial hair (for man) in beard area.
•ALOPECIA MUCINOSA: Alopecia occurring in scaly patches.
•ALOPECIA TOTALIS: Complete loss of scalp hair.
•ALOPECIA UNIVERSALIS: Total loss of hair all over the body.
•ANAGEN EFFLUVIUM:: Hair loss (usually temporary) caused
following treatment with chemical agents such as anticancer drugs.
•SCARRING ALOPECIA: Alopecia that causes scar formation on areas of hair loss.
•TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM: A form of hair loss where more than normal amounts of hair fall out. There is a general ‘thinning’ of the hair. Unlike some other hair and scalp conditions, it is temporary and the hair growth usually recovers.
•TRACTION ALOPECIA: Loss of hair due to excessive pulling or tension on hair shafts consequent to certain hair styles. This variety of alopecia is also referred to as TRICHOTILLOMANIA.
