Alopecia types (Areata, Traction, Scarring, Androgenetic).

Types of Alopecia

1. Androgenetic Alopecia
2. Alopecia Areata
3. Patchy Hair Loss
4. Total Hair Loss (Alopecia Totalis)
5. Telogen Effluvium
6. Traction Alopecia
7. Scarring Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Baldness)

If we talk about Male/Female Pattern Baldness, it is permanent hair loss from the scalp. Males/females both have different patterns of baldness. In males, hair loss typically occurs on the top and front of the head whereas for females thinning occurs on the top and crown of the head. More than 10 million cases are found per year as it is very common in today’s era. Treatment can help, although the condition can’t be cured in this. This is self-diagnosable and can last for years or be lifelong. Medications may prevent further hair loss. Natural-looking wigs and hairpieces can help cover hair loss.

Alopecia Areata

As we find in our everyday life a large portion of us have hair loss and a few of us have unexpectedly hair loss beginnings with at least one or few hair loss patches. It happens when we are under stress or the immune system attacks hair follicles. More than 1 million cases are found per year. Treatment can help, although conditions can’t be cured in this. This requires a medical diagnosis which might help in mild cases. Emotional or physical well-being may impact hair loss. Bald spots can be treated by avoiding heat styling, changing hairstyle, being gentle with hair, and limiting bleaching or coloring hair.

Patchy Hair Loss

 Hair loss starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap. Lab test or imaging is not required in it. This requires medical diagnosis, and although treatment can help but can’t be cured. Hair can regrow in this condition, this is more common when someone has a few patches of hair loss. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or a normal part of aging. Emotional or physical well-being may impact hair loss.

Total Hair Loss (Alopecia Totalis)

 This is a chronic condition where complete hair loss of the scalp occurs. There is no cure, only treatment for mild conditions. We have observed in a few conditions hair grows back on its own otherwise medical treatment is required. There is no particular reason for this cause although the main role is of the immune system. This can also happen if there is any interruption in the body’s cycle of hair production.

Telogen Effluvium

 In this condition, we see hair loss which occurs due to stress. The stress pushes a large number of hair follicles into the resting phase which can lead to hair fall out. More than 1 million cases are found per year. This is self-treatable although requires medical diagnosis. This can last six months. A healthy and nutritious diet helps in such conditions. Stress is the main factor that should be focused on to maintain. This first starts as thinning of hair and leads to hair fall out.

Traction Alopecia

It occurs across different ethnicities, affecting women, men, and children. It happens due to pulling force on hair roots. In the early stage, this does not scar and is reversible, but long-term traction can be associated with permanent scarring hair loss. The best treatment is prevention, not tying hair tightly or pulling hair in any way. Avoid ponytails, and braids and get thick braids instead of dreadlocks or thin ones. It is mostly seen in women.

Scarring Alopecia

 In this condition hair loss occurs due to infections, chemicals, burns, or autoimmune disorders. This condition can’t be cured as there is no treatment for it. Hair regrowth in scarring alopecia is not common. Minoxidil solution can help to stimulate the growth of some remaining hair. This appears with small patches of hair loss and may grow larger over time. Hair loss due to scarring alopecia can be permanent because your hair can’t grow back without healthy hair follicles.