What is Hair loss?
Hair loss is an unpleasant condition wherein the person starts losing hair from the scalp (or even the entire body). It is quite normal to lose up to 100 hair strands each day, as these are replaced by new growing hair. However, the problem occurs when hair loss is higher than the new growth. This is fairly frequent in males. When hair loss is excessive, it can lead to baldness.
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How is it diagnosed and treated?
Usually, a thorough medical history and medical examination can give a conclusive diagnosis of the of hair loss. However, some investigations may help in determining the cause of hair loss and the type of therapy that might be helpful in remedying or managing this condition. These investigations include:
- Blood investigations like vitamin and mineral levels of the blood to check for their deficiencies
- Pull test and light microscopy – Gentle pull of hair reveals the tensile strength and follicle attachment while microscopy checks for the density of hair follicles along with the structure of the hair shaft
- Scalp biopsy – This helps in determining the cause like infections
Hair loss treatment is purely dependent on the causative factor. In certain conditions, a cure cannot be achieved, but supportive therapies can be used. Treatment modalities for hair loss include
- Medications – include supplements like multivitamin tablets having zinc, selenium, vitamin E etc.; Minoxidil, Finasteride, hormone replacement drugs etc.
- Laser therapy – Exposing scalp to laser rays improve hair density
- Transplant surgery – A small patch of the scalp skin having dense hair is taken and transplanted to the area of hair loss
- Hair Weaving