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What
is Alopecia?
Alopecia
or hair loss is a universal phenomenon. It depresses the sufferer and
baffles the attending doctor! Baffling because of the multiple causes,
many of which may not be discernible.
There
are many approaches to the classification of alopecia, most common
being,
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Cicatricial
or scarring alopecia: Not much hope for the patient unless
treatment is instituted early so as to stop the scarring which
will invariably close down the hair follicles and burn down the
germinating ground
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Non
cicatricial or non scarring alopecia: This is the commonest
variety.
Alopecia can either be diffuse or localized also.
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Important
Types of Alopecias
The
cicatricial
alopecias are differentiated from the non scarring
alopecias by the absence of hair follicle opening, increased
wrinkling of the involved skin and thin, shiny, dry surface
covered with telangiectases or dilated blood vessels. Towards
the periphery, hairs will be twisted due to the pull of the
fibrotic tissue.
Scarring alopecia may
be caused by the following:
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Traumatic: Chemical and mechanical,
as in burns
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Neoplastic: Basal cell carcinoma
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Follicular inflammation: as in
Discoid lupus erythematosus, tinea capitis
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Dermal Inflammation leading to
secondary damage to hair follicle, as in morphea, skin TB
etc
The
Non-Scarring Alopecias:
Diffuse
Alopecias:
Commonest
is the male pattern androgenic alopecia, otherwise
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known as common baldness. This, actually is not a disease, but a
genetically determined physiologicalprocess. This is the harbinger of a
multi billion dollar business bonanza to the drug, cosmetic, plastic
surgery and wig & weaving industry!
Alopecia: Treatment of common baldness
Medical:
Topical Minoxidil is THE treatment for baldness. Most so called
herbal and other miraculous cures are ineffective, or a concoction
containing minoxidil itself.
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Summary
of Minoxidil therapy:
Life
long treatment
Limited
improvement
Arrest
progress
Expensive
Response
after 3-4 months
Hair
fall restarts after stopping medication
Should
be used carefully in those with fluctuant blood pressure and
heart diseases
Irritation
and allergic contact dermatitis may occur to the application.
Application
1 ml twice daily after wash with minimal rubbing
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Surgical
Treatment:
Before
contemplating surgery like hair transplantation, the subsequent risks
and cost of such surgeries should be considered. In milder cases, a
change of hair style or later, a wig would suffice. Flap and strip
grafts, scalp reduction operations are also available as alternatives to
hair transplantation . Hair weaving is a new technique that is gaining
popularity.
Baldness
in Females
The
main causes of male type baldness in females is due to excessive
production of circulating androgens, resulting from diseases of various
endocrine glands, like polycystic ovarian disease, adrenal hyperplasia,
cushing's syndrome and adrenal and ovarian tumors.
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When
to Consult a Dermatologist
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Sudden
, generalized hair fall should be reported
at once
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If
associated with other systemic symptoms like
generalized weakness, palor, in females,
menstrual irregularities etc
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Alopecia
Tips
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Do
not pour hot water on the scalp
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Do
not use harsh shampoos
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Hair
fall is common after delivery or after a prolonged illness, take
nutritious food and use mild shampoos
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Vitamin
supplements are beneficial, especially biotin and zinc containing
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Check
haemoglobin for anaemia, and, if present, correct it.
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Rule
out thyroid and other endocrinological causes
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Learn
to manage stress properly, here is an
appropriate
program which gives a practical program to manage your
stress for life.
Alopecia
Areata is described
here
Useful Patient
Resources On Skin Disorders
About Your
Online Dermatologist
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 Dr.Hanish Babu,
MD is a
non resident Indian Dermatologist &
Venereologist practicing in Ajman, UAE. He is
the author of the well known stress management
package 10 Days to Stress Free
Life and a net-entrepreneur. He is also
a certified hypnotist, stress management trainer and
personality development trainer. He is the web editor
of half a dozen web sites on the above
subjects.
Click Here to Subscribe to his
Stress Tips
Newsletter.
Click Here to Subscribe to his
Internet Marketing
Newsletter. |
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Disclaimer
Information on this site is provided for
informational purposes and is not meant to substitute
for the advice provided by your own dermatologist or
other medical professional. You should not use the
information contained herein for diagnosing or
treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing
any medication. Many skin diseases have similar
morphology and may resemble one another. But their
treatment varies. Hence, self diagnosis and treatment
are not advised. In case of doubt always be on the
safer side and consult your dermatologist. Your online
dermatologist will give you special tips to deal with
specific skin and cosmetic problems.
Information about each product is taken
from the labels of the products or from the
manufacturer's advertising material. Skin Care Tips
From Dermatologist.com or Dr.Hanish Babu are not
responsible for any statements or claims that various
manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be
held responsible for typographical errors or product
formulation changes. You should read carefully all
product packaging. If you have or suspect that you
have a medical problem, promptly contact your health
care provider. Information and statements regarding
dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease.
Copyright © 2006 Dr.Hanish Babu, MD. All
rights reserved
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