Hair Loss Facts

Common Hair disorders:

• Androgenic alopecia - this hereditary cause is the most common reason for hair loss. About 80 million people in the United States have hereditary thinning or baldness and it affects both men and women. Typically, when men have hereditary hair loss, they often get a receding hairline, but many can see bald patches, especially on the top of the head. 

• Alopecia areata - an autoimmune disease, which means that the body attacks its own hair. This disease causes smooth, round patches of hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. People with alopecia areata are often treated to re-grow hair.

• Cicatricial alopecia - this rare disease destroys a person’s hair follicles. Scar tissue forms where the follicles once were, so the hair cannot re-grow. Treatment tries to stop the inflammation, which destroys the hair follicles.

Medical Conditions:

• Underlying medical conditions - Approximately 30 different diseases can cause hair loss.  By treating the disease, hair loss can often be stopped or reversed. 

• Illnesses - Significant hair loss can occur after an illness, major surgery, high fever, severe infection, or even the flu.

• Some cancer treatments - Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause hair loss. This hair loss is often temporary, but it can cause great distress. 

• Ringworm of the scalp - This disease is contagious and common in children. Without effective treatment, ringworm can cause balding. 

• Trichotillomania - This medical disorder causes people to repeatedly pull out their own hair.

•  Eating disorders - When a person has an eating disorder, hair loss is common. Anorexia (not eating enough) and bulimia (vomiting after eating) can cause hair loss. 

Vitamin, Mineral and Protein Deficiencies:

 

• Vitamins A, B Complex, D & E are all important for healthy hair, deficiencies in these can lead to poor hair density and loss.   

• Minerals such as Zinc & Iron are also key components of hair growth and healthy follicles.  

• When the body does not get enough protein, it rations the protein it does get.  One way the body can ration protein is to shut down hair growth. About two to three months after a person does not eat enough protein, you can see the hair loss. Eating more protein will stop the hair loss. Meats, eggs, and fish are good sources of protein. Vegetarians can get more protein by adding nuts, seeds, and beans to their diet.