The most common cause of patchy hair loss is alopecia areata, which we have discussed separately.
Men and women sometimes have different reasons for hair loss. Often there is a hereditary tendency behind it. Typical male hair loss that many experience is androgenic alopecia where the folds become more obvious and the hair thins on the ice. In women, a similar form of hair loss is most often seen after the age of 50 and is called female pattern alopecia.
There is also a wide range of diseases where hair is affected. We discuss several of these separately:
The wide range of hair diseases has just as many causes and must be assessed individually. Sometimes the dermatologist will take samples of the skin and hair as biopsies to help clarify the cause.
Alopecia areata (spotted hair loss) is an autoimmune disease, i.e. it is the body's own immune system that reacts against the hair follicles. Androgenic alopecia (often male, hereditary hair loss) is caused by genetic factors
hormonal factors, where the hair follicles are hypersensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Generally speaking, treatment of hair diseases and hair loss is difficult and there is often limited scientific evidence for the choice of treatment and its effect. The treatment is varied and depends on the cause.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
