Hair fall is an increasingly common problem. While it is said that we lose a certain number of strands a day, it can still be a little scary to experience that. The causes for hair loss are not easily determinable by us, but it’s usually nothing alarming. However, if the number of stands lost increases by the day or there is no recent change in your lifestyle when your hair fall increases, it’s better to get it checked.
When to consult a dermatologist for hair loss
There could be several causes for hair fall, right from the change of water or a place to a chronic illness. It’s hard to determine the reasons on your own. This is when you should consult a dermatologist. They will be able to provide the right cause and treatment for your hair fall.
Causes for hair loss
The most common causes for hair fall are stated below:
Genetic Factors
Hereditary factors are one of the biggest causes of hair fall, and, unfortunately, you can’t do anything to cure it. If you have a family history of baldness, it can be passed on to you. Since this is due to a combination of genetics from both parents, it can’t be cured. However, a few chemicals such as Minoxidil, and Finasteride are used to stimulate hair growth. The dosage you need in these cases can only be prescribed by a dermatologist to make sure that it doesn’t go overboard. Don’t ever try to self-medicate in this instance as it will only make things worse for you.
Aging
As people get older, their hair follicles shrink and get weaker. This causes hair thinning and eventually hair loss in males as well as females. Women have milestones that alter the hormonal balance in their body and this, in turn, can affect hair growth and hair quality. In males, it’s seen in the form of a receding hairline or a bald patch at the back of the head. It’s also difficult in terms of hair growth, as the follicles are not strong or healthy enough to renew any loss of hair.
Iron Deficiency
This kind of hair loss can come and go and is a common occurrence. If you’ve noticed, after having an episode of any sort of illness, especially typhoid, there will be hair loss. This is because as the body gets weak, there isn’t enough iron content, and iron has a crucial element called ferritin, which is present in the hair. When you have an unusual amount of hair loss, you’re most likely asked to test your ferritin levels.
To cure and prevent this, it’s essential to eat foods that are rich in iron content, such as green leafy vegetables, beetroot, etc.
Thyroid
The thyroid, as a gland, helps in metabolism and is vital for the regulation of iron in your body. At the same time thyroid is also important as it helps balance and regulate the hormones in your body. When you have a thyroid problem, it can be one of two things, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The former is when excess thyroxine is produced by the thyroid gland, which results in an imbalance. In contrast, the latter is when there are low levels of thyroxine in the blood, which also results in an imbalance of a different kind.
Thyroxine helps in the body’s basal metabolic rate, protein synthesis and helps regulate your growth hormone.
Hormonal
Hormonal changes are prevalent in women from time to time. Their hormone levels keep altering based on the events in their life, like puberty, monthly periods, pregnancy and menopause. Pregnancy can be seen as a major life-changing event that affects hair growth and can also cause a type of Alopecia. Changes in the male hormones or androgens can also cause hair loss, commonly called male-pattern hair loss. This is called Androgenic Alopecia and can be seen in both men and women. In women, it is called female-pattern hair loss.
Autoimmune Disease
This is a condition when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, mistaking them for invaders. This causes the white blood cells to affect and weaken the hair follicles leading to hair loss.
- The most common of them is Alopecia, where hair loss occurs in the form of patches that usually increase with age.
- Another form of Alopecia is Traction Alopecia, which is caused due to salon treatments or hairstyles that create a lot of tension in the hair follicles.
Other reasons for hair loss
- When the hair is pulled back and tied very tightly for too long, it does result in hair loss around the hairline. Headgears that are worn for too long can also have the same effect.
- Certain medications that are given for cancer or depression can cause hair loss.
- Another reason can be dandruff and other fungal infections that damage hair follicles, causing hair fall.
- Your diet is highly crucial for the growth of your hair; you would need a protein-rich diet, more than a rich fatty diet to avoid hair loss.
The silver lining
The first step towards treating hair loss is understanding why it is happening in the first place. After this, you can consult a doctor and understand your treatment options and lifestyle changes!
FAQ’s
1. What is the main reason for hair loss in women?
For women, the primary cause of hair loss is hormonal imbalances.
2. Can hair loss be cured?
The prognosis of hair fall treatment will depend on the cause of hair loss. Some can be cured completely whereas others will only help to reduce it to some extent.
3. What is the best vitamin for hair loss?
Vitamins like biotin – B7, iron, vitamin C and zinc can be great to boost hair growth.
4. How much hair falling out is normal?
About 50 to 100 strands a day is standard. Don’t worry yourself if that’s all that’s falling.
Is hair fall causing you troubles? Download the CureSkin App now by clicking here to get a consultation with the best dermatologists. It’s easy, fast and affordable!
