Alopecia is an increased or sudden loss of hair without simultaneous object changes on the skin. People typically lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. This usually isn't noticeable because new hair is growing in at the same time. Hair loss occurs when new hair doesn't replace the hair that has fallen out.
Symptoms:
Hair loss can appear in many different ways, depending on what's causing it.
Gradual thinning is the most common type of hair loss, affecting men as they age.
In men, hair loss usually starts either with a bilateral recession to the temples or/and diffuse thinning to the crown.
Causes:
-Genetic predisposition and ageing;
Male pattern baldness is more commonly inherited from the maternal grandfather.
It usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns ( Norwood scale)— a receding hairline, and thinning along the crown of the scalp.
-The presence of the androgen testosterone;
Androgenic alopecia affects the highest number of cases of alopecia, about 80%. It is assumed that in both men and women the main male hormone testosterone is metabolized in the hair follicle by the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme to its derivative dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes the so-called miniaturization, which means reduced blood supply to the hair follicle, slowing growth and finally disappearance of the hair follicle which results in the loss of hair. 5 alpha-reductase activity is assumed to be genetically determined and individually constant.
Treatment:
Medical treatment isn't necessary if other health conditions aren't a cause. However, treatments are available for those who would like to restore their natural appearance.
Before pursuing hair loss treatment, talk with your doctor about the cause of your hair loss.
The two most common treatment available are:
Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) -drugs called reductase inhibitors -is an oral medication that slows hair loss in some men. It works by blocking the production of the male hormone (testosterone) responsible for hair loss.
Minoxidil (Regaine)- is a topical medication applied to the scalp. It slows hair loss and reactivates dormat hair follicles to grow. Although topical minoxidil is an effective treatment option for hair loss, many patients are complaining due to the necessity to apply the medication to the scalp , undesirable hair texture, and scalp irritation.
Therefore, Minoxidil is also available as a 2.5 mg tablet for those who has not responded well to topical minoxidil or if these products are not tolerated.
Another interesting solution for all kind of hair loss can be scalp micropigmentation (SMP).
Scalp micropigmentation- is a non-surgical solution that simulates the appearance of shaved head of hair. The permanent tattoo replicates the look of hair follicles by implanting pigment into the dermal layer of the skin to give the natural looking result.
It can be used to camouflage scarring and can be used with many hair loss conditions to improve the look and self-confidence of the individual.
Norwood scale.
