Hair loss, baldness, or alopecia is often a concern raised by both male and female patients.
We normally lose between 50 to 100 hairs a day that are replaced by hair growth.
Signs indicating abnormal hair loss are bald patches or hair thinning. Many times, hair loss may be an indication of a disease or underlying condition and requires a doctor’s visit. Thyroid disease, stress, iron deficiency anemia, ringworm (tinea capitis), vitamin A toxicity, menopause, excessive weight loss, and protein malnutrition are some causes of hair loss that are treatable.
True hair loss in men or male pattern baldness appears as a receding hairline or at times, as a bald patch, especially on the top of the head. With women, they tend to keep their hairline and will see noticeable thinning hair. Usually the first sign is a widening ‘hair part’ in women.
Alopecia areata, occurs in healthy people and results in smooth, round patches of hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body.
Scarring alopecia: occurs when a person’s hair follicles are destroyed and scar tissue forms where the follicles once were. In this case, hair regrowth can be difficult.
Thankfully, there are many options for treatment ranging from topical steroid creams to hair transplants procedures.
A discussion with your primary care physician for an examination, lab work as well as a possible evaluation by a dermatologist may be needed to get to the root of the problem.
Did you know? Trichotillomania medical disorder causing people to repeatedly pull out their own hair. They often feel a constant urge to pull out the hair on the scalp their eyelashes, nose hairs, eyebrows, and other hairs on their bodies.
This column is sponsored by Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.
Dr. Trishanna Sookdeo is a board certified physician who has a Master’s in Public Health. She cares for the whole family, ages 3 days and up. Should you have any questions or wish to schedule and appointment, call 863-419-2420 ext 2, and ask for Dr. Sookdeo. https://www.heartofflorida.com/
