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What is alopecia? A summary of the symptoms and causes of hair loss
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a condition that can affect not only the scalp but the whole body. In some cases, it is merely a temporary problem; however, due to hereditary factors, the condition may only improve if you seek specialist treatment. In addition, hormonal changes, health problems and ageing can also have a significant impact on the health of your hair. Both women and men can be affected by hair loss, although alopecia is more common in men. The condition commonly referred to as baldness is the result of severe hair loss, which is caused by genetic factors, although the ageing process also plays a part in its development.
There are various types of hair loss, which can occur for different reasons and in different ways.
Many people try to conceal hair loss with their hairstyle or headwear, or may turn to other, alternative treatment methods. However, professional help is needed to effectively restore the health of your hair: before you start any treatment, consult a specialist!
There are various types of hair loss, which can occur for different reasons and in different ways.
Many people try to conceal hair loss with their hairstyle or headwear, or may turn to other, alternative treatment methods. However, professional help is needed to effectively restore the health of your hair: before you start any treatment, consult a specialist!
Symptoms and types of alopecia
Hair loss can manifest in many different ways, depending on the underlying cause. You may experience sudden or gradual hair loss, which can affect both the scalp and other areas of the body.
Types and symptoms of hair loss
- Gradual thinning of the hair on the crown of the head, i.e. male-pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia): This is the most common type of hair loss, which often occurs as a person gets older, following a characteristic pattern. In men, the hairline at the forehead begins to recede, whilst in women the parting in the middle of the head usually widens. Hormones also play a role in the development of androgenic alopecia, and various types of baldness may occur.
- Well-defined bald patches, or patchy hair loss (alopecia areata): In this case, hair may fall out in circular or well-defined patches across several areas of the body: patchy hair loss may occur on the top of the head, but the beard or eyebrows, for example, may also be affected. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss. As a result of this autoimmune reaction, the hair follicles are damaged, causing the hair to fall out in the affected areas. Itchiness and irritation may also occur.
- Sudden, diffuse hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium: Sudden hair loss affecting the entire scalp is caused by physical or emotional stress. When combing or washing your hair, you may even find a handful of hair in your hand. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and results in general thinning of the hair.
- Generalised hair loss: Certain medical conditions and treatments, such as chemotherapy, can cause hair loss over the whole body. Hair and body hair usually grow back after recovery.
- Scalp conditions: Scalp conditions may be accompanied by redness, swelling, itching or scaly flaking. In such cases, immediate medical attention is required, as these conditions can result not only in troublesome irritation but also in severe hair loss.
The underlying causes of hair loss
Hair loss is normal to a certain extent, due to the cyclical nature of hair growth. In the case of healthy hair loss, people generally lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. This is not noticeable, as new hairs are growing at the same time. However, in cases of excessive hair loss that differs from the norm, thinning of the hair becomes noticeable; this may be caused by various factors, such as hormonal changes and hormones, or even an autoimmune disease.
Hair loss can be attributed to a number of factors, several of which may be present at the same time.
- Hereditary factors: Male-pattern hair loss develops in men and women who are genetically predisposed to it, and the condition worsens over time as they age. It develops gradually, so the characteristic pattern can be recognised even at an early stage. In men, it is initially characterised by a receding hairline, whilst in women it presents as diffuse hair loss, indicated by a widening parting and thinning at the crown. Various forms of baldness may occur, depending on the genetic and hormonal factors involved and the severity of the hair loss.
- Hormonal changes and certain medical conditions: A number of health problems or changes can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, the menopause and thyroid problems. Patchy hair loss is often caused by autoimmune diseases, whilst discomfort caused by skin conditions affecting the scalp can lead to compulsive hair pulling, or trichotillomania.
- Medication: Hair loss can also occur as a side effect of certain medicines, such as those used to treat cancer, chronic arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout or high blood pressure.
- Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy does not always result in hair loss, as it affects the hair follicles in the treated area. In some cases, however, hair may fall out as a result of radiotherapy.
- Chronic stress or a traumatic event: Many people experience significant hair thinning a few months after experiencing physical or emotional trauma. This condition is usually temporary, but this does not mean it does not require treatment, as prolonged hair loss can lead to thinning hair.
- Inadequate hair care and damaging hairstyles: Constant styling, the use of unsuitable treatments or products, and damaging, tight hairstyles – such as tight plaits – can lead to hair thinning. This is known as traction alopecia, as the constant tension and pulling on the hair shafts can lead to their permanent loss, resulting in bald patches.
Risk factors for alopecia: what factors increase the risk of hair loss?
There are various risk factors for hair loss that can influence the development of the condition. These factors can vary from person to person, and do not necessarily occur simultaneously or to the same extent in everyone.
It is important to emphasise that different risk factors may occur together or independently; therefore, an individualised approach is always required when investigating the causes of hair loss. The Denza protocol includes a comprehensive risk assessment to identify these risk factors.
It is important to emphasise that different risk factors may occur together or independently; therefore, an individualised approach is always required when investigating the causes of hair loss. The Denza protocol includes a comprehensive risk assessment to identify these risk factors.
Risk factors:
- Family history: if there is a history of hair loss in the family
- Age: hair ages too, so the likelihood of hair loss increases with age
- Significant or sudden weight loss
- Certain medical conditions: some illnesses, such as diabetes or lupus, increase the risk of hair loss
- Tension, stress: sudden or prolonged stress is also considered a risk factor
- Poor diet: an inadequate intake of nutrients can also lead to hair loss
Diagnosing alopecia
The most important step in diagnosing alopecia is to accurately determine the causes and type of hair loss. The first step in the examination is to carry out a risk assessment: we ask the patient in detail about the onset of hair loss, its progression, the affected areas, and any similar problems in the family.
A thorough examination of the scalp and hair follicles helps to reveal the pattern of hair loss and whether there are any inflammatory or other skin conditions in the affected areas. In addition to analysing the condition of the hair strands, specialised tests may also be required, such as a blood test or even a biopsy, to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
These tests help to ensure that the treatment plan is as appropriate as possible and that the underlying causes of hair loss can be targeted effectively. An accurate diagnosis is therefore crucial for the successful treatment of alopecia.
A thorough examination of the scalp and hair follicles helps to reveal the pattern of hair loss and whether there are any inflammatory or other skin conditions in the affected areas. In addition to analysing the condition of the hair strands, specialised tests may also be required, such as a blood test or even a biopsy, to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
These tests help to ensure that the treatment plan is as appropriate as possible and that the underlying causes of hair loss can be targeted effectively. An accurate diagnosis is therefore crucial for the successful treatment of alopecia.
Treatment options for alopecia
Treatment for alopecia is always tailored to the specific type and underlying causes. In certain cases, such as temporary hair loss or telogen effluvium, the hair may grow back completely, whilst for other types, such as androgenetic alopecia or patchy hair loss, the aim of treatment is rather to slow down hair loss and alleviate the symptoms.
Among the most commonly used medicines are minoxidil, which stimulates hair growth and slows down hair loss, and steroids, which, in cases of autoimmune alopecia, reduce the immune system’s excessive reaction, thereby promoting the regeneration of hair follicles. In certain cases, such as cicatricial alopecia, where the hair follicles have been permanently damaged, surgical intervention, such as a hair transplant, may be considered to restore bald patches.
However, there is a solution that can even prevent the need for hair transplantation: the Denza More & Better Hair protocol is an effective and comprehensive treatment for alopecia.
Among the most commonly used medicines are minoxidil, which stimulates hair growth and slows down hair loss, and steroids, which, in cases of autoimmune alopecia, reduce the immune system’s excessive reaction, thereby promoting the regeneration of hair follicles. In certain cases, such as cicatricial alopecia, where the hair follicles have been permanently damaged, surgical intervention, such as a hair transplant, may be considered to restore bald patches.
However, there is a solution that can even prevent the need for hair transplantation: the Denza More & Better Hair protocol is an effective and comprehensive treatment for alopecia.
What can you do to prevent hair loss?
Although genetically caused, male-pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) cannot be prevented, there are a few things you can do to avoid other types of hair loss and keep your hair healthier.
Maintaining healthy hair
- Gentle hair care: Always use detangling products on damp hair, and avoid pulling or tugging at your hair. Avoid hot styling as much as possible, or use a heat protectant if you do need to use these tools. It’s also a good idea to avoid tight hairstyles; leave your hair in its natural, loose state as often as possible.
- Sun protection: Not only your skin but also your hair needs protection from the sun, especially during the summer months.
- Find out about medicines and medical treatments: Check whether the medicines you are taking could cause hair loss, and ask your doctor for advice. Although hair loss is unavoidable during certain treatments, such as chemotherapy, there are steps you can take to protect your hair.
- Giving up smoking: Smoking can contribute to the onset of hair loss and may exacerbate existing hair problems.
- Denza laser hair treatment: Denza laser hair treatment helps to slow down the ageing processes affecting the hair, meaning it can even be used to prevent hair loss. However, it is also capable of restoring the health of your hair even after hair loss has begun. As part of the comprehensive treatment protocol, we develop a personalised treatment plan taking into account the causes of hair loss. Modern laser treatments work at a cellular level, offering a pain-free solution for treating almost any type of hair loss.
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