Different Hair Loss Forms (Androgenic Telogen Diffuse Scarring) and Solutions
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Hair health important overall health indicator excessive loss can cause justified concerns. Though known certain daily hair loss normal important recognize signs indicating problem timely seek solution. About most common hair loss forms treatment methods continues to tell Health and Beauty Center Adoria trichologist Jevgenija Vladimirova.
In this article you'll learn:
- Alopecia forms: what distinguishes androgenic telogen diffuse scarring hair loss treatment process.
- Most common causes: what most often causes each described hair loss type.
- Diagnostic process: how trichologist – hair scalp disease specialist step-by-step determines exact problem cause.
Androgenic alopecia – most common hair loss form
Androgenic alopecia most common hair loss form determined by genetics hormone influence. Problem basis hair follicle increased sensitivity to hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Under this hormone influence follicles over time shrink hair becomes thinner shorter until follicle inactive new hair no longer grows.
Most characteristic signs differ by gender:
- Men: process starts with hairline recession temple area forming M-shape hair loss crown.
- Women: characteristic diffuse hair loss upper head part widening parting front hairline preserved.
Androgenic alopecia chronic condition not resolving itself requires long-term treatment.
Treatment goal slow hair loss where possible promote new hair growth using topical remedies medications procedures like mesotherapy PRP injections.
- If want learn more about androgenic alopecia treatment methods read article: "Androgenic Alopecia: How Trichologist Diagnoses Treats?".
Telogen hair loss: body reaction to stress changes
Telogen hair loss or telogen effluvium second most common hair loss form after androgenic alopecia. Characterized by excessive hair loss as large number hair follicles prematurely transition from growth (anagen) phase to rest (telogen) phase.
Result hair falls out excessively combing washing but usually without visible hairline recession or bald skin patches formation.
This condition usually temporary associated with specific triggering factor acting on body e.g.:
- Physiological stress: surgeries acute illnesses fever.
- Emotional stress: prolonged emotional experience.
- Hormonal changes: pregnancy childbirth menopause thyroid disorders.
- Medication use: certain drugs side effects.
- Nutrient deficiency: iron zinc B vitamins protein deficit.
Usually hair loss starts 2–4 months after triggering factor impact most cases resolves few months when cause eliminated. However if process becomes chronic trichologist – hair scalp disease specialist – involvement needed.
Specialist helps determine exact cause develops hair restoration plan. Treatment plan usually complex. May include dietary corrections necessary supplements special topical scalp remedies. Additionally procedures like scalp mesotherapy may prescribed.
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Diffuse alopecia: when hair loss symptom of other disease
Diffuse alopecia hair loss type characterized by uniform hair volume reduction across entire scalp. Unlike telogen effluvium most often characterized by sudden intense hair loss diffuse hair loss can be gradual prolonged thus initially harder notice.
This condition can affect both men women any age. Caused by various long-term chronic health problems including:
- chronic nutrient deficiency (e.g., untreated anemia);
- endocrine system diseases (diabetes thyroid diseases);
- chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., autoimmune conditions);
- prolonged certain medication use.
Treatment basis precise underlying cause diagnosis elimination. Until main health problem resolved hair condition won't improve. To determine true cause specialist orders various tests where necessary involves other specialists.
Follicular and scarring alopecia: irreversible hair loss
Important understand term 'follicular hair loss'. Broad descriptive concept denoting any hair loss main cause sought directly in hair follicle – whether inflammation infection or autoimmune reaction.
Among follicular alopecias particularly serious type scarring alopecia as consequences permanent. Group diseases where during inflammation process destroys hair follicle itself – "root" from which hair grows. Destroyed follicle site forms scar thus new hair these areas can no longer grow. This condition characteristic several signs:
- Irreversible hair loss: scalp appear clearly demarcated patches where hair growth irreversibly stopped.
- Skin structure changes: affected areas skin becomes smooth shiny slightly atrophic (thin tight) as hair follicle openings disappear.
- Active inflammation signs: process often accompanied by discomfort – redness itching burning sensation or sensitivity affected area.
Scarring alopecia cause body's immune system malfunction. Normally immune system protects from infections but these diseases mistakenly attacks healthy body parts – specifically hair follicles. This autoimmune reaction causes constant inflammation scalp directly around hair. Chronic inflammation destructive – damages follicle cells until die completely scar tissue forms instead.
Important understand this disease group cannot fully cured but successfully controlled. Therapy goal achieve disease remission – condition where inflammation stopped new hair no longer falls thus preserving existing hair volume.
How hair loss diagnosis done by trichologist
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Precise diagnosis determination main prerequisite effective treatment as each hair loss form requires different approach. Diagnostic process by trichologist usually consists of several stages providing complete picture of patient's health condition hair problem cause.
First step in-depth anamnesis gathering where specialist asks questions about symptom onset lifestyle diet taken medications medical history. Next step thorough scalp hair condition assessment.
Basic diagnostic method – trichoscopy
For hair scalp condition in-depth assessment trichologist uses trichoscopy. Digital microscopic examination performed with special device – dermatoscope – allowing multiple magnification view hair shaft thickness differences empty follicles scalp blood vessel pattern inflammation signs other specific changes not visible to naked eye.
This method "gold standard" hair loss diagnosis as allows precisely distinguish different alopecia forms e.g., androgenic alopecia from telogen effluvium often without need skin biopsy.
Trichoscopy and dermatoscopy – what's difference?
Though both terms related important distinguish. Dermatoscopy broader examination method denoting any skin area formation (e.g., moles) examination with dermatoscope. Dermatologist uses for entire body diagnose skin diseases timely notice malignant changes.
Trichoscopy on other hand dermatoscopy specialization specifically focused on hair scalp structure analysis. Can say every trichoscope dermatoscope but not every dermatoscopic examination trichoscopy. If dermatologist notices suspicious formation scalp performs dermatoscopy but analyzing hair loss cause trichologist performs exactly trichoscopy.
Most important tests for cause determination
To exclude internal disease impact on hair health specialist often orders blood tests. Help determine:
- iron level (ferritin);
- thyroid hormone level;
- vitamins (especially D B12) microelements (zinc selenium) concentration;
- inflammation markers other specific indicators.
Based on anamnesis examination test results precise diagnosis determined individual treatment plan developed. Important remember hair loss treatment often complex requires patience results visible only after several months.
What most common hair loss causes when excessive hair loss can signal deeper health problems why shouldn't delay trichologist consultation hoping problem resolves itself? Learn all in article: "Why Hair Falls Out When See Trichologist?".
How Health and Beauty Center Adoria can help?
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Hair loss cause diagnosis treatment complex process requiring specific knowledge experience thus can trust our specialists. Health and Beauty Center Adoria experienced trichologist performs precise diagnosis develops exactly you suitable effective treatment plan. Book consultation!