Alopecia and Hair Loss: Causes and Treatment

Alopecia or hair loss can occur in any part of the body. It can be permanent or temporary and occurs due to a variety of causes. Specifically, the medical name for hair loss is alopecia, and there are multiple types- alopecia areata being one of them. Generally, alopecia affects more men than women. While there are no treatments to prevent or reverse hair loss, one can certainly grow hair back.

In this article, one can understand the causes of alopecia and hair loss treatment for the same. We also shine a light on multiple effective and affordable procedures including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments.

Causes of Alopecia and Hair Loss

Hormonal Imbalances

One of the biggest hair loss causes is hormonal imbalance. Hair loss can occur from various hormonal issues, including PCOS, pregnancy, menopause, childbirth, and thyroid.

Medical Conditions

A great example of this is alopecia areata. It is an immunity-related medical concern that results in ringworm infections, patchy hair loss, and hair-pulling disorder. It occurs when one's immune system mistakenly attacks their hair follicles, causing severe hair loss.

Family history

Alopecia can be inherited. It only shows up when one grows older and is the most common cause of hair loss. Medically this is termed androgenic alopecia also known as female-pattern baldness and male-pattern baldness. However, regardless of the type, it typically happens slowly and in structured patterns.

Stress

A stressful occasion can also cause hair loss. Many individuals usually notice hair thinning several months after a stressful or traumatic event, whether it be physical or emotional.

STI

An untreated Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is one of the leading hair loss causes. For instance, people with syphilis can undergo dappled hair loss on the beard, scalp, eyebrows, and adjacent areas.

Radiation Therapy

Head-focused radiation therapy can also cause alopecia. With this kind of hair loss, it's possible that the hair won't grow back in the same way.

Thyroid

One might notice thinning of hair if they have thyroid issues. Low thyroid levels can cause hair loss in clumps.

Reaction to Medication

Several medications, including those used for treating high blood pressure, cancer, depression, gout, heart issues, and arthritis can trigger hair loss as a side effect.

Unsuitable Hairstyles

Hairstyles involving tight pulling of hairs and styling can result in traction alopecia, which is a type of hair loss. Also, hot oils and long-lasting hair dyes can make hair fall out. Furthermore, the heat or chemical scarring on the scalp can result in permanent hair loss.

Treatments for Alopecia

There are a few effective treatments for alopecia and hair loss which can lead to hair regrowth.

Sometimes, expensive treatments aren't necessary. For instance, in cases of alopecia areata that cause dappled hair loss, hair may recover on its own after a year.

A few of the alopecia treatment options include:

Medications

If an underlying health condition causes hair loss, it can be treated with medicines.

• Minoxidil- It is available without prescription in foam, liquid and shampoo forms. One can use the product on the scalp daily for optimum results.
• Finasteride- This medication is prescribed only for men and one can consume it regularly. It can slow the rate of hair loss in men and can promote new hair growth.

Oftentimes, medications for other causes might cause hair loss. If that is the case, doctors may suggest switching medications.

Hair Transplant Surgery

In the most prevalent type of permanent hair loss, the hair fall starts from the top of the head. One can make the most of the remaining hair with a hair transplant or restoration procedure.

A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon performs a hair transplant operation by removing hair from a hair-bearing area of the body and transplanting it to a bald spot. Occasionally, a wider section of skin is removed which may include hair clusters.

Laser Therapy

In a few cases, a low-level laser device is used to treat female and male genetic hair loss. This therapy is proven to enhance hair density, however, research is exiguous concerning its long-term effects.

PRP Treatment

Platelet-RIch Plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical procedure used to treat thinning hair, stop hair loss, and encourage hair growth. It stimulates the follicles by injecting plasma into the scalp.

As a result, inactive or recently implanted hair follicles are stimulated into an active growth phase by adding growth factors to the PRP. Additionally, the Anagen phase of the hair growth cycle is prolonged by frequent usage of PRP. It's no wonder that PRP therapies are widely quoted as the best hair loss treatment for all.

What is the Procedure for PRP Treatment?

Three steps are involved in PRP injections:

• Firstly, doctors will likely have an individual’s arm’s blood extracted for the therapy.
• After that, the blood is put into a centrifuge to separate into three layers: red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and plasma rich in platelets. Here, the PRP will be used, while the other components are discarded.
• Lastly, after applying a local anaesthetic, that PRP or "blood injection" is injected into the scalp with a syringe.

Why is PRP Better Than Other Hair Loss Treatments For Alopecia?

PRP treatment can be helpful for alopecia and hair loss because -

• PRP widens hair diameter and stops hair thinning.
• PRP can be successful in boosting hair density.
• The blood flow to the hair follicles can be increased by injecting platelets and stimulating growth, which can also strengthen the hair shafts.
• Both alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia can be effectively treated with PRP therapy.
• PRP therapy doesn't involve any cuts or incisions.
• There is zero risk of allergies because PRP therapy uses the patient's own blood.
• PRP is a potential hair loss treatment, however, results may vary from clinic to clinic due to variations in injection procedures and session lengths.
• Hair transplant growth is accelerated by PRP therapy.

UnCover provides a safe, professional and comprehensive guide to undertaking a PRP hair loss treatment. One can regrow their hair naturally with the help of experts. Also, at UnCover, the procedure is affordable and starts at Rs. 5,000 for a 1-hour session.

Key Takeaway

Alopecia or hair loss can certainly be managed. There are multiple treatments available and finding the best hair loss treatment depends on the individual. PRP treatments provide a host of benefits with a negligible risk of side effects.

One can visit UnCover clinics for proper guidance concerning treatments that are safe and conducted professionally. Our PRP treatments are effective, and long-lasting and will leave one feeling absolutely confident!