Hair Loss Causes
There are multiple causes of hair loss. The following information is a brief summary of some of the known causes of
hair loss.
It categorizes the causes into generally accepted categories in an attempt to lay a logical order to the explanation. It is not all inclusive and should not be used to diagnose or imply treatment without consulting a physician.In general, hair loss (alopecia) can be categorized into two major categories, scarring alopecia and nonscarring alopecia With scarring alopecia, the skin displays evidence of inflammation, fibrosis and associated damage or loss of the surrounding follicles. In nonscarring alopecia the follicles are intact and the skin does not show evidence of inflammation or fibrosis, but still there is hair loss. Both scarring and nonscarring alopecia can be sub-divided into primary cutaneous (skin) disorders and systemic diseases. Drugs can also cause nonscarring hair loss and usually do so by induction of a telogen effluvium (see chart bellow). Primary cutaneous (skin) disorders are the most common causes of both nonscarring and scarring alopecia Nonscarring alopecia:
| I | Primary Skin Disorders | | | Androgenetic alopecia- | Male and female pattern baldness | | | Telogen effluvium- | Hair loss after childbirth, high fever, rapid weight loss and drugs. | | | Tinea capitis- | Fungal infection of the scalp | | | Traumatic Alopecia- | Traction alopecia from constant tight braiding, chemical relaxors, etc. | | | Alopecia Areata- | Usually patchy, sometimes diffuse totally bald area | |
II | Drugs that may cause hair loss | | | Amphetamine | Isotretinoin | Amiodarone | | | Lithium | Anabolic Steroids | Sulfasalazine | | | Allopurinol | Salicylates | Colchicine | | | Tricyclics | Beta Blockers | Oral Contraceptives | | | Captopril | Isoniazid | Bromocriptine | | | Interferon | Chemotherapeutic | Drugs | | | Cimetidine | Heparin | Corticosteroids | | | Warfarin | Gentamicin | Carbimazole | | | Immunoglobin | Acetretin | Iatraconazole | | | Propylthiouracil | Levodopa | Vitamin A | | | Nitrofurantoin | Nicotinic Acid | Terfenadine | |
| III | Systemic diseases that can cause hair loss | | | Hypothyroidism | HIV infection | | | Hyperthyroidism | Systemic Lupus Erythematosis | | | Hypopituitarism | Secondary Syphilis | | | Deficiency of Protein, Biotin, Iron, Zinc | |
| IV | Trichotillomania- | an obsessive compulsive disorder causing self
inflicted hair pulling resulting in hair loss. | |
Scarring Alopecia
| I | Primary Skin Disorders | | | Lichen Planus | | | Cutaneous Lupus | | | Folliculitis Decalvans | | | Morphea | | | Traumatic Alopecia- chemical burns | | | Idiopathic Pseudopelade of Brocq | |
| II | Systemic diseases leading to hair loss | | | Lupus Erythematosus | | | Sarcoidosis | | | Skin Metastases | | By far, the most common type of alopecia we successfully treat at True & Dorin Medical Group is androgenetic alopecia. Although, some of the other forms of alopecia can be successfully treated once the medical condition has been controlled or corrected or the underlying insult is over and has stabilized on its own. Androgenetic alopecia also known as: hereditary balding, androgenic baldness, male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss; is an alopecia that is progressive and results from a sensitivity of the follicles to androgens (DHT) in those who are genetically predisposed. Androgenetic alopecia occurs in both men and women. Of course there are varying ages of onset, as well as varying degrees and patterns of balding. However, the patterns tend to be somewhat predictable. Of special interest to women, usually African American women, is traumatic alopecia. Generally resulting in hair loss around the periphery of the scalp, it is caused by the use of cosmetic treatments to the hair. Overuse of hair straighteners, hair dyes, or hair permanents can cause hair loss. In addition constant tension on the hair follicles caused by tight braiding, like ”corn-row” braiding or use of hair extensions can lead to traction alopecia.
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