Knowledge Is the First Step to Improvement
Hair Loss Causes New York, New Jersey, Boston
There are multiple possible hair loss causes. Intended for our current and prospective patients in New York, New Jersey, and Boston, the following is a brief summary of some of the known causes of hair loss. Drs. True and Dorin have placed the causes into generally accepted categories for ease of understanding; however, this information is not all inclusive and should not be considered a substitute for consulting with a physician.
An Overview of Hair Loss Causes: Alopecia 101
In general, hair loss, clinically termed 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 there is still 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, usually by induction of a telogen effluvium (see chart below). Primary cutaneous (skin) disorders are the most common causes of both nonscarring and scarring alopecia. Our doctors encourage patients to ask questions about hair loss causes at our New York, New Jersey, and Boston facilities.
Nonscarring Alopecia
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I |
Primary Skin Disorders |
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Androgenetic Alopecia- |
Male and female pattern baldness |
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Telogen Effluvium- |
Hair loss after childbirth, high fever, rapid weight loss and drugs. |
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Tinea capitis- |
Fungal infection of the scalp |
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Traumatic Alopecia- |
Traction alopecia from constant tight braiding, chemical relaxors, etc. |
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Alopecia Areata- |
Usually patchy, sometimes diffuse totally bald area |
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II |
Drugs that may cause hair loss |
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Amphetamine |
Isotretinoin |
Amiodarone |
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Lithium |
Anabolic Steroids |
Sulfasalazine |
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Allopurinol |
Salicylates |
Colchicine |
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Tricyclics |
Beta Blockers |
Oral Contraceptives |
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Captopril |
Isoniazid |
Bromocriptine |
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Interferon |
Chemotherapeutic |
Drugs |
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Cimetidine |
Heparin |
Corticosteroids |
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Warfarin |
Gentamicin |
Carbimazole |
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Immunoglobin |
Acetretin |
Iatraconazole |
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Propylthiouracil |
Levodopa |
Vitamin A |
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Nitrofurantoin |
Nicotinic Acid |
Terfenadine |
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III |
Systemic diseases that can cause hair loss |
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Hypothyroidism |
HIV infection |
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Hyperthyroidism |
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis |
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Hypopituitarism |
Secondary Syphilis |
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Deficiency of Protein, Biotin, Iron, Zinc |
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IV |
Trichotillomania- |
An obsessive compulsive disorder causing self-inflicted hair pulling resulting in hair loss. |
Scarring Alopecia
|
I |
Primary Skin Disorders |
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Lichen Planus |
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Cutaneous Lupus |
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Folliculitis Decalvans |
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Morphea |
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Traumatic Alopecia- chemical burns |
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Idiopathic Pseudopelade of Brocq |
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II |
Systemic diseases leading to hair loss |
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Lupus Erythematosus |
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Sarcoidosis |
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Skin Metastases |
Other Forms of Hair Loss Causes
By far, the most common of the many hair loss causes treated at True & Dorin Medical Group in New York, New Jersey, and Boston is androgenetic alopecia. However, some of the other forms of alopecia can be successfully treated once the medical condition has been corrected or controlled or if the underlying issue has stabilized on its own.
Androgenetic alopecia is also known as hereditary balding, androgenic baldness, male pattern hair loss, and female pattern hair loss (see classification charts below). Occurring in both men and women, this type of alopecia is progressive and results from a sensitivity of the follicles to androgens (DHT) among those who are genetically predisposed. While the age of onset and degree of balding vary, the patterns tend to be somewhat predictable.
Traumatic alopecia especially affects women, and usually African-American women. Generally resulting in hair loss around the periphery of the scalp, it is caused by the use of cosmetic treatments to the hair, and in particular the overuse of hair straightening tools, hair dyes, and hair permanents. In addition, constant tension on the hair follicles due to tight braiding (for example, ”corn-row” braiding) or the use of hair extensions, can lead to traction alopecia.
Learn More about Hair Loss Causes
Dr. True and Dr. Dorin are experts in hair loss and its various causes. New York, New Jersey, and Boston area residents who would like further information or to schedule a consultation are invited to contact our hair loss practice today!