By Dr S P Pradhan on 6th September, 2023
Hair fall is a ever growing problem now a days which affects the psychological and social life. It creates stressful personality which futher leads to hair loss. This vicious cycle goes on.
Causes of hair loss
Hereditary
It is a very common cause of familial baldness. Some genes causing baldness run in families. The tendency of hereditary alopecia even seen in multiple vertical generations. The condition is known as androgenic alopecia and it affects the frontal area with receding hair line.
Micronutrient deficiency
The common micronutrient deficiency causing hair loss are biotin, zinc, iron, selenium and to some extent B- complex vitamins.
Stress
Stress induced nor adrenaline secretion leads to rapid migration of melanoblasts out of hair follicles causing grey hair. Subsequently grey hair becomes more fragile leading to hair fall.
Drugs
Certain drugs specially antipsychotic drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic drugs cause hair loss or alopecia. But the condition may be reversible, i.e. after stoppage of the offending drug the condition is back to normal.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes affecting pregnancy, child birth, menopause may affect the hair loss. The changes in estrogen and progesterone level variably affects the fall of hair.
Thyroid problems
Thyroid problems like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism affect hair loss. Imbalance of thyroid cause shedding of hair and hair loss.
Autoimmune disorders
Alopecia may be a part of many autoimmune disorders like lupus.
Trichotillomania
lt is a hair pulling disorder affecting mainly adolescents between 10 to 17 years. Continuous pulling of hair cause thinning and hair loss.
Typhoid
Typhoid causes telogen effluvium causing hair shedding out of stress.
Treatment of hair fall or hair loss
Drug therapy- Minoxidil available as liquid applicator applied over the scalp can arrest the hair fall and growth of new hair. It is available as 0.25% and 0.5% solution.
Hair transplantation
Hair transplant process involves transfer of hair follicles from donor area to bald area. The hair follicles then grow to normal hair in the recepient site. It is a minimally invasive procedure.
Natural treatment for hair fall
Bhringraj
It is available as oil, can be applied as oil. It helps in hair growth and prevents ageing.
Coconut oil
It is very commonly used oil. Massage with oil stimulates hair follicles and nourishes the hair strands. As it contains fatty acids, which is required fir hair growth.
Amla
Amla contains vitamin C which is a natural antioxidant. It can be used as paste and oil. It helps in hair growth and prevents greying of hair.
Egg
Egg is a great source of natural proteins. Proteins are key for hair growth and nourishment. It can be applied along with sampoo.
