Baldness (Alopecia)

DEFINITION

Baldness (alopecia) is the partial or complete loss of hair. With age, in men and women will decrease the density of hair. Men have a particular pattern of baldness associated with the hormone testosterone. If a man does not produce testosterone (because of genetic abnormalities or castration), then he will have no such pattern baldness. Women also have a special pattern baldness.

Alopecia occurs most often on the scalp, usually occurs gradually and may lose all scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or just the patches on the scalp. About 25% of men begin to bald by the age of 30 years and about two-thirds of men become bald at the age of 60 years.

The average scalp contains 100,000 strands of hair and every day, an average of 100 strands of hair missing from the head. Each strand of hair was 4.5 years, with growth of about 1 cm / month. Usually in year 5 and the hair will fall out within 6 months will be replaced by new hair. Inherited baldness caused by the failure of the body to form new hair, not because of excessive hair loss.

CAUSE

• It could be:
• Descent
• Aging
• Changes in hormone
• Fever
• State of local skin
• Systemic disease
• Certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer or excessive vitamin A
• The use of shampoo and hair dryer excessive
• Emotional stress or physical stress
• Anxious behavior (habit of pulling hair or scratching of the scalp)
• Burn
• Radiation Therapy
• Tinea capitis
• Trichotillomania.

SYMPTOMS

Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness is a particular pattern of baldness in men, which is caused by hormonal changes and heredity. Baldness occurs due to the shrinking hair follicles that produce hair is shorter and smoother. The end result of this situation is a very small hair follicles, which has no hair. The cause of the failure of new hair growth is not fully understood, but it is related to hereditary factors and androgens, mainly dihydrotestosterone from testosterone.

Male pattern baldness begins at the hairline; in stages, the hairline down to form the letter M. Hair becomes smoother and does not grow along before. The hair on the crown also begins to thin and eventually the upper end of the M-shaped hairline meets the thinned crown which, forming a horseshoe-like baldness.

Female Pattern Baldness

Female pattern baldness is hair loss in women due to hormonal changes, aging and hereditary factors. Baldness occurs due to the failure of new hair growth. The cause of the failure is not completely understood, but allegedly related to hereditary factors, aging and androgen hormone levels. Changes in hormone levels of androgens can affect hair growth. After menopause, many women who experience thinning hair, while his face became more coarse hair.

Different patterns of baldness in women with baldness in men. The hair on the hairline (forehead) remain, while the hair on the head of the other thin. There may be losing more hair on the crown, but rarely progress to total baldness as occurs in men.

Baldness in women can also be caused by:

- Temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium)

- Damage caused by styling hair, curling hair or withdrawal

- Alopecia areata

- Drugs

- Certain skin diseases.

Alopecia Toksika

Alopecia or alopecia toksika poisoning may result from:

Severe disease accompanied by high fever.

Excessive doses of some drugs (especially thallium, vitamin A and retinoids)

Cancer drug

Thyroid gland or pituitary gland is less active

Pregnancy.

Hair loss can occur for 3-4 months after illness or other circumstances. Loss is usually temporary and hair will grow back.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a condition in which sudden hair loss occurs in certain areas, usually on the scalp or beard. Alopecia universalis occurs at the loss of all body hair, while alopecia totalis in total baldness occurs on the scalp hair. Pattern baldness happens is typical, namely in the form of circular spots. The cause is unknown, but is sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is hair loss as a result of strong encouragement for the hair pulling. Hair loss can form a round or scattered patches on the scalp. Trichotillomania is a compulsive behavior, which may stem from the presence of emotional stress or physical stress. Most often found in children, but this habit can persist throughout the life of the patient.

Scarring alopecia Because Network

Baldness occurs in areas of scar tissue. Scar tissue may be derived from burns, severe injury or radiation therapy.

Other causes of scarring alopecia due is:

- Lupus erythematosus

- Lichen planus

- Bacterial or fungal infections that are settled

- Sarcoidosis

- Tuberculosis

- Skin cancer.

Diagnosis

Determine the type of baldness is simply through the observation is sometimes difficult, because skin biopsy was performed to help establish the diagnosis. With biopsy can be known from the state of the hair root so that it can be determined the cause of baldness.

Male or female pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on the pattern and picture of hair loss.

TREATMENT

Hair loss due to disease, radiation therapy or drug use, requiring no special treatment. If the disease improves or if treatment is stopped, the hair will grow back normally. During the hair is still in growth, the patient can use a wig, hat or other head covering. Male or female pattern baldness is settled. If the patient was not disturbed by his appearance, then no treatment.

There are two kinds of drugs used to treat male pattern baldness and women, namely Minoxidil and propesia. Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp. These medications can slow down hair loss, but if its use is stopped, then the baldness will recur again. Propesia inhibit the formation of a hormone that plays a role in the occurrence of baldness. This drug is more effective than minoxidil and no effect on testosterone levels in the body.

Hair transplants performed by lifting a small bunch of hair from areas where hair is still growing and placing it in the bald areas. This can cause scarring in the donor area with a low risk of infection. This procedure may be performed repeatedly and is expensive.

Another way that is safe and not too expensive to tackle male pattern baldness and women are changing the style of combing the hair or use wigs.

For the treatment of alopecia areata can do the following:

- Corticosteroids, topical (applied directly to the scalp)

- Steroid injections subcutaneous (under skin)

- Ultraviolet light therapy

- Applying the material irritating to the bald area to stimulate regrowth.

On trichotillomania, hair shaved head can maintain, but does not address the root of the problem. Parents should help locate the problem and get involved in treatment. It is advisable to undergo a psychological examination.