Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be a complex problem because there are a plethora of reasons that can cause excessive hair loss and it can broadly be categorised into localised vs diffuse.
- Localised hair loss may be classified into scarring and non-scarring types: Non scarring type is typically caused by Alopecia Areata, an auto-immune disease which manifests itself with the sudden onset of round patches of hair loss associated with normal skin and can be treated with local injections of corticosteroids or immunotherapy. Scarring Alopecia can be caused by a variety of medical or dermatologic conditions such as Lupus and Lichen planus, infections or local radiation therapy.
- Diffuse Hair Loss: A common cause of diffuse hair loss in both men and women is genetic balding or “Androgenetic Alopecia”(AGA)In AGA, an excess of the androgen DHT causes hair follicles that were producing healthy terminal hairs to begin producing thinner, shorter, more brittle hairs with weaker shafts (this process is called miniaturization and the hairs involved are called miniaturized hairs). Eventually, these follicles produce only fine, almost invisible, short, vellus hairs, or they may die out altogether and close up.
