Alopecia, or baldness, is another name for hair loss, which is the absence of hair on the head or other parts of the body. Hairfall can affect a small area or the entire body, depending on its severity. In most cases, there is no inflammation or scarring. Psychological discomfort can result from hairfall. Some amount of hairfall is considered normal. According to research, a person can lose up to 100 hairs each day. But as the hairfall continues, thinner hair volume and bald spots may start to appear.

Although not life threatening, hair loss can severely damage one’s self confidence by changing one’s looks. Usually, hormonal fluctuations, hereditary factors, underlying illnesses, or side effects of medications are the causes of hairfall. Hereditary factors are the most frequent cause of hair loss.

 

TYPES OF HAIRLOSS

There are many types of hairloss, a few of them are:

Involutional alopecia: This is the gradual thinning of hair with age.

Androgenic alopecia: It is caused due to hormonal imbalance. Also known as male-patterned baldness, it is marked by gradual hairloss from the crown, frontal scalp and receeding hairline. Men having this condition are affected as early as teenage years. While in women it occurs in the late forties, and crown is most affected. This is known as female-patterned baldness.

Alopecia areata: It occurs as sudden hairloss appearing as one or more bald patches on the scalp. This condition develops when the body’s immune system starts to attack the hair follicules which hold the hair in place, resulting in hairfall.

Trichotillomania: A condition commonly observed in children, teenagers and young adults, trichotillomania is a psychological condition in which there is an irresistible urge to pull and pluck one’s own hair, related to stress or anxiety. Hairloss can be seen in the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes commonly. It is accompanied by hampered social and mental health.

Telogen effluvium: It is a temporary hairloss, that occurs after stress, shock or trauma. The stress causes a number of hair follicules to enter resting phase, resulting in sudden onset of significant hairfall. Stress may include surgery, serious illness, childbirth etc.

Anagen effluvium: It is a rapid hair loss occurring as a result of medical treatment such as chemotherapy. The potent drugs used in these therapies kill cancer cells, but can also shut down the production of hair follicules rsulting in hairfall.

 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAIRLOSS

• Hair falling out in bunches or patches
• Thinning of hair and reduced hair volume
• Hair become brittle and break easily

 

CAUSES OF HAIRFALL

Hairfall can occur at any age. For some, it is a part of ageing while in others an underlying medical condition may be present. Major factors contributing to hairfall are:

• Genetics are the commonest cause of hairfall
• Hormonal imbalances such as abnormal androgen levels cause hairfall
• Dietary deficiencies such as niacin or vitamin B3, Biotin, vitamin D, vitamin C etc
• Stress such as trauma, surgery, childbirth, major illness etc
• Disturbed mental health such as emotional shock, depression, anxiety etc
• Physiological processes such as pregnancy, menopause etc
• Discontinuation of medication such as birth control pills and other hormones
• Infections such ringworm (tinea capitis), lichen plannus
• Underlying medical condition such as lupus, thyroid disease, diabetes, anaemia, eating disorders etc
• Medications such as for chemotherapy, birth control, beta blockers, blood thinners etc for treatment of cancer, hypertension, depression, anxiety and so on
• Cosmetic procedures such as bleaching, perming, hair dyes, hot curlers or rollers etc. frequent change of shampoos and use of shampoo with paraben and sulphates also causes hairfall. Tight braids and other tight hairstyles are other causes.

 

HOME REMEDIES FOR HAIRFALL

Egg whites: Egg is a rich source of protein, sulphur, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, iodine which  strengthens hair and promotes hair growth.

Aloe vera: It is rich in amino acids and proteolytic enzymes. It can be used along with fenugreek seeds.

Fenugreek seeds: It is very effective for stopping hairfall. It repairs the hair follicles and promotes re-growth.

Onion juice: Onion has antibacterial properties which help to fight scalp infections and sulphur which improves blood circulation to hair follicles. It promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall.

Amla: Amla or Indian gooseberry is a rich source of vitamin C. it strengthens hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help in health hair growth and prevent premature greying.

 

DIET FOR HAIR GROWTH

Vitamin A found in animal products like milk, eggs, cod liver oil, etc

Vitamin B found in whole grains, almonds, meat, seafood, green leafy vegetables, etc

Vitamin C found in citrus fruits like oranges, amla, strawberries, peppers, etc

Vitamin D found in fatty fish, cod liver oil, some mushrooms, fortified foods, etc

 

TREATMENT FOR HAIRFALL

Hairfall treatment is adverse. Treatment options such as hair transplant, drugs and hormone therapy, although seem promising but they come with significant side effects and limitations.

It is important to consult a physician to determine the underlying cause. Unless the root is treated, the effect cannot be removed. Your homoeopathic physician will take your case in detail in order to recognize all the possible causes and accompanying problems. After thorough study, an individualistic prescription is made.

Doctors at Honey Homoeo Clinic are experienced in handling cases of hairfall and hair loss. We recognize that hair loss may affect how you feel about your appearance and offer individualized care and emotional support to help you feel comfortable.

At Honey Homoeo Clinic, medicines are prescribed to prevent further hair loss and wherever possible, regrow hair. Along with medication, a detailed diet plan is provided along with lifestyle management and hair care instructions, especially structured for each individual patient. For psychological causes, we have expert therapists skilled in counselling and support.

For a holistic and complete hairfall treatment, contact us at Honey Homoeo Clinic