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Alopecia is a condition in which there is a sudden loss of hair from the scalp or any other region of the body. In this disease, the hair falls in large quantities in certain areas, providing a visualization of the scalp or skin that was previously covered.
The treatment for alopecia is done according to the cause, however, in most cases this fall is treated with the use of medications that are applied directly to the affected area and that should be recommended by a dermatologist.
Main causes
Hair loss can happen due to several situations, the main ones being:
- Ringworm on the scalp;
- Use of medicines;
- Stress;
- Postpartum hormonal reaction;
- Use of inappropriate chemicals;
- Systemic lupus erythematosus;
- Diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, secondary syphilis or lichen planus;
- Deficiency of proteins, iron, biotin and zinc.
In addition, some types of cancer can also favor hair loss, such as skin cancer, for example.
How to identify alopecia
The main indicative sign of alopecia is the loss of more than 100 hairs per day, which can be noticed when you find many hairs on the pillow when you wake up, when you wash or comb or hair or when you run your hand through the hairs.
In addition, the hair loss can be noticed when it is possible to easily visualize the scalp in some areas of the head.
Types of alopecia
There are several types of alopecia that are related to its causes. The types of alopecia that exist are:
- Alopecia areata: caused by autoimmune factors or emotional factors, characterized by intense hair loss in certain areas.
- Androgenetics: also called baldness, it is caused by genetic factors, associated with the rate of testosterone in the bloodstream, and for this reason it is more frequent in men;
- Traumatic: caused by the habit of pulling the strands of hair constantly or by trauma to the head;
- Seborrheic: caused by dermatitis, which can be treated with medication;
- Effluvium: which is characterized by a period in which the hair falls naturally, however, when this mechanism is unregulated, there may be a longer period of hair loss, which generally responds well to clinical treatments.
In addition, alopecia can happen as a consequence of the use of medications, such as medications used to treat cancer.
Hair Loss Treatment
For the treatment of alopecia, a consultation with the dermatologist is recommended so that the causes are identified and the treatment is well directed.
Some therapeutic options, especially for more severe cases, are the use of oral medications, such as finasteride or spironolactone, or topicals, such as minoxidil or alphaestradiol, for example. Learn more about how to use and the side effects of these remedies.
In addition, for milder cases or to complement the more severe ones, it may be advantageous to use cosmetic products in lotion or ampoules, such as Recrexina HFSC ampoules, Ducray creastim lotion or Ducray Neoptide lotion, and / or the intake of food supplements, like Pantogar, Imecap hair or Ineout, for example.
There are also specific treatments such as intradermotherapy and carboxitherapy, performed by a professional, which should only be performed, if recommended by the doctor.
See more about hair loss treatment.