Distribute Hair Loss

Every hair grows in cycles. It grows, rests and finally falls out. Most often, this cycle repeat it self roughly annually. Normally, about 90% of a person's scalp hair is growing, a phase that lasts between 2 to 6 years. 10% of the scalp hair is in a resting phase that lasts for about 2 to 3 months. At the end of this stage, the hair undergoes a shedding phase.

Shedding about 50 to 100 hairs a day. When a hair is discarded, it is replaced by a new one from the same follicle. The scalp hair grows approximately about one-half inch a month.

The hair consists of a form of protein, the same material that is located in the fingernails as well as toe nails. Everyone should consume an adequate amount of protein to maintain normal hair production. Protein is available in meat, fish, eggs, cheese, beans and so on.

Irregular hair loss can be as a result of several different causes but an approximately 50 percent of people experience normal hair loss by the time they reach 50. People who become aware of their hair shedding in large amounts after combing or whose hair becomes thinner or falls out should consult a dermatologist for assistance.

Hair Loss Causes and Risk

Childbirth. When a woman is heavy with child, her hair continues to grow. The normal 50 to 100 hairs per day are not shed in these circumstances. Though, after she delivers, majority of her hairs will enter the resting stage at once. Within a couple of months to three after delivery, these hairs may all fall out together and be seen as large amounts of hair coming out each time she combs.

High fever, infection, surgery, significant life stressor. Shortly after a person has a high fever, severe infection, surgery, or significant life stressor such losing someone very dear, he or she may be shocked to notice massive hair falling out. This condition usually corrects itself but you can still take medication.

Thyroid problem. An overactive and underactive thyroid can cause hair shedding. The shedding associated with thyroid issues can be reversed with adequate medication.

Lack of protein. Some vegetarians as well as people, who go on crash diets that rule out protein, and individuals with abnormal eating culture, are likely to develop protein malnutrition. When this occurs, the individual body will help to save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Immense hair shedding can take place two to three months after. This condition can be reversed by consuming the right amount of protein.

Medication. Prescription drugs can cause impermanent hair shedding in a little percentage of individuals. Examples of such drugs are blood thinners, drugs used to treat gout and arthritis, pimples, or psoriasis, and some medications for heart related issues.

Cancer drugs. The majority of drugs used in chemotherapy will cause hair cells to cease dividing. Hair shafts become thin and fall off as they leave the scalp. This can happen one to three weeks after starting chemotherapy. The patient may most of his hair but this usually re-grows after treatment comes to a stop.

Birth control pills. Ladies who lose their hair when taking birth control pills often have a genetic tendency towards hair thinning.

Low serum iron. Iron deficiency sometimes generates hair loss. Low iron can be identified by laboratory tests and corrected through the use of iron pills.

Alopecia areata. In this case the hair often falls out, resulting in completely smooth, round patches about the size of a coin or even larger. This disease can affect kids, women or men irrespective of their age.

Androgenic alopecia. This is the most popular kind of hair loss and is called "male- or female-pattern baldness". The hair thins out first in the front of the scalp and moves gradually to the back as well as top of the head. It tends to be a gradual process. This kind of hair loss can also be genetic.

Infections. Ringworm or tinea capitus is a common fungal infection in kids. Patches of hair may be lost and replaced with pink scaly skin.

Visit your doctor if you experience hair loss with these issues: skin disorder, breathing problems, poor appetite or weight loss without any good cause, vomiting, fever, pain, constipation or diarrhea.

Hair Loss Treatment

If hair loss is triggered by an impermanent situation such as medication, stress or lack of iron, it will cease when its cause ends. Hair loss due to infection may need oral antibiotics or antifungals in take. Alopecia areata can be treated with injections of steroids such as triamcinolone. Take note, early treatment works the best for each of the causes.

When it is caused by androgenic alopecia, there is no guarantee cure, although there are lots of treatments. Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription treatment prescribed for men only. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is massaged onto the scalp and works for both men and women. It usually works best for hair loss at top with back of the scalp, where there is still some remaining hair. This is can be found at most pharmacies.

Well chosen hairstyles can also do the magic (disguise). Partial hairpieces or wigs are recommended if your case is severe.

Lastly, hair transplantation has improved dramatically over the last few years. During a transplant, healthy hairs are harvested from an area of the scalp with normal growth. The person hairs are then placed into appropriate areas. When done correctly, the result looks natural.

Best Wishes,

John Benjamin