Singapore Dermatologist Explains 5 Top Causes Of Hair Loss
For many people, hair loss (medically known as alopecia) is something frightening. A lot of people identify themselves with their hair and hairstyle. That is why some may see hair loss as a step towards losing themselves.
When my experience with hair loss became unmanageable, I decided to consult with a dermatologist near me in Singapore.
The causes of hair loss can be numerous and varied, the following article explores some of them.
Table of Contents
Pattern Hair Loss
One of the most common types for both males and females. In male pattern hair loss, the pattern appears around the temples and crown. Female pattern hair loss is experienced as incremental thinning at the hair parting, followed by hair loss spreading from the top of the head. Pattern hair loss occurs in people are on average younger. Since it takes some time for this type of hair loss to develop, it might be hard to notice at first.
In the case that your doctor diagnoses you with this hair loss condition, he or she might suggest one of the following treatments:
- Minoxidil lotion, it has even reversed pattern baldness in some cases.
- Tablet treatments to combat hormone unbalance.
Telogen Effluvium
There are a lot of causes that bring this type of hair loss. For example, high-stress levels, hormonal unbalance iron deficiency, other types of illnesses or even pregnancy.
The best way to notice this hair loss cause yourself is to pay attention when you comb your hair. If you lose a significant portion of your hair while brushing, it might be an indicator that you are suffering from telogen effluvium.
Even if the sudden loss of hair is shocking, you do not need to worry. In most cases, your hair will fully recover with the help of a dermatologist.
Alopecia Areata
This is a common autoimmune disorder where the body starts to recognize your own follicles as foreign bodies and begins attacking them. This leaves you with sudden patches of baldness. Two percent of all baldness cases are caused by alopecia areata.
The good news is that about 80% of people who suffer from this recover with the help of treatment through hormone injections.
Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
This cause affects the front of the scalp or other areas where people use hair coloring chemicals, hair extensions, or hot combs. Much like pattern hair loss, it is hard to notice since its effects are slow, but in most cases, they are also permanent.
So be careful what you do with your hair. Pay special attention to the amount of hair that you lose after all the beauty routines that we have mentioned above.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
A cause that mainly affects women who have entered menopause. It is not as severe as some other cases. The most common treatment for this type of baldness is topical steroid lotion. If you diagnose it early, you might get all your lost hair back.
Your Plan to Combat Hair Loss
Various types of this disease can be cured or satisfactorily treated to diminish hair loss. Even in incurable conditions, medical treatment may help to slow down or curb your hair loss.
The most important step is to get diagnosed as soon as possible. If you have doubts or fears about hair loss be sure to visit a qualified dermatologist as soon as you can. They will conduct all necessary tests and run you through some basic investigative questions.
Following the questions, they might use dermatoscopy, a specially designed machine to analyse the entire structure of your follicles. In some cases you might even need to take a blood sample, to check for hormone imbalance or iron deficiency.
These five causes are not exhaustive. If you are unsure if any of the ones mentioned above fit you, be sure to check with a dermatologist. Only a well trained medical professional can accurately diagnose and treat your hair loss problem.