Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common condition which may be a consequence of natural aging, a side effect of medication, or a manifestation of a health disorder. It can result in total baldness, thinning of the hair, or patchy bald spots and may be confined to the scalp or affect other areas of the body. Hair loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on its cause. Some of the causes of hair loss include:
- Male pattern baldness
- Fungal infections of the scalp
- Severe infections or high fevers
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
- Traumatic stress
- Trichotillomania, a psychiatric disorder involving compulsive hair-pulling
- Thyroid or pituitary disorders
- Certain skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis
- Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or polycystic ovary syndrome
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder
- Telogen effluvium, in which too many hair follicles remain in a resting state
More common than most people realize, hair loss can be a difficult thing to experience. Because our hair has a heavy influence on our overall appearance, hair loss in both men and women can often lead to the desire for treatment.
Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common condition that may result from natural aging, a side effect of medication, or a manifestation of another health disorder. It can result in total baldness, thinning of the hair, or patchy bald spots and may be confined to the scalp or affect other areas of the body. Hair loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on its cause.Â
Thanks to today’s technology, however, Aventura Dermatology & Aesthetics is able to offer a variety of different hair loss treatments. To learn more about hair loss and to determine which treatment could be right for you, read our FAQ:
What Causes Hair Loss?
There are a variety of factors that can lead to hair loss. From stress to other health issues, these causes include:Â
- Male and female pattern baldness
- Fungal infections of the scalp
- Severe conditions or high fevers
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
- Traumatic stress
- Trichotillomania, a psychiatric disorder involving compulsive hair-pulling
- Thyroid or pituitary disorders
- Certain skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis
- Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or polycystic ovary syndrome
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder
- Telogen effluvium, in which too many hair follicles remain in a resting state
What Are the Different Types of Hair Loss Treatments?
Treatment for hair loss is usually based on the cause of the condition. When hair loss results from a fungal infection, it may be treated with anti-fungal medication. Hair loss that results from cancer treatment is usually temporary. For other types of hair loss, one of the following treatments may be considered:
Hair Transplant Surgery / Hair Plugs
Hair transplant surgery involves removing hair follicles from one part of the body to a bald or balding part of the body, allowing new hair to grow in the recipient area about three months later. This surgery is typically performed on men who experience male pattern baldness and lasts the patient the rest of their life. The transplanted hair will continue to grow and may be washed, cut, and dyed.
Scalp Reduction
A scalp reduction is a surgical procedure primarily performed on men experiencing baldness in which the hairless region of the scalp of a bald man is reduced. This surgery aims to reduce the area of the scalp where hair is missing, sometimes even eliminating the need for a hair transplant altogether.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Some over-the-counter medications can help with the growth of new hair in bald areas. Nizoral comes in shampoo forms and can be applied to the scalp daily as it stimulates hair growth and slows balding. Rogaine is the first FDA-approved topical hair loss treatment brand and can be used by both men and women.
External Laser Combs
Shaped like a hairbrush or comb, the external laser comb is a handheld form of laser therapy that stimulates hair follicle growth on the scalp. Using a laser comb is painless due to its low-level laser therapy and can be used to treat hair loss.
Scalp Massages and Hair-Stimulating Treatments
Scalp massages are a great way to increase blood flow to the scalp, resulting in new hair growth. Done regularly, either at home or professionally, scalp massages can play a big role in helping hair to grow more than its usual ½ inch per month.
Wigs and Hairpieces
For patients who are not interested in a permanent hair solution or would like the flexibility to choose or switch their appearance, using wigs or hairpieces can be a great way to reduce self-consciousness about hair loss.
Which Hair Treatment Is Right for Me?
Though it can be difficult to try to decipher which hair loss treatment will be the most beneficial to you, Dr. Baum and the team at Aventura ensure a customized treatment for each patient.Â
Men’s Hair Loss Treatments
The most common treatments for hair loss in men are hair transplants, scalp reductions, light therapy, and Rogaine.
Women’s Hair Loss Treatments
The most common treatments for hair loss in women are Light therapy, scalp massages, using wigs or hairpieces, and frequent trimming of existing hair to keep the scalp and hair healthy.
Is It Possible To Prevent Hair Loss?
While some health conditions affect hair growth and cannot be prevented, there are still a lot of things you can do to prevent the natural loss of hair such as:
Taking Care of Your Existing Hair
Frequent trims, using the proper shampoo, and conditioning the hair you already have is one of the best ways to keep your scalp healthy. Avoiding harsh treatments such as bleaching or flat-ironing the hair can also aid in faster hair growth.
Consulting Your Doctor About Existing Medication That May Cause Hair Loss
If you are currently taking medication, speak with your doctor to find out if hair loss is a side-effect of any of your prescriptions.
Stop Smoking
While quitting smoking can improve the health of a person overall, studies have shown a link between smoking and baldness in men.
Consider a Cooling Cap During Cancer Treatments
If you are undergoing chemotherapy, ask your doctor about a cooling cap. This can reduce your risk of hair loss during your treatment.
Still Have Questions? Book An Online Appointment
Interested in learning more about if hair loss treatment is right for you? Contact Aventura Dermatology & Aesthetics at 754-544-9030 today, or book an online appointment here.
Treatment for Hair Loss
Treatment for hair loss is usually based on the cause of the condition. When hair loss results from a fungal infection, it may be treated with anti-fungal medication. Hair loss that results from cancer treatment is usually temporary. For other types of hair loss, one of the following treatments may be considered:
- Hair transplant surgery, hair plugs, scalp reduction
- Over-the-counter medications, such as Rogaine or Nizoral
- External laser comb
- Hair-stimulating treatments
For some patients, wigs or hairpieces may be useful in creating an attractive appearance and reducing self-consciousness about hair loss.
