Hair Loss Video Series: A Symptom of Illness | StephanieLAnderson.com

Join the discussion in the comments below.  Should self diagnosis be your first line of defense againt hair loss?
Can hair loss be a definite diagnosis or a symptom of another disease or illness.  In this video segment of the new video series: "Causes of Hair Loss", we will discuss a few illness that result in hair thinning and hair loss. New videos added weekly. Like, share and subscribe to this channel for updates and more information.  MORE HAIR!!!!

The Seven (7) H's of Hairloss

The Seven (7) H's of Hairloss

by

Dr. David H. Kingsley

This simple reference (all beginning with the letter 'H' for Hair) is not exhaustive, but covers many of the common causes of hair loss (alopecia) for both men and women. An individual's hair loss may be caused by one or more of these factors. Some of these influences on the hair cycle may cause permanent hair loss whilst others only temporary hair loss.

1.)HEREDITY: many hair problems are passed down in the genes. If one or both parents have hair loss or thin hair, then the chances are increased that their children will also suffer the condition. The more family members that have genetic hair loss, the higher the percentage chance there is for an individual to also suffer the condition.

2) HORMONES: genetic hair loss in both men and women tends to occur when androgens (male hormones) act upon the hair follicle producing a reduction in the size of the affected follicles, which results in a reduction in the diameter and length of the hairs that they produce. A low functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism) or other endocrine gland malfunction can also cause hair loss and hair thinning in men and women. For some women, other hormonal factors such as; irregular menstruation, taking the contraceptive pill, giving birth, or going through menopause can also affect the hair cycle leading to thinner hair.

3) HEALTH: many illnesses can cause hair loss, particularly if associated with a high temperature or an operation that has needed general anaesthetic. Also, certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus can affect the hair cycle and/or hair follicle.

4)HEALING (medication): certain medications or treatments for a particular illness can cause hair loss. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, anticoagulants, lithium based medications, large doses of vitamin A, and agents that block cholesterol synthesis can all inhibit hair growth

5) HASSLE (stress): stress is a very common trigger for hair loss. Many researchers believe that stress can aggravate genetic hair loss as the skin becomes more sensitive to the effects of androgens (male hormones) during stressful episodes. Severe stress can also influence diffuse shedding of hair (telogen effluvium). Alopecia areata or "patchy" hair loss has also been connected to stress episodes as has trichotillomania (hair pulling).

6) HUNGER (diet): it is commonly accepted that undernourishment slows the growth rate of hair. This is because basic amino acids, fats and vitamins are all necessary to grow healthy hair. Some recent research studies have shown that deficiencies in iron stores, vitamin B-12, & folic acid levels can also lead to an increase in hair shedding. Certain excesses of some vitamins, particularly the fat soluble ones, can also cause temporary hair loss as can severe weight loss due to dieting or inadequate intake of proteins.

7) HAIRDRESSING: over processed hair can become very brittle leading to severe breakage. Also, vigorous brushing or blow drying with very hot air can cause the hair to come out or to break (traction alopecia).

Differences Between a Dermatologist and Trichologist

Have you considered consulting with a professional about your scalp disorder or hair loss? If so, do you know the difference between a Dermatologist and a Trichologist?


The difference between a Dermatologist and a Trichologist is that a Dermatologist specializeds in skin disorders while a Trichologist specializes in several forms of alopecia and scalp disorders. A Trichologist also networks with Medical Doctors, Internal Medicine Doctors, Endocrinologists, Neurologists, Psychologists, Nutritionists, Naturopathic Doctors, Dermatologists, Cosmetologists and Barbers.

There are some systemic conditions that require other medical treatments and/or therapy, combined with alopecia and scalp disorder treatments. A few important comparisons are listed below:

DERMATOLOGIST

• Listens to client for signs and symptoms, may not examine the scalp thoroughly
• May give steroid injections to scalp
• May suggest a biopsy
• May write a prescription
• Usally informs patient to stop all chemical processes

TRICHOLOGIST

• Will obtain the history of the alopecia and scalp disorder
• Analyzes signs and symptoms
• Looks for scalp lesions and pimples
• Looks for erythematic and inflammation
• Looks for scaly scalp disorders
• Looks for alopecia and/or damaged hair follicles
• Will use microscopes to analyze scalp health and hair bulb
• Will evaluate nutritional deficiencies associated with disorder

There are currently over 30 million Americans who suffer from some scalp disorders or alopecia (hair loss) condition. When you are affected with alopecia or a scalp disorder condition, seek the expertise of a Trichologist; who takes an integrative approach to resolving disorders.
For more information contact: Stephanie Anderson, Trichologist/Natural Health Professional of Trinity Lace Wigs at sanderson@trinitylacewigs.com

Hair Loss: "A" is for Alopecia (Post 4)

Traction Alopecia: Hair loss which occurs from traction or "pulling"
on hair. A large section of African American women suffer from
this form of alopecia.

Traction alopecia is commonly seen with braids (notice hair line in
picture, alopecia resulted from too tight or tension at hair line from braids), pony tails and other hairstyles which create traction on the scalp.

Hair Loss: "A" is for Alopecia (Post 2)

Alopecia Totalis is the total loss of hair on the entire head. Different from Alopecia Areata which is characterized in patchy, bald spots on the scalp; Alopecia Totalis covers the "total" area of the scalp for which its name implies.

Its causes are not clear, it is considered to be an autoimmune disorder. Stress is sometimes believed to be a contributing factor to the loss of hair caused by alopecia; however, there are many people who lead relatively stress-free lives who have experienced the symptoms of alopecia.

Hair Loss: "A" is for Alopecia ( Post 1)

There are many different forms of hair loss. The term alopecia simply means "hair loss". It can affect both men and women, children too.

Different Types of Alopecia

Alopecia Areata: Hair loss which occurs in patchy areas on the scalp.

Alopecia Totalis: Hair loss present over the entire scalp.

Alopecia Universalis: Hair loss which occurs over the entire body, including the scalp, eyebrows, etc.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Normal genetic hair loss caused by (DHT) Dihydrotestosterone in men and hormonal factors in women.

Traction Alopecia: This refers to hair loss which occurs due to traction (stress) placed on hair. Traction Alopecia is commonly seen with pony tails, braids, and other styles that produce (pressure, tightness) traction on the scalp.

Today...let's discuss Alopecia Areata-

Alopecia Areata is the name for a condition in which round patches of hair loss appear suddenly. The hair-growing tissue is attacked by the patient's own immune cells for unknown reasons. There are commonly three (3) stages: first, there is sudden hair loss, then the patches of hair loss enlarges , lastly new hair grows back. This process may take months, sometimes more than a year . Rarely, does the hair never grow back.