HAIR LOSS: A SYMPTOM WITH MULTI-FACTORY CAUSES
Hair follicles: the tireless production units
As in all mammals, humans also undergo periodic renewal of the hair coat. Human skin has a varying number of hair follicles, the small production units of hair. The scalp alone has 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles. The life cycle of each hair is a periodic phenomenon that lasts 2-7 years and is distinguished by the growth phase (anagen), transition phase (catagen) and resting phase (telogen). At the end of each cycle, the hair falls out, while the production of new hair has already begun in the hair follicle. In this sense, hair loss is a normal phenomenon. But when do we talk about pathological hair loss?
When do we talk about hair loss?
Dermatologist Andreas Merkoureas of the Dermatologicum clinic clarifies: the loss of up to 100 hairs per day is considered normal hair loss and does not require any investigation. In fact, during periods when the process of natural hair renewal is more intense, such as in autumn, the loss of up to 150 hairs after washing and combing can be considered normal. This phenomenon is called seasonal hair loss, it is completely normal and returns within a few weeks. However, the daily loss of more than 100 hairs for more than a week is a symptom of pathological hair loss. But what could be the cause of hair loss?
The multifactorial causes of hair loss
As Mr. Merkoureas explains, the possible causes of hair loss are many and often more than one coexist simultaneously. Hair, like our nails, are the “ends” and at the same time the most sensitive organs of our body and for this reason they are the first to react visibly to every change that our body goes through. Causes of hair loss can therefore be:
- Pathological diseases: iron or vitamin deficiency, anemia, thyroid diseases, autoimmune diseases, skin diseases of the scalp, hair diseases but also post-inflammatory reaction after infection with COVID-19 (post COVID hair loss).
- Hormonal changes: situations such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormone therapy, etc.
- Genetic predisposition: androgenetic alopecia in men and women is a combination of genetic and hormonal factors that usually exists in several members of the same family.
- Inadequate nutrition: extreme diets, unbalanced vegetarian diets, junk food diet, etc.
- External factors: frequent shampooing or straightening, use of dyes or bleach, tight bun (traction hair loss), etc.
- Medications: chemotherapy, contraceptives, antidepressants, etc.
- Stress: often in combination with any of the above causes
The role of the dermatologist
As is easily understood due to the multifactorial etiology of hair loss, the dermatological examination begins with taking a thorough history including any medication the patient is taking. The dermatologist then proceeds to the clinical examination and trichoscopy of both the hair follicles and the hair. At the modern dermatological clinic Dermatologicum, we provide the possibility of digital trichoscopy with storage of images for comparison during treatment. In some cases, further tests such as trichorhizogram and/or blood tests may be needed.
Treatment must be individualized based on the diagnosis of the cause of hair loss. Treatments against hair loss, depending on the cause, can be: pharmaceutical (shampoo, lotion or oral treatment), PRP or heterologous mesotherapy and/or hair transplantation. Dermatologist Mr. Merkoureas emphasizes that autologous mesotherapy in particular is a revolutionary weapon in the treatment of most types of hair loss. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of this method against most causes of hair loss. The action of the treatment begins immediately but the first results are visible in 4-6 weeks. Depending on the indication, a total of 3-4 sessions can be applied every 4 weeks.
So if you are experiencing hair loss, book an appointment today at the Dermatologicum dermatological clinic, for high-quality diagnostic and effective treatment of the problem.
