One of the major concerns of the youth and middle-aged these days is regarding hair falling out or untimely hair loss. Hair loss is a medical condition known as ‘Alopecia’, that can affect not only an individual’s head but also other parts of the body like the arms and legs. It is accompanied by various other hair-related problems like dandruff, thinning of hair, and baldness. Some amount of hair fall does occur on a daily basis and is considered to be a normal phenomenon. However, if hair fall is excessive, it may be a cause of concern and would require medical treatment. Determining hair falling out causes can be very helpful for the appropriate treatment and cure of hair loss.
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Hair Falling Out Causes
There are various factors that can contribute to hair falling out excessively. Hair loss can affect men, women, and even children of all ages. The hair falling out causes in women may differ from the causes of hair fall in men or in children. Hair falling out could be a result of heredity, a medical condition, or the consumption of certain kinds of medications. Unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits could also cause excessive hair loss in men and women.
Hair Falling Out Causes in Men
Hair loss in men or male pattern hair loss affects almost 65% of men worldwide. The most common cause of hair loss in men is medically referred to as Androgenic Alopecia or male pattern baldness. This condition is characterized by a receding hairline due to which hair begins to fall out from the sides of the forehead and a bald patch also starts appearing at the crown. A major cause of hair loss and baldness in men can be attributed to hormonal and genetic factors. For example, changes in testosterone levels in men can contribute to hair loss. Other causes of male hair loss include chemical hair treatments, improper hair care, smoking and alcoholism, stress and illnesses related to stress, etc.
Hair Falling Out Causes in Women
Hair loss, hair falling out after giving birth, and thinning of hair are some common problems that most women suffer from. The causes of excessive hair fall in women include high levels of hormones known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), pregnancy, menopause, consumption of medications like anti-inflammatory drugs and birth control pills, tight hairstyles, excessive use of hair care products and hair tools like blow dryers and straighteners, etc. Stress, heredity, improper hair care, undergoing chemotherapy, improper diet, nutrition deficiency, and childbirth also contribute to hair loss in women. Read more on female hair loss and the causes of hair loss in women.
Hair Falling Out Causes in Children
Hair loss in children and teens is a growing cause of concern for parents. Hair loss in children is most commonly caused due to a condition known as Tinea Capitis, which is a disease caused by a fungal infection of the skin on the scalp. Other medical conditions in children that can cause hair loss include alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia totalis. Malnutrition, trauma to the hair follicle or hair shaft, anemia, toxicity of vitamin A, and thyroid-related disorders can also cause hair loss in children. Read more on hair loss.
Treatment for Hair Falling Out
There are a number of ways in which excessive hair loss can be treated and prevented. The most common medication prescribed for hair loss is Propecia, but you should consult a doctor before you take to it. Apart from medical treatment, you can also opt for laser therapy, hair transplants, and herbal and natural treatments for hair loss. Bringing about certain essential dietary and lifestyle changes will also help prevent hair loss. Include some dietary supplements and follow an exercise regimen to promote healthy hair growth and good overall health.
