Hair Loss - a rather delicate problem - Androgenic

Androgenic alopecia

Androgenic alopecia, also izvestenoe both androgenic alopecia - is a common form of baldness in both men and women. For men this problem is also referred to as male pattern baldness. Usually, the hair falls out a well-defined way. Hair loss begins above both temples. Hair loss occurs slowly over the years. It can begin at any age after 20 years. There is usually a family history of hair loss. In women, the hair is gradually becoming rare throughout the scalp, bald spots but, as a rule, are not formed. Men first develop hair loss at the temples, and then expanding bald spot on the crown of the head. Over time, the line of hair growth recedes to form a characteristic shape of the letter "M". The hair is also thinning at the crown (top of the head), often progressing to partial or complete baldness.

Causes

Various types of genetic factors play a role in the occurrence of androgenic alopecia. Researchers are studying the risk factors that may contribute to this condition, but most of these factors are still unknown. Androgen receptor gene (AR) associated with androgenic alopecia.

Age is also an important factor in the development of androgenetic alopecia. Almost all people have a tendency to lose hair after 40 years. Although many of the patients are a testament to the fact that this disorder can appear 30 years. It occurs in both men and women.

The level of binding globulin sex hormones (SHBG), which is responsible for the binding of testosterone and prevents its bioavailability and its transformation into DHT (dihydrotestosterone, hormone sensitivity which is the cause of alopecia) generally lower in individuals with high DHT. The level of SHBG decreases insulin.

Along with other factors, the causes of hair loss are:

• The physical stress of surgery, serious illness or rapid weight change.
• Emotional stress due to mental illness Mental illness - ashamed to ask for help? , Death of a loved one, layoffs or job
• The consequences of receiving strong drugs: high doses of vitamins, certain drugs for blood pressure or gout.
• Hormonal imbalances due to pregnancy, use of birth control pills or the onset of menopause.
• Chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer.

Symptoms

In men with androgenetic alopecia usually seen receding hairline and hair loss, moderate to extensive. This is particularly common on the front and top of the head. Other hair usually become slightly thinner and shorter than usual. Male pattern baldness may begin as early as adolescence.

Women with androgenetic alopecia are experiencing general thinning of the hair, for example, where once there were five hairs, may be only two. Most of the hair falls out from the crown or hairline. Female pattern baldness usually begins around the age of 30 years and becomes noticeable around the age of 40 years.

• Brittle hair, the hair is easily pulled out.
• One or more round or oval bald patches.

Treatment

There is a drug that helps to limit hair loss or, in some cases, to restore their growth. Minoxidil (Minoxidil) - a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, which when applied to the skin causes hair growth in some people.

Some operations are also able to solve this problem. Hair transplantation is one of them. Hair shafts are removed surgically from areas with lots of hair and implanted in areas with sparse hair.

Propecia - a new drug for oral administration, which treats androgenic alopecia.

Some people can help the scalp reduction. This is a surgical procedure in which a bald area is cut.

The total baldness

The total baldness (Alopecia totalis) - a very rare disease, which results in a complete loss of hair on the head. It occurs in 5 percent of patients with alopecia. It is an autoimmune disease. Hair follicles remain alive, but the white blood cells of the immune system to attack them, preventing hair growth. Since follicles remain alive, focal total baldness can be cured spontaneously without medical intervention; hair growth can resume itself.

We know that people in the family that meets such diseases as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications   or thyroid disease, more susceptible to the disease total hair loss than those whose family history of disease was not. Since the total hair loss - especially autoimmune disease, it is possible that people who suffer from them also may suffer from diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Baldness Treatment is aimed at restoring the immune system, prompting follicles resume normal hair production. Drugs aimed at the treatment of other conditions, modern steroids and skin irritants give ambiguous results.

Recognized drugs

Minoxidil, which is sold under various trade names, and is contained in some of the hair loss, can be purchased as a foam or a solution for direct application to the scalp. Minoxidil tablets, which must be taken orally, was originally intended to lower blood pressure. Hair growth is a side effect of it. This medication relaxes blood vessels other side effects svyazannmi with taking minoxidil by mouth, are a pain in the chest, weight gain and heart palpitations. When using minoxidil is necessary to carefully follow your doctor's instructions.

Steroids

Steroids can be administered as a cream or tablets. Creams and gels are applied topically to the skin - it's the softest steroidal agents, and are usually prescribed, before moving on to more aggressive steroid therapy. They may have adverse effects, such as excessive hair growth in other parts of the body, or acne.

In some cases, doctors administered steroids directly into hair follicles. It is not steroids - stimulants, corticosteroids and who removed capricious immune cells and reduce inflammation, which allows the hair to grow. For the treatment of each area should be done a few injections.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the body's own chemical reactions for the treatment of diseases and disorders. The doctor uses a substance known for its ability to cause an allergic reaction on the scalp of the patient. The body produces chemicals to fight the irritant or allergen. Hair follicles are stimulated by this reaction, produce new hair.

Whereas allergen may remain at the application site, the reaction could spread to other sites. The body's response may also cause swelling of the lymph nodes swelling at the site of application and darkening of the skin, or hyperpigmentation. Fortunately, the treatment does not necessarily involve injections and may be attractive to people who can not tolerate injections.

Alternative Treatment

As with other violations, in the case of total baldness can use home remedies and alternative therapies. Massage the scalp with essential oils such as rosemary, lavender and cedar can improve. Studies conducted in 2007, tested the effect of the garlic gel with betamethasone valerate. The results were promising, but as betamethasone valerate is an active steroid, this means that the treatment involves medication components.

Hypnosis can also help to reverse the total patchy baldness. The study, published in 2006, was aimed at its use as a supplementary rather than primary treatment. Now, 5 years later, the results are not unambiguous and requires a formal investigation. Although hypnosis Hypnosis - ability, sent from above It may not be fully responsible for hair growth, marked in the course of research, as a result of his ability to cope with anxiety can be helpful, making the main treatment more successful.

What you need to keep in mind

According to some estimates, total baldness treatment is effective only for 40% of the people, and no treatment is effective against hair loss, if affected by more than 50% of the scalp. Existing drugs such as minoxidil, taking advantage of the side effects that might otherwise be troublesome.

It is necessary to discuss with your doctor as medicines in pill form may affect other currently accepted medications and track unusual symptoms as soon as the start of treatment.

Prevention and care tips

When Alopecia areata hair continue to grow on the back of the head. Total alopecia causes loss of all scalp hair, leaving portions of hair on the back of the head. If you notice unusual hair loss should immediately consult a doctor. As noted above, there is no treatment, recognized successful for total baldness, but you can slow down or reverse hair loss treatment is less extensive patchy baldness.

Many people try to use drugs for hair growth, so their hair industry, but if you do not treat an autoimmune disease, which caused alopecia, the hair does not grow back. Here are some guidelines that can help reduce the effects of total alopecia: use a comb hair with a few teeth, to avoid pulling the hair. In addition, it is advisable to abandon the use of a hair dryer, since excessive heat will cause the damaged follicles of hair will drop. It is also recommended in the warmer months to apply sunscreen Sunscreen is not just for the beach   every time before going out, because the protective layer of hair lost.