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Understanding HAIR LOSS
- Losing more hair as we get older is natural
- However, for some reasons, some people lose hair faster than others.
- Can affect both male and female at any age
- Some types of hair loss are temporary but sometimes can be permanent.
Types of hair loss
Male Pattern Baldness
- Runs in the family, and is related to hormone level in the blood
- Hair is usually loss from front of the head, esp the sides, and on the top back of the head; eventually hair stops growing completely
Female Pattern Baldness
- Hair is lost from the top and center of the head, without a receding hair line
- Loss is less prominent than in men, occurring as thinning at first.
Alopecia areata
- Sudden hair loss in particular area or patch of the scalp or body
- Thought be caused by an immune system disorder
Causes of hair loss
- Medicines e.g. some antidepressant and high dose Vit. A , birth control pills
- Skin infections e.g. fungal infection of the scalp
- Scarring e.g. some of the connective tissue disease
- Stress and illness e.g. thyroid problems, HIV,AIDS
- Poor diet – lack of protein, iron and zinc
- Cancer treatment
- Beauty treatments – over use of hair colours, perming solutions; regularly pulling hair into tight hairstyles
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Treatment
Male/female pattern baldness
- Minoxidil solution can prevent further hair loss and hair may grow back in certain cases. (Ask our pharmacist or doctor)
- Treatment works best at the early stages
- Once treatment is stopped hair loss will reoccur
- Low dose of finasteride is licensed for treatment of male pattern baldness in men.
Fungal scalp infection
- Treat with antifungal tablet or hair wash (ask our pharmacist)
Alopecia areata
- Ask a doctor for a cortisone or other skin treatment.
Note : Hair lost due to medication, childbirth, stress, poor nutrition or cancer treatment usually grows back after the cause is removed or treated.
Self care
- Be aware that treatment for hair loss takes time to work
- Treatment should be taken continually to prevent further hair loss
- Hair loss does not make a person less of a person. Focus on things that you like about yourself.
- Avoid cuts and scratches on scalp.
Supplements
- Zinc – essential for growth and proper development healthy hair
- Evening Primrose oil – useful in cases where the hair loss is due to hormone imbalance
* Always ask a pharmacist when choosing a supplement for your condition.
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