Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness):

• Cause: A genetic condition influenced by hormones (androgens). It results in gradual hair thinning and loss, typically starting at the temples and crown in men and as overall thinning in women.

• Symptoms:

  • Men: Receding hairline and thinning at the crown.

  • Women: Diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp, with the front hairline usually remaining intact.

• Treatment:

  • Medications: Minoxidil (topical), finasteride (oral for men), and spironolactone (for women).

  • Hair Transplant Surgery: Moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp to areas of thinning.

  • Low-Level Laser Therapy: Promotes hair growth through non-invasive laser treatments.

Alopecia Areata:

• Cause: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss in small, round patches.

• Symptoms: Sudden hair loss in circular or oval patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.

• Treatment:

  • Steroid Injections: To reduce inflammation and stimulate hair regrowth.

  • Topical Immunotherapy: To induce hair growth by applying certain chemicals to the skin.

  • Minoxidil: To promote hair regrowth.

• Prognosis: Hair may regrow on its own, but recurrence is common.

Telogen Effluvium:

• Cause: A temporary condition triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, childbirth, surgery, or hormonal changes. It results in excessive hair shedding.

• Symptoms: Increased hair shedding, often noticed when washing or brushing hair; diffuse thinning of the hair.

• Treatment:

  • Addressing the underlying cause: Stress management, nutritional support, or treatment of medical conditions.

  • Time: Hair usually regrows once the triggering factor is resolved.

Traction Alopecia:

• Cause: Hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the hair, often from tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or extensions.

• Symptoms: Hair loss along the hairline or where the hair is pulled tightly.

• Treatment:

  • Avoiding tight hairstyles: Allowing the hair to recover.

  • Topical Minoxidil: To promote regrowth in less severe cases.

Trichotillomania:

• Cause: A psychological condition in which a person feels an irresistible urge to pull out their own hair, often from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes.

• Symptoms: Patchy hair loss from compulsive hair pulling; the bald patches may be irregular.

• Treatment:

  • Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage the urge to pull hair.

  • Medications: Antidepressants or other medications may help reduce symptoms in some cases.

Seborrheic Dermatitis (Dandruff):

• Cause: A common inflammatory skin condition thought to be related to an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) on the scalp. It leads to scaling, itching, and redness.

• Symptoms: Flaky, white or yellowish scales on the scalp; itching; redness.

• Treatment:

  • Medicated Shampoos: Containing ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide.

  • Topical Steroids: To reduce inflammation in severe cases.

Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm):

• Cause: A fungal infection of the scalp caused by dermatophytes, common in children.

• Symptoms: Itchy, scaly patches on the scalp; hair breakage; black dots where hair has broken off; swollen lymph nodes.

• Treatment:

  • Oral Antifungals: Griseofulvin or terbinafine are commonly prescribed.

  • Antifungal Shampoos: Used to prevent the spread of infection.

Hirsutism:

• Cause: Excessive hair growth in women in areas typically more characteristic of male hair patterns (face, chest, back). Often linked to excess androgens or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Symptoms: Dark, coarse hair growth in areas where women usually have fine or no hair.

• Treatment:

  • Medications: Anti-androgens (spironolactone), oral contraceptives, or medications to slow hair growth (eflornithine).

  • Hair Removal: Laser hair removal, electrolysis, or depilatory