How Hair Loss Starts: Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Hair loss is the most common concern faced by most people in their lives in the present day. One can deal with hair loss by understanding the early signs and symptoms of hair loss that can help you take proactive measures to address the issue before it gets worse. In this blog, let us understand the early symptoms of hair loss to prevent the head baldness and know the advanced signs of hair thinning or bald spots.
Symptoms of Hair Loss: What Should You Look For
Hair loss does not happen overnight. It often begins subtly and gradually, and we overlook the hair loss initially. The initial thing people find is a change in the amount of hair they lose every day. On average, people lose 100 to 150 strands of hair per day as natural part of hair growth cycle. When the hair fall starts it exceeds this amount, giving a symptom something might be wrong.
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Hair Loss in Patches
The most usual symptom of hair loss is hair thinning or loss in patches, in circular patterns. The hair loss in patches is termed as alopecia areata. It is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles and hair fall starts. One can find small round patches of hair loss on the scalp, in the areas around eyebrows and beard. If it is not treated it becomes severe.
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Dandruff and Skin Lesions
Dandruff or flaky scalp skin is a symptom for hair loss. Itching, inflammation, skin lesions appear on the scalp, leading to discomfort and hair shedding. The symptoms may reveal an underlying scalp infection or inflammation in the scalp. Seborrheic, dermatitis or psoriasis conditions on the scalp impacts hair growth.
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Scarring
Hair loss is accompanied by scarring, a hair condition where inflammation damages hair follicles replacing with scar tissue. This condition stops the growth of new hair. It is good to consult healthcare as an early intervention prevents further hair damage.
Understanding the Different Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss does not affect the same way to everyone, the patterns and areas of hair loss depend on multiple factors. Let us understand the 2 common types of hair loss
Male-Pattern Hair Loss
A male-pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is most widely hair loss observed in men. This usually begins with a receding hair line at the temples and thins at the crown region. Over a period, the hair either thins out or falls out completely in these regions. This is the male-pattern baldness that progresses gradually and to get treated one must recognize the early signs.
Female-Pattern Hair Loss
In the female hair loss pattern occurs in the frontal and parietal regions and women do not usually experience distinct receding hairline as in men. Women generally notice hair thinning along the crown and temple region and feel decrease of hair volume. Early symptoms include hair fall during brushing, shedding while washing the hair with shampoo and an overall decrease in hair density.
Here Are Few Common Reasons For Hair Fall
Genetics
Certain hair conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) are inherited from our parents and grandparents.
Hormonal Changes
Multiple hormonal changes occur in the body during pregnancy, menopause. Thyroid imbalances also lead to hair loss that is temporary or permanent.
Stress
Stress in any form, physical or emotional stress effects the production of hormones in the body, that can lead to hair shredding.
Poor Diet
Nutritional deficiency in the body like lack of iron, protein, vitamins or minerals also contribute to hair thinning.
Medical Conditions
Some health conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, lupus and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to severe hair loss.
Medications
Certain drugs including chemotherapy, blood thinners and antidepressants can cause hair shredding.
Scalp Infections
Fungal infections, dandruff or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can damage their follicles.
Traction Alopecia
Hair loss caused by tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or using hair extensions in harsh way can also cause hair fall.
Aging
When people age, the hair growth cycle slows making the hair thin with hair fall.
Environmental Factors
Pollution evolved from vehicles, harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling can damage the hair fall.
Conclusion
Losing a few hair strands in a day is normal, but its important to be vigilant about the changes that occur in every day hair health and density. The sooner we recognize the signs and symptoms, the easier it is to prevent further hair fall and explore various treatments that maintain hair health.
