Alopecia, or more commonly known as baldness, is the partial or complete loss of hair. Though individuals usually lose about 100 hairs a day, some may go beyond this rate. This would then result to baldness. This condition affects women and men alike but mostly affects the latter. About 65% of men suffer from baldness while only about 20% of women do. Male pattern baldness characterizes receding of the hairline from the temple, thinning out of the hair at the top of the head and may also include the complete baldness of the crown area that leaves a piece of hair around the back and the sides only. Female pattern baldness exhibits gradual hair loss form the crown area which causes a broadened midline parting. Some cases may exhibit what they term as widow’s peak which results from the receding of the hair in the forehead. Other types of baldness are alopecia areata in which there are localized areas of hair loss and telogen effluvium, caused by a very stressful incident.
One of the causes of baldness may be because of medications. This may be due to the ingestion of pharmaceutical agents or chemotherapy. Diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and effects of major surgery can also contribute to baldness. Androgens can also affect the development of the condition. Some men have areas on their scalp that are sensitive to androgens, the male sex hormones. This reaction makes the hair follicles shrink. In women, the use of birth control pills have been said to lead to baldness. Stress can also be a factor leading to baldness. So is the taking of antidepressants. Hair care is also an important factor that can contribute to baldness. The use of certain medicines for the hair such as coloring agents or strong hair products leads to baldness. There are certain shampoos or conditioners that are unsuitable for some individuals. These should be avoided. It is also recommended that shampoos and conditioners should be used alternately and not together. This would reduce the risk of experiencing baldness.
There are different ways to deal with baldness. The easiest, most cost-effective way is to use wigs, weavings and toupees. The only problem with this type of treatment is that it is not permanent and nothing is done to stop or lessen the effects of baldness. Some other options are available for this. The use of certain medications has proven to help treat baldness. Finasteride, typically used for the treatment of prostate cancer is already used by many to treat baldness. Minoxidil, used for treatment of hypertension, has also been used to help treat baldness. Tricomin and dutasteride are other medications that are already available for treatment. Homeopathy includes the use of fluoric acid, lycopodium, kali carbonicum and selenium. Other non-medical treatments are also available. One of this is aromatherapy. Oils taken from bay, cedar wood, grapefruit, jojoba and Roman chamomile are massaged into the scalp and allowed some time for absorption. They have said to have stopped baldness and even stimulate new growth. Another form of treatment is acupuncture. Herbal solutions are also used for baldness treatment. This includes the use of honey, aloe, arnica and mulberries.
