We take a look at hair loss, its possible causes and which remedies really work.
Alopecia is hair loss, and it occurs for various reasons . But there is not only one type, but many. In this article we will talk about the four most frequent types of alopecia, as well as their causes and possible treatments to apply to stop or reverse baldness.
As we will see, each type of alopecia has different causes and symptoms; furthermore, some of them are irreversible and others are not. Knowing the exact cause will allow applying the most convenient treatment in each case.
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The 4 types of alopecia
Alopecia involves hair loss, and occurs for various reasons. Depending on its origin and manifestations, we can find many types of alopecia, whether caused by trauma, and based on this we can classify alopecia into 4 types: androgenetic alopecia (the most frequent), scarring alopecia, diffuse alopecia and alopecia areata .
We are going to see the characteristics of the 4 types of alopecia, as well as their causes and possible treatments.
1. Androgenetic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia (also called androgenic alopecia or “common baldness”), constitutes 95% of cases of alopecia. It is, therefore, the most common alopecia in society. In addition, it appears much more in men than in women. Specifically, androgenetic alopecia is suffered by 90% of men over 21 years of age.
The first sign of this type of alopecia is the presence of receding hairline. However, after the age of 40, men begin to suffer from this type of alopecia in the crown area in 50% of cases.
This type of alopecia is caused by genetic factors. More specifically, the gene carrying alopecia can skip generations or develop without interruption. This implies that having a bald father is not reason enough to think that we will be too.
Treatment for this type of baldness
How is it treated? There are various treatments, although none “cures” this type of alopecia 100%. What is certain is that the longer the treatment lasts, the more likely it is to recover the hair.
In order of effectiveness, the most effective proven treatments are: antiandrogen drugs such as dutasteride and finasteride , minoxidil (also useful for alopecia areata), dutasteride microinjections (infiltration of dutasteride into the scalp), and platelet-rich plasma. (which infiltrates the scalp).
Finally, there are also other medical therapies available, such as low-power lasers or prostaglandin analogs. On the other hand, stem cells are investigated to apply in the future.
2. Scarring alopecia
Continuing with the 4 types of alopecia, in the case of scarring alopecia, its cause is that the hair follicle is destroyed . We are talking about irreversible alopecia, although not very common, since it affects a small part of the population. Unlike the previous one, this one occurs equally in men and women. On the other hand, it appears more frequently in adults.
More specifically, scarring alopecia is caused by a malformation, destruction or damage to the hair follicles, which are replaced by permanent scar tissue. In this tissue, it is no longer possible for new hair to grow, so as we mentioned, it is an irreversible alopecia.
How is it located? When hairless areas appear on the scalp, accompanied by redness and some flaking. It can also be detected because the person loses hair progressively, without apparent cause. In addition, the person who suffers from it can also manifest a sensation of pain (or burning) in the area of the scalp, where he is starting to lose hair.
Treatment
And how is it treated? It will depend on how far the alopecia has progressed, although it will generally be treated with anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids or antibiotics ; These medications will prevent the harmful cells that destroy the hair follicle from continuing to do so. Even when many of the follicles are already destroyed, treatment must be continued to prevent new (and healthy) follicles from being destroyed.
3. Diffuse alopecia
In diffuse alopecia, hair loss is progressive and generalized . However, it does not reach total baldness. In addition, the hair becomes lank and lifeless, as sparse. Diffuse alopecia affects both women and men.
The causes of this alopecia include endocrine, food or drug causes.
In the case of endocrine causes, it is most likely that there are problems in the endocrine glands; This would be the case of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (pathologies that can lead to diffuse alopecia).
When the cause is the type of diet, it will be important to review it to avoid the appearance of diffuse alopecia. Specifically, a deficit in the nutrients necessary for proper hair development means that it also becomes brittle, dry and looks thin.
As for medications, some anticoagulants, chemotherapy treatments, psychiatric medications, oral contraceptives and excess vitamin A or lithium carbonate, can also favor the appearance of this type of alopecia.
Treatment
As for its treatment, it is important, in addition to the treatment itself, its prevention. On the one hand, a balanced and healthy diet can help prevent its appearance, thanks to obtaining the necessary nutrients for healthy and strong hair.
On the other hand, it is important to go to a specialized professional in case of detecting any symptoms, so that they can carry out a study of the hair. Once the diagnosis is obtained, we will be able to receive an appropriate treatment for our case.
4. Alopecia areata
The last of the 4 types of alopecia is alopecia areata, where hair loss is focused on a certain area . It is a reversible and not definitive alopecia. It affects both women, men and children.
The type of hair loss that occurs here is in the form of round patches, in one or more areas of the scalp (they can also appear in other parts of the body). Sometimes alopecia areata can turn into total baldness, although not always.
Sometimes this type of alopecia can occur as a result of illness, trauma, pregnancy or a period of stress . Although, generally, the causes of this alopecia are associated with: a specific genetic profile (1 in 5 people with alopecia areata has a family history of alopecia), general hypersensitivity, specific immune and autoimmune reactions of certain organs and emotional stress.
Treatment
How is it treated? We must know that the prognosis of this type of alopecia is generally positive ; in this way, the hair grows back 1 year after the onset of the condition, in 80% of cases. However, it will always be advisable to go to a specialist to treat the ailment.
In this case, corticosteroids (which reduce pain and swelling) are usually used, administered orally, topically (creams) or through injections into the skin. A drug that stimulates the growth of new hair and delays its fall is also used: minoxidil.
Bibliographic references
- Choi GS, Kim JH, Oh SY, Park JM, Hong JS, Lee YS, Lee WS. (2016). Safety and Tolerability of the Dual 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Dutasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Ann Dermatol, 28(4):444-50.
- Svenson. (2019). Types of alopecia. All about hair, hair loss or hair.
- Vañó-Galván S, Camacho F. (2017). New Treatments for Hair Loss. Actas Dermosifiliogr, 108(3): 221-228.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.