“Hair Fall Unveiled: Understanding Causes, Conditions, and Advanced Treatments”

Hair fall is one of the most common concerns that brings patients to dermatology clinics. Whether it’s a gradual thinning of hair, sudden shedding, or patches of baldness, the causes and treatments can vary widely. At Alok Clinic, we aim to educate our patients about the intricacies of hair fall, its causes, and the range of treatment options available.

Hair Fall vs. Hair Thinning: What is the Difference?

Many patients use the terms “hair fall” and “hair thinning” interchangeably, but they refer to different conditions:

• Hair Fall: This refers to the shedding of hair strands, which can be normal or excessive. The average person loses 50-100 hairs daily as part of the natural hair cycle.

• Hair Thinning: This is a reduction in the volume or density of hair, often caused by conditions like androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss.

Understanding the distinction is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Types of Hair Fall

1.Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA):

• Also known as male pattern baldness, this is a progressive condition influenced by genetics and hormones.

2. Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL):

• FPHL is a chronic condition characterized by progressive hair thinning over the central scalp, often extending towards the sides.

• Unlike telogen effluvium, the hair follicles in FPHL become miniaturized over time, leading to reduced hair density.

• Hormonal imbalances, aging, and genetics play key roles in its development.

3.Telogen Effluvium (TE):

• A temporary condition characterized by diffuse hair shedding, often triggered by stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies.

• Causes of Telogen Effluvium:

• Physical stress: Surgery, childbirth, or severe illness.

• Emotional stress: Anxiety or traumatic events.

• Hormonal changes: Post-pregnancy, menopause, or discontinuation of birth control.

• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, or vitamin B12.

• Medications: Chemotherapy, certain antidepressants, or beta-blockers.

Telogen Effluvium vs. Androgenetic Alopecia

Telogen Effluvium:

• Sudden, diffuse shedding.

• Hair follicles are not permanently affected.

• Triggered by events like illness, childbirth, or dietary deficiencies.

Androgenetic Alopecia/Female Pattern Hair Loss:

• Gradual thinning over time.

• Hair follicles shrink and stop producing new hair.

• Requires long-term management.

Investigations for Hair Fall

A thorough evaluation is crucial to identify the underlying cause of hair fall. At Alok Clinic, we perform:

• Detailed History: Including family history, lifestyle, and triggers like stress or illness.

• Clinical Examination: To differentiate between types of hair loss.

• Trichoscopy: A non-invasive tool that magnifies the scalp to analyze hair follicle health, scalp condition, and specific patterns of hair loss.

• Blood Tests: To evaluate deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12) and hormonal imbalances.

Treatment Options for Hair Fall

Topical Treatments

1.Minoxidil: A popular treatment that stimulates hair follicles, promotes new hair growth, and prolongs the growth phase of existing hair strands.

Oral Medications

1.Finasteride: Reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a key factor in androgenetic alopecia.

2.Oral Antiandrogens: Spironolactone or Bicalutamide for women with FPHL.

3.Iron, Vitamin D, or Vitamin B12 Supplements: For deficiencies contributing to telogen effluvium.

Intralesional Therapies

1.Intralesional Dutasteride: A powerful DHT blocker that helps in reducing hair follicle miniaturization and promoting hair growth.

2.Intralesional Bicalutamide: Targets androgen receptors in the scalp, helping manage FPHL effectively.

Procedural Therapies for Hair Fall

1.Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT):

• Non-invasive therapy using laser or LED light to stimulate hair follicles.

• Improves scalp circulation and supports hair regrowth.

2.Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):

• Involves extracting growth-factor-rich plasma from the patient’s blood and injecting it into the scalp.

• Enhances follicle health and stimulates hair growth.

3. Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) Therapy:

• GFC is an advanced regenerative treatment derived from the patient’s own blood.

• Packed with concentrated growth factors, it is injected into the scalp to nourish and rejuvenate hair follicles.

• GFC therapy promotes hair growth and strengthens existing hair.

4. Red Touch Pro Laser:

• A cutting-edge laser device designed specifically for stimulating collagen production and improving scalp health.

• Effective in managing androgenetic alopecia by enhancing hair follicle vitality.

5. Hair Transplant:

• A surgical procedure where healthy hair follicles from the donor area (usually the back of the scalp) are transplanted to bald areas.

• The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique is commonly used, as it involves harvesting individual hair follicles with minimal scarring and achieving natural-looking results.

• Hair transplants are ideal for patients with stable androgenetic alopecia who have sufficient donor hair.

• For more details, read our blog on Hair Transplantation for a comprehensive understanding.

6.Scalp Threads:

• Monofilament threads are inserted into the scalp to stimulate collagen production and improve blood flow, leading to healthier and thicker hair.

7.Scalp Exosomes:

• Advanced therapy using nano-sized vesicles derived from certain types of cells to repair and rejuvenate hair follicles.

Why Choose Alok Clinic for Hair Fall Management?

At Alok Clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach to hair fall treatment, combining advanced diagnostic tools like trichoscopy, effective medical therapies, and innovative procedures. With personalized care and state-of-the-art technology, we ensure that every patient receives the best possible outcome.

Your qualified IADVL dermatologist is your trichologist. Trust in our expertise and commitment to help you achieve healthier, fuller hair.

If you’re struggling with hair fall, don’t wait. Book your consultation at Alok Clinic today and take the first step toward reclaiming your confidence.