Hair Loss / Alopecia
Hair loss can have a negative psychological impact and affect your confidence. It can be caused by medical conditions such as anaemia, thyroid disease and other factors such as traumatic hairstyles. The most important thing to consider with hair loss is to act quickly as some effects can be reversed with adequate treatment.
There are several different manifestations of hair loss but they are broadly divided into scarring (usually permanent) and non-scarring hair loss. There is usually no simple cause of hair loss, however, it is important to seek help early on so that a dermatologist can assess and prevent progression to permanent hair loss. The types of hair loss we deal with include; Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Traction Alopecia, Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia and Lichen planopilaris.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is a hereditary hairless which results in bald patches on top of the head, a receding hairline or thinning of hair.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is a condition in which your immune system attacks the hair follicles. It affects people of all ages and can present as coin-sized patches on the scalp and other parts of the body.
Lichen Planopilaris
Lichen Planopilaris (LLP) is an inflammatory condition which progressively leads to permanent hairless or scarring. It usually starts in the hairline and it progresses backwards. In some people, it can be associated with darkening of the face. People affected by LPP loose hair follicle openings and their skin appears as smooth or shiny.
Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia affects most of our patients and is a result of tight hairstyles such as weaving, tight dreadlocks and ponytails. We advise our patients to avoid any hairstyle that causes soreness to the scalp or red bumps, especially along the hairline.
Good Hair Grooming Recommendations:
• If possible, keep your hair natural. Avoid relaxers and if you must use them, only do so every 4-6 months.
• Avoid weaving, tight ponytails, tight dreadlocks as they cause hairs to break from the root.
• Wigs are better for those with severe hair loss NOT glue or sowed on weaving!
