Not All Hair-Loss Conditions are Permanent

I often receive calls from men and women upset that they are going bald and that their hair will never grow back again. However, for many types of hair loss, this simply isn't true. In fact, except for genetic and one or two other rare hair loss conditions, regrowth of at least some hair should occur if diagnosed and treated correctly. Nowadays, even genetic alopecia can now be helped. Below are some examples of temporary hair loss conditions:

Alopecia Areata...

Alopecia areata is a condition characterized by patches of scalp hair loss which tend to appear rapidly. Although the actual causes of alopecia areata are unclear, genetic factors, auto-immune mechanisms, and the occurrence of stressful and/or emotional problems shortly before the hair loss are all thought to influence the condition. Although there are occasional instances of recurring bouts of hair loss or of every hair follicle on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or body (alopecia universalis) becoming affected, normally the hair regrows back to its original thickness after treatment.

Telogen Effluvium...

Telogen effluvium is a condition characterized by diffuse (evenly distributed) excessive hair loss leading to a generalized thinning of the hair. It is usually caused by a temporary disturbance to the hair cycle causing the growing (anagen) hairs to prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle. Stress, illness, medication, anemia, and weight loss are the most common causes, however, many other factors can also influence this condition. The treatment for telogen effluvium depends on an accurate assessment as to what is causing the hair loss. Once the cause is found and corrected, the hair will usually regrow to its original thickness.

Trichotillomania...

Trichotillomania is the loss or damage of scalp hair through repeated pulling or twisting, usually from the side of the scalp favoring the "dominant" hand (for example, a right handed person would tend to have more hair loss from the right side of their scalp). Occasionally, the whole scalp is affected and, in rare cases, other body sites are also involved. Trichotillomania is more common among children than adults and occurs more than twice as frequently in women than in men. Usually, once treated, the hair will fully regrow.

Traction Alopecia...

Traction alopecia occurs when the hair breaks due to friction or tension from vigorous brushing, blow drying, and/or chemical overprocessing. The areas of the scalp most affected tend to be around the hair line or crown of the head although, depending on the cause, other areas of the scalp can also be involved. Although the hair loss is not from the root, it does cause the hair to thin. Once corrective measures have been taken, the hair usually regrows to its original fullness.

http://www.drdavidkingsley.com

Dr. David H. Kingsley, PhD is a board certified trichologist (hair loss specialist). He is the only trichologist in the world who is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Kingsley has 3 New York City trichology centers. For more information on hair loss, please log onto http://www.HairAndScalp.com/