ALOPECIA AREATA: Sudden loss of hair in round irregular patches, where the scalp is not visibly inflamed. The type of hair loss occurs in individuals who have no obvious skin disorders or serious disease. This cause is unknown, but may be related to stress or auto-immune disease. Alopecia areata may be confined to a few areas and is often reversed in a few months. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation estiamtes that four million men, and women and children suffer from this type of hair loss. TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM: Premature shedding of hair in the resting or telogen phase can result from various cause such as childbirth, shock, drug intake, fever, etc. Some women also experience sudden hair loss when they discontinue use of birth control pills or follow extreme diets too low in protein. The hair loss is usually reversed once the condition is resolved. TRACTION OR TRAUMATIC ALOPECIA: Patchy or diffuse hair loss due to repetitive traction of the hair by pulling or twisting and hot combs. This type of hair loss could also occur after excessive applications of chemical softening agents such as relaxers and permanent waves. This condition is usually reversed once the trauma is stopped. POSTPARTUM ALOPECIA: Temporary diffuse hair loss at the conclusion of pregnancy. |
