1. Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)
Inherited from either parent and usually beginning in the late teens or early twenties, this genetic hair loss is characterized by a gradual thinning of hair around the temples and / or the top of the scalp.
In some cases, it can lead to total baldness on the upper part of the scalp. Today, there are significantly more effective treatments for male pattern baldness. These consist of 5% total concentration Minoxidil combined with Anti-Androgen Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPG). Additionally, Propecia (1mg finasteride tablets) is now licensed in the United States of America and available in this country by prescription. This daily tablet noticeably slows further loss and in a good number of men it stimulates growth in those areas where hair is still present.
Hair transplantation has continued to improve for the past 5 years. The use of micro grafts (single hair) allows the surgeon to produce a completely natural hairline. Larger areas of baldness can be covered with an acceptable density of the patient’s own growing hair.
2.Female pattern hair loss
Younger women are experiencing a hair loss and thinning epidemic. The main causes range from stress, poor diet and increased use of hormonal therapies such as the contraceptive pill and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
This type of hair loss can usually be stopped or reversed with 5% total concentration Minoxidil combined with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPG) lotion.
Women are now having hair micro grafts, something that was not considered ten years ago. Thinning areas can now be filled in and strengthened with this latest surgical technique.
3. Alopecia areata
Often triggered by stress, alopecia areata is an autoimmune problem. It usually starts with well-defined bald spots that can occur anywhere on the scalp. In more acute cases, all the hair on the scalp may fall (Alopecia Totalis) and all the eyebrows and eyelashes usually disappear. In rare cases, total hair loss from head to toe (Alopecia Universalis) can occur.
Although it is normal for hair to grow back without treatment, this takes some time. To accelerate hair growth, the following treatments are beneficial i.e UVA and IR therapy to affected areas, topical stimulant medications like Dithranol and Minoxidil 5% combined with Tretinoin. Oral intake of L. Tyrosone is also beneficial. Treatments must be performed by a qualified registered trichologist.
4. Folliculitus Decalvans
Another autoimmune problem, this is where hair follicles are destroyed. The patches occur slowly and inflammation and flaking around the affected hair follicles are typical. Treatments include taking L-tyrosine and antibiotics.
5. Pseudopelada
Characterized by many slowly developing bald patches in which the follicles have been destroyed, this is again an autoimmune problem. Treatments are usually not effective, but the problem often stops on its own.
6. Traction alopecia
This occurs when the hair has been held under tension by styles such as braids or ponytails, or the individual has slept in rollers. Baldness usually takes 2 or 3 years to manifest and usually occurs around the hairline.
7. Braided
Hair is held too tightly for too long, causing structural damage.
8. Trichotillomania
Pulling out your own hair. Characterized by poorly defined areas where there are many short hairs. It usually occurs in children. Any obvious signs of stress should be addressed. Sometimes the best strategy is to do nothing in the hope that the child will eventually stop pulling his hair. Psychotherapy is advised in most cases.
9. Ringworm (Tinea capitis)
A circular patch or patches of brittle hair. Stubble within the patch, redness, dilated hair follicles, and itchiness of the patch are typical of ringworm on the scalp. The problem is caused by various fungi, commonly caught by birds, puppies, or kittens, which feed on the keratin in hair and skin.
Treatment with oral antifungal therapy for about 2 months is usually effective in treating the problem. Hair should recover normally.
Fungal infections of the scalp do not always cause hair breakage. Some can cause redness, scaling, and itchiness on the scalp.
10. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is characterized by very reddened areas of skin covered by white scales. The affected skin bleeds easily when scratched, and the severity of the patches can vary in some people. Psoriasis can affect any part of the skin, but the scalp is a common site. The ear crease is often affected and a scaly area can sometimes be seen on the ears, on the scalp, psoriasis usually remains within the hairline.
Trichologists have seen many cases of psoriasis that have been triggered by dyes or permanents. However, such a reaction cannot be predicted.
Treatments are aimed at controlling rather than curing psoriasis. They range from the application of various creams to the use of ultraviolet therapy and taking oral medications for the most severe cases. Creams containing tar, salicylic acid, zinc sulfate, anthralin, or corticosteroids applied regularly can be of great benefit.
11. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by yellow greasy flakes, inflammation of the hairline, oiliness, and irritation. It appears that the yeast pityrosporum ovale (which we all have in our skin) acts on sebum (oil) and that the resulting product irritates the skin and causes itching, flaking and redness.
Seborrheic dermatitis is most commonly located along the front hairline, but it can occur anywhere on the scalp. It often begins at puberty, when increased male sex hormones increase sebum production. The sebum of those affected contains proportionally less linoleic acid.
Treatments consist of topical creams that contain sulfur, salicylic acid, or resorcinol. Trichological treatment is usually advisable, especially when there are adherent scales. This can be effectively removed with sulfur creams / vaporizers and ray therapy. As with all flaking diseases that affect the scalp, the application of medications is more complete if it is carried out by another person. Specialized trichology shampoos are also required to control this condition.
12. Pityriasis Amiantacca
This is characterized by a thick white scale that adheres to the base of the hair. The cause is often stress related and can be seen with psoriasis suggesting an autoimmune disorder. Treatments involve rehydration of the scalp using a sulfur / aqueous cream or a tar / allantion cream and lotion. Again, the treatment is most effective if it is carried out as an intensive program by a qualified trichologist.
13. Lichen simplex
Lichen simplex, also called neurodermatitis, is a rare problem characterized by a white scale on a red base, usually located in the area of the neck. Intense itching is typical in the area in question. The problem is the result of excessive scratching and rubbing of the skin, but what initially causes the scratching is unknown.
Treatments include topical steroids and substances like camphor to reduce itching.
14. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an external substance. Sometimes peeling is associated with dermatitis.
There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant dermatitis and allergic dermatitis. Both types can, in rare cases, trigger autoimmune problems such as psoriasis and alopecia areata.
Irritant dermatitis affects only the area exposed to the causative agent, while allergic dermatitis can occur outside the site of contact. An allergic reaction to a substance occurs on the second exposure to that substance.
15. Dandruff
Dandruff is probably the most common scalp flaking disorder. It is characterized by loose bran-like white scales that are visible through the hair. The cause seems to be attributed to scalp yeast and stress. Treatments are varied and involve the use of trichologically prescribed medications. Using some of the commercial shampoos that are abrasive can aggravate this condition. Again, a qualified registered trichologist will provide general advice on treatment.
