SCALP CONDITIONS THAT COULD CAUSE HAIR THINNING OR HAIR LOSS

Scalp Conditions That Could Cause Hair Thinning or Hair Loss

There are many factors that can cause hair thinning and hair loss in both men and women. Apart from genetic factors, hair loss can also be due to various hair and scalp conditions. Below are the five most common scalp problems that may cause hair thinning and hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea is an inflammatory condition that can affect the face, chest, and scalp. It causes red, itchy skin that can become sore due to constant scratching. It is also characterized bypersistent dandruff, seen as yellow or white flakes on the scalp and hair. Seborrhea can be controlled with proper hygiene, use of antifungal agents, and topical steroids. However, it has a tendency to recur. With chronic seborrheic dermatitis, the scalp and follicles can be damaged, leading to increased hair fall.

Folliculitis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the hair follicles. This happens when the follicles become infected with bacteria. The symptoms are small white spots, rashes, pustules, or small pimples around the hair follicle. Antibiotics or antifungal medications help control the infection. Folliculitis is usually responsive to treatment but reinfection can also occur. In severe infections, permanent hair loss ca happen because of scarring of the scalp.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin ailment that usually runs in families. This skin disease causes itchy and sore patches or thick silvery scales on the skin. When it is found on the scalp, it can cause hair loss. The explanation for the condition is the rapidaccumulation of cells on the surface of the skin. Cortisone creams can improve symptoms but there is really no remedy for psoriasis. It is a persistent skin condition and the symptoms can improve, go into remission, or worsen. Scalp psoriasis is more difficult to manage because of the presence of hair, making application of topical mediations or creams difficult to apply. Nisim shampoo was found to be effective for psoriasis and other itchy skin and scalp disorders.

Tinea capitis is another scalp condition that can cause hair thinning. This is a fungal infection that has a tendency to affect hair shafts and hair follicles. It presents as scaly lesion and patches of hair loss that can progress to deep abscesses. Treatment depends on the species of fungus concerned and the level of inflammation. This includes selenium sulfide shampoo, antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, and in some cases, oral medications.

Lichen planus of the scalp or lichen planopilaris can cause permanent scarring alopecia. This is due to inflammation of the affected hair follicles. The exact cause for lichen planus is not known but it is found to be an immunologically mediated condition. Currently, there are no specific treatments for the condition. Medicines that are being used include steroids, retinoids, immunosuppresants, and UV therapy.

Although all of the above scalp conditions can cause temporary to permanent hair loss, early treatment can prevent permanent baldness.