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    • BALDING AND HAIR LOSS


    Hair loss and alopecia can be caused by internal or external factors in the person.

    Although there are several types of alopecia and hair loss, there are three main groups: AREATA ALOPECIA, DIFFUSE ALOPECIA, and  ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA.

                                                                                       A trichologist conducting a hair loss and balding consultation at Simone Trichology, addressing conditions like alopecia areata and hair thinning.

    ​Alopecia Areata

    Alopecia Areata (AA) or bare plates are a relatively common form of hair loss. Approximately 2% of the general population will eventually develop this problem.

    Alopecia areata (AA) is a multifactorial disease characterized by generally  asymptomatic, non-scarring alopecia areas. This condition affects approximately 2%  of patients in dermatological consultations. The AA is an autoimmune disease with various factors that act as triggers of acute episodes or relapses, but it's unclear what their exact involvement is in the  mechanism of disease production.

    Alopecia areata (AA) is a skin disease characterized by its limited form of alopecia plates, round or oval, with well-defined margins between normal skin and the affected scalp. However, it presents no scaling,  induration, or loss of follicular ostia. It can progress to complete scalp hair loss or body and affect the nails.

    The disease can begin at any age, but there has been a peak between 20 and  50 years. It affects both sexes equally. In over half of cases, the disease begins before age 20 and affects around 0.5-1% per thousand of the population.

    ORIGIN OF THE PROBLEM (ETIOPATHOGENESIS) 

    Alopecia Areata (AA) affects the overall hair and nails in some patients, especially in the more pronounced cases. It starts with the presence of a peribulbar inflammatory infiltrate, which results in an interruption in the cycle of follicular development, ultimately leading to hair detachment. Once this action ceases, the infiltrate is recoverable. Alopecia areata AA can always be reversible.

    As we have commented before, the disease is multifactorial. It involves genetic and immunological reactions, nervous factors (stress, depression, anxiety, etc.), and, to a lesser extent, viral processes. These oral infections can be mucosal, caries (foci of chronic disease, etc.), and thyroid problems that typically arise in universal alopecia.

    Androgenetic Alopecia

    Androgenetic Alopecia affects approximately 85% of men.

    The combination of a hormone (testosterone T) with the enzyme

    (5alfareductasa) gives rise to the hormone (DHT), which is very damaging to the hair; it produces an inflammation of the sebaceous glands and a progressive shrinking of the follicle with atrophy in the papilla in each growth cycle, ending in the inevitable scaring of the hair follicle, completely preventing capillary regeneration.

    The AGA has established five patterns for men and three for women, a classification system that has stood the test of time since Hamilton's work in 1942, providing reliable guidance even today.

    The causes of this alopecia are genetic-hereditary factors, hormonal dysfunctions, changes in the nervous system, and above all, as we have already mentioned, the action of DHT on the hair follicle receptors.

    Post-Traumatic Alopecia

    Surgery, head injuries, hats,  veils, or objects of permanent friction may cause the POST-TRAUMATIC ALOPECIA. Chemicals that irritate or modify the scalp and hairstyles, such as buns, tails, braids, etc., affect mainly the frontal-parietal area.

    Post Partum and Menopausal Alopecias

    Postpartum and Menopausal Alopecias are the first cases caused by factors such as estrogen (female hormone), a deficit of vitamins (hypovitaminosis), and a deficit in trace elements like iron, calcium, and magnesium.

    Postpartum hair loss typically begins 2 or 3 months after birth. It's important to be aware of this timeline, as it can help you recognize and address this type of alopecia in a timely manner.

    Scaring Alopecia

    Scaring Alopecia causes hair loss due to the destruction of the hair follicles (capillary sacks). This type of Alopecia is generally irreversible. The causes are skin infections, burns, freezing, skin destruction, or cuts due to an accident.

    We need to understand that existing problems in the skin and hair,  which are not produced by mechanical or chemical action, are caused,  directly or indirectly, by the physical or pathological state of the person (the body or mind).

    Sadly, there is no treatment for this type of Alopecia.