Conditions
SOME COMMON TRICHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
|
Alopecia |
Cradle cap |
|
Psoriasis |
Ringworm |
|
Thyroid disorder |
Seborrheoic eczema |
| Pityriasis amiantacea |
Contact dermatitis |
|
Folliculitis | Traumatic hair loss or breakage |
General
Remember that properly qualified and registered trichologists are the professional specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of hair and scalp disorders. If you are suffering from any form of hair loss, or from any other abnormal condition of the hair or scalp, you should consult a registered trichologist.
Return to top
Alopecia
Alopecia is a blanket term for hair loss of any kind. There are many types and causes of hair loss (alopecia), most of which can be effectively treated. Hair loss may be genetically inherited, or it may be caused by a variety of other factors including protein or other dietary deficiency, hormonal imbalance or stress. Hair loss can also be the first sign of an otherwise undiagnosed or undetected underlying illness
Return to topAndrogenetic Alopecia
The main type of hair loss for which there is no effective treatment is genetically inherited hair loss (known as Male Pattern Baldness or Androgentic Alopecia). It is important to note however, that this condition can and does affect females too, even though it is called Male Pattern Baldness (it is gene-linked, not sex-linked). In women, it is likely to lead to diffuse hair loss, (a general thinning of the hair density) rather than to obvious bald patches. Although there is no cure for this condition, hair loss can be limited or slowed down in some cases and treatments are likely to be more effective on women than on men.
The important thing to understand is that the best that can be said of treatments for genetically inherited hair loss is that they can be effective to some degree on some people some of the time.
Return to topScarring Alopecia
Can occur after infectious scalp disorders or, more rarely, they are auto-immune conditions (when the body attacks the hair follicle as it would invading bacteria).
Return to topOther Alopecia
Other types of alopecia that you may have heard of include Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis and Traction Alopecia (there are others too). These are all entirely distinct from Androgentic Alopecia (above) and have a much better chance of responding to professional diagnosis and treatment.
Return to topHair problems including decreased manageability may rarely be one of the first signs of thyroid undersecretion. The hair loss, if any, will be diffuse and the condition can therefore be confused with several other conditions including androgenetic alopecia in women. Expert trichological or medical advice is essential; but, providing early treatment is initiated, full recovery of the hair should occur. Correct diagnosis will require blood tests.
Return to topTraumatic Hair Loss or Breakage
This type of hair loss is caused by hairdressing damage and other traumas involving chemicals, heat or physical trauma. Often the sufferer is unaware of the causative factors. If treated before the scalp is damaged, hair will regrow.
Return to topCradle Cap
Many infants, during the first three months of life, develop a matted, crusted scale of the scalp with reddening. Some also develop simultaneous scaling and reddening behind the ears and on the neck. A rash may sometimes accompany the condition. Cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis and is fairly easily controlled but not cured. In most cases cure will eventually occur spontaneously but if the condition persists consult a trichologist.
Return to topPsoriasis is a common scaling skin disease which affects around 1 to 2 per cent of the population. Most psoriasis sufferers will develop psoriasis of the scalp at some time and the condition is both distressing and cosmetically disfiguring. However, psoriasis does not generally cause permanent loss of hair.
The precise cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is almost certainly the result of a disorder of the immune system. Confusion can occur with other conditions, and correct diagnosis prior to treatment is essential.
Return to topRingworm is a parasitic skin infection caused by a fungus. It can be disfiguring and often causes hair loss. There are several types and variants of the condition and in certain circumstances it can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss. Infection can result from direct personal contact or via objects such as hairdressing equipment. Ringworm often reaches near epidemic proportions in schools and is mainly a disease of childhood. It is a serious condition which requires immediate and appropriate treatment. It should not be ignored!
Return to topAn inherited, itchy, inflammatory, scaling scalp condition which can cause much discomfort and embarrassment. The condition is treatable, with much success but is not wholly curable.
Return to top A heavy scaling condition which can cause patchy hair loss. Prompt treatment can remove scaling and stop progression of associated hair loss. Return to topA scalp condition affecting areas of the scalp in contact with a chemical irritant. Symptoms can range from mild scaling and irritation to violent allergic reaction. Trichological treatment is very effective.
Return to topA pustular condition mostly affecting young black men. It can lead to permanent hair loss and even to KELOIDS (raised scar tissue at the back of the neck). Prompt treatment and correct advice are essential, but the condition is not always curable.
Return to top