Disease-Based Hair Loss - What can you do?

When you mention hair loss, the image most people conjure up is a mental picture of a bald or balding man in his 40’s or 50’s. Since male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in males, this is not surprising. What may be surprising, though, is that significant amounts of people are actually suffering from disease-based hair loss. Hair loss is traumatic enough to deal with when it’s genetic, but disease-based hair loss can be a symptom of a much more serious medical condition.

There are a variety of disease-based hair loss causes. The most common disease that leads to hair loss is Alopecia. Alopecia, considered by most medical doctors to be an immune system disorder, presents itself as the sudden onset of bald patches appearing in the scalp area. This condition can eventually lead to total hair loss and can strike men and women, regardless of age. Unfortunately, this includes children too. It is so common, in fact, that approximately 4 million people in the United States alone suffer from this condition. Although the symptoms usually last about one or two years, there are documented cases where it has remained permanent. Alopecia requires immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.

Thyroid disease is another cause of disease-based hair loss. Hypothyroid (low thyroid) disease can cause a variety of symptoms, one of which is the onset of thinning hair. This is only one symptom, however. Other symptoms include chronic sinus problems, chronic fatigue, depression, lack of motivation, and dry skin. Thyroid disease can be a serious disease if left untreated. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek immediate medical attention.

Certain deficiencies in your daily diet can lead to hair loss. Although not necessarily a disease, diet deficiencies are a medical condition and can be labeled as a disease-based hair loss cause. Fortunately, hair loss caused by iron or protein deficiencies is easily fixed. Add more iron and protein to your diet and your hair will eventually return to its previous thickness and luster. One important note to mention though, these deficiencies can also occur in a person who is anorexic or bulimic. If you notice hair loss in conjunction with pronounced and continued weight loss in your child or someone close to you, consult a physician for medical and physiological advise.

Trichotillomania is a disease-based cause of hair loss that is considered to be more physiological in nature. A person suffering from a sudden traumatic event or stressor in their lives may begin to literally pull their own hair out. This can result in bald patches forming on the scalp area, as well as the eyebrows and eyelashes. Physiological counseling is usually needed in these cases.

Any hair loss, whether it is genetic or disease-based hair loss, is dreadful. Only a doctor can determine whether the hair loss is due to disease-based hair loss or genetics and just what treatments may be available to you.

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