ALOPECIA AREATA- It is an autoimmune disease resulting in loss of hair on scalp and if worsen may lead to the loss of hair on whole body. In this, the affected hair follicles are attacked by the cells of the body, thus resulting in the arrest of hair growth stage. It starts as one or more small, round, smooth bald patches on the scalp. It usually begins in the childhood but may occur in all ages and races.
ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA- This type of alopecia usually run in the families. It usually starts after the age of 20 and then the hairloss slowly progresses over years. In females, the hair slowly thinned out and bald spots usually do not occur. Men first develop hairloss at the temples, followed by an enlarging bald spot on the top of head. These are usually associated with aging or genetic predisposition.
TRACTION ALOPECIA- This type of alopecia arises due to different hair styles i.e. tying the hair tightly or in a same style for a long time weakens the hair. Vigorous combing can also lead to hairfall.
Alongwith hairfall, dandruff is another major problem now a day. It appears as dry, white in small, uncysightly flakes sp. on scalp. But from where the dandruff arises? Actually, scalp cells replenish themselves after every day. The dead scalp cells are constantly being pushed from the deepest layer of the epidermis to the skin surface, where they gradually die. But, when these dead epidermal scalp cells are shed in large clumps, they appear as dandruff. People mostly associate dandruff with insufficient hair care. But there are other several reasons for it. These can be categorised as-
EXTENAL/SEASONAL CAUSES- Winters, Excessive use of hair sprays and gels, improper use of hair colouring agents, excessive use of electric hair curlers, dry indoor heating, infrequent washing of hair, inadequate rinsing hair after washing, stress or anxiety.
INTERNAL CAUSES-Hormonal imbalance, poor hygine, allergic hypersensitivity, lack of rest, excessive consumption of sugar, fat, starch, improper nutrition, hereditary predisposition, excessive perspiration, overactie oil glands.
Posted on 12/11/2004 5:52:10 PM