What is hair loss?
The term hair loss or alopecia refers to a condition in which there is a permanent loss of hair from various parts of the body, most notably the head. It is one of the most widespread problems and affects all people, regardless of gender, age and nationality. It is encouraging that the majority of forms of hair loss can be successfully treated.
What are the symptoms of hair loss?
Hair loss can occur in a variety of ways, depending on the factor causing it. It can be sudden or gradual and affect only the head and the rest of the body. Some hair loss conditions are transient and others are permanent in nature. Signs and symptoms of the condition include:
- Gradual thinning in different parts of the head
It is the most common form of hair loss that affects both men and women as they age. As far as men are concerned, the hairs start receding on the forehead forming a line that is likened to the letter M or the top of the head. In women, the forehead line(Hair line) is maintained, but there is thinning in the other parts of their hair.
- Circular thinning points
A certain percentage of individuals experience the appearance of small (coin-sized) bald spots. This type of hair loss mainly affects the head, and there are also cases where it occurs on the beard and eyebrows. In some cases, the skin can make us feel itchy before the hair loss starts.
- Sudden fall of hair
A physical or psychological shock can lead to the thinning and falling of our hair. Whole “handfuls” of hair can fall out of our head as we comb or wash our hair.
- Hair loss all over the body
In the case of certain conditions or medical treatments (e.g. chemotherapy), the result can be hair loss all over our body. Hair growth usually comes back after the condition or treatment is over.