Alopecia
Alopecia is the technical term for hair loss or baldness. Why I am writing about alopecia, is because of an unusual hair fall that I am experiencing recently. I would have maybe around a thousand hair strands that fall everyday, starting when I wake up, shampoo and comb my hair.
According to the book that I’m reading (since I’m also reviewing my book on medical-surgical nursing), hair loss is not a serious threat to health. It may cause embarrassment and a negative body image though.
Normally, hair grows at a rate of 10-12mm per month. Different site of body has various hair growth rate, with male beard grows the fastest. It is followed by the hair of the head, armpit, thighs and eyebrows.
Baldness or hair loss has many causes including scarring, various systemic diseases, genetics, age, hormonal condition or due to medication which can either be reversible or irreversible. Hair loss due to systemic disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), thyroid disorder, pituitary insufficiency and some medications are reversible; hair loss due to scarring from trauma, radiation, and severe bacterial, fungal or viral infections are irreversible.
Baldness or hair loss, especially male pattern baldness, can be successfully treated by Minoxidil (Loniten) or Rogaine which stimulates hair growth. This medication though is effective for recent onset or hair loss and to individuals less than 50 years old. If medication is not applicable anymore, surgery can be helpful.