Alopecia

Alopecia refers to hair loss that can occur on the scalp or other parts of the body. It can be temporary or permanent, and there are several types, each with different causes and treatments.

Types of Alopecia:

1. Androgenetic Alopecia:

Also known as male or female pattern baldness.

It is the most common form of hair loss, caused by genetic and hormonal factors.

Hair thins gradually, often following a predictable pattern.



2. Alopecia Areata:

An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.

Can affect the scalp, face, and other parts of the body.

In severe cases, it can lead to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or total body hair loss (alopecia universalis).



3. Telogen Effluvium:

Temporary hair loss due to stress, illness, surgery, or hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy).

Hair falls out more quickly than normal, but it usually grows back once the underlying cause is addressed.



4. Traction Alopecia:

Caused by excessive tension on the hair from hairstyles like tight braids, ponytails, or hair extensions.

If caught early, it can be reversed by changing the hairstyle.



5. Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia):

A rare type of hair loss where hair follicles are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue.

Can be caused by inflammatory skin conditions like lupus or lichen planopilaris.

Hair loss is permanent because the follicles are damaged.