Many people are troubled by the embarrassment of hair loss. This problem is not limited to one gender, but can be present in both men and women and can occur almost anytime in your lifetime. Most types of hair loss have causes that are beyond our control – such as genetics, medications we may be taking for other health conditions, and other health conditions. But there are some over whom we can exert some control. Traction alopecia is one of them.
simple definition of condition
Traction alopecia, simply defined, means hair loss from stress. When the hair shaft is pulled tightly and secured, it creates tension on the scalp and potentially damages the hair follicles. The extra stress placed on the hair roots by tightly braided corn rows, pigtails, or other tightly woven styles can, over time, loosen the hair follicle’s grip on the hair root and cause it to fall out prematurely. If the shaft is dropped several times, it will not grow back.
Other causes of traction alopecia
Damage to follicles can also happen when we overuse coloring dyes, bleaching solutions, permanent wave solutions, and straighteners regardless of the health of our hair follicles. Excessive styling with blow dryers, flat irons, etc. can also damage the hair follicles and hair shaft cuticle (the outer layer of the shaft). When this happens, hair appears dry, lifeless and brittle and breaks easily.
other types of hair loss
Traction alopecia is by no means the only type of hair loss, although it is the type over which we have some control. Some medicines can cause hair loss. These drugs include, but are not limited to, anti-clotting drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), drugs for menopause and birth control, as well as antibiotics. Generally speaking, for most of these drugs, the hair usually grows back when the drug is stopped. However, this is not a guarantee in all cases.
If you take any of these medications, and you are experiencing unexplained hair loss, consult your doctor to see if any of these medications may be the cause. If so, don’t discontinue them on your own but work with your doctor to find a more suitable alternative.
genetics
Genetics is probably the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. If you have hair loss or thinning hair, look to members of your family and previous generations to see if there are any similarities. If so, you probably have no control over the thinning hair you’re experiencing. You may want to look into different hair replacement options.
Here is a list of other reasons for hair loss or thinning, most of which are beyond our control:
- autoimmune disorders
- Disease
- nutritional deficiencies
- Poison
- prescription drugs
- chemotherapy drug
- radiation exposure
- Tension
- Physical skull trauma
- hair loss after childbirth
- psychological
As you can see, some of the above reasons can be controlled while others cannot. Diseases and autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy drugs and radiation exposure, poisons and hair loss after childbirth are the things we will have the least control with regards to prevention or modification. We have options in the areas of nutritional deficiencies, stress and physical trauma to the head. Hair loss can be a serious problem on more levels than just physical appearance. Do not let unexplained hair loss go on without consulting your doctor.
Source by Danielle McLoughlin
