What Causes Alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term used to describe excessive hair loss. However the hair loss can be a result of many different causes. Based on the cause of the hair loss, the characteristics of the hair loss, and the age and health of the sufferer, doctors can make a diagnosis from over nine subtypes of alopecia.

Natural Causes of Alopecia

There are three main natural causes of alopecia- age, genetics, and disease. As men and women age they usually experience a thinning of the hair on their scalp. This thinning or hair loss is a natural reaction to the slowing down and breaking down of the systems of the body. Older hair follicles will produce less hair at a slower rate.

Genetics can also play a part in natural hair loss. Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is hereditary and causes hair thinning or loss at the crown or towards the front of the scalp. While this type of alopecia can be seen in both males and females it is more common in men. This type of hair loss is passed down through genetics from either side of the family. Certain diseases or medical conditions can also lead to hair loss. This type of hair loss is a natural side effect of conditions such as high fever, thyroid disorders, certain skin conditions, and nutrition deficiencies. Medically induced hair loss is usually temporary in condition but can become permanent if the illness is prolonged or extremely severe.

Unnatural Causes of Alopecia

Unnatural causes for hair loss, or causes that are drug or self-induced, include such things as overuse of hair treatments, exposure to chemicals, certain drug treatments, and exposure to radiation. Certain drugs, like those prescribed to treat high blood pressure, those prescribed to prevent pregnancy or treat the symptoms of menopause, and those prescribed to battle cancer, can cause hair loss. This type of alopecia, known as anagen effluvium, is usually temporary and new hair growth will appear after treatment has been stopped.

Hair treatments, such as hair colouring, perming, straightening, and bleaching, can also lead to hair loss. The strong chemicals used in these hair treatments can break down the hair shaft, adversely affect the hair follicle, and lead to premature hair loss or hair thinning. This cause of alopecia is also temporary, but if the treatments are continued long-term and the damage is severe enough the hair loss can be permanent.

Certain chemicals, such as the ones used for cleaning, ones used for swimming pool maintenance, and ones found in certain areas of production or employment, can also cause alopecia. Depending on the type of chemical and the length of exposure, this type of hair loss will usually disappear once exposure to the chemical agent is stopped.

Types of Alopecia With No Known Cause

Although most types of alopecia or hair loss can be explained by natural or unnatural causes, there are two types that as of yet have no known cause. Alopecia areata- a type of patchy hair loss that affects children and young adults- and alopecia universalis- a condition that results in the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body- cannot yet be explained. These conditions usually present a sudden onset and may be resolved naturally. In other cases the condition can be treated with corticosteriods or hormone therapy. In some cases the condition is resistant to treatment and the hair loss is permanent. No matter what the cause of your hair loss or alopecia it is best to consult with a doctor about the severity of your condition and your best options for treatment.