National Hairloss Awareness Month | Why Does Hairloss Happen ?

 

The American Hair Loss Association estimates that around 80 million people in the US alone, are experiencing some type of thinning or hair loss. Due to the amount of people suffering from Hair Loss, the American Academy of Dermatology has designated August as National Hair Loss Awareness Month.

Who suffers from Hair Loss?

There are approximately 35 million men and 21 million women suffering hair loss around the world.

40% of people experience hair loss by age 35

65% of men experience it by age 60 vs. 80% of women by the same age

Hair Loss also affects children of all ages.

Why does Hair Loss Happen?

-Male Pattern baldness / Female Pattern Thinning (Androgenetic Alopecia): These two account as the number one cause for Hair Loss, the cause of it is genetics/family history. Hair grows in cycles, for sufferers of this type of hair loss, the hair growth cycle begins to slow down and weakens as the hair follicle shrinks, resulting in thinner hair and shorter strands of hair. With time, the cycle of growth fully stops and no new hairs grow.

-Traction Alopecia: This form of hair loss is primarily caused by constant tension being applied to the hair, although it’s most common in females, males and children can also suffer from it.

-Scarring Alopecia: This can result in permanent hair loss in the scarred areas. The most common conditions are some forms of lupus and sarcoidosis. For unknown reasons, the body starts forming scar tissue.

-Alopecia Areata: This is also known as “patchy hair loss” and it’s caused by the body’s autoimmune system attacking hair follicles typically leaving a circular pattern bald spot.

-Hormonal changes, stress: These changes tend to be temporary. Hair loss due to hormonal imbalances (like pregnancy, hormone therapy, thyroid problems) can be solved by targeting the culprit.

-Infections: Fungal infections, like Tinea Capitis (Ringworm), are to blame for hair loss (mostly in children), this condition can easily be diagnosed and solved by a Primary Care Provider.