Health Conditions That Can Affect Your Hair

For many of us, our hair is one of the best ways to express ourselves. Whether you prefer to wear short or long, straight or curly, coloured or natural, your hairstyle says a lot about you and your personality. 

However, no matter what style you choose to wear your hair in, thinning and excessive shedding can be a big blow to your confidence. If your hair has been falling out more than usual lately and you’re not sure why – several potential culprits could be to blame. Here’s what to look out for:

Alopecia

Alopecia, or hair loss, is a common problem that can affect anyone. Up to 40 million people in the United States have alopecia or some form of it. It’s different to baldness because it affects all types and textures of hair.

Hair does not grow back on its own after it has fallen out—it must be replaced by new growth before you can see results again. There are three main types of treatment for alopecia: medication, laser therapy, and hair replacement. The medication works by controlling hormones involved with hair loss; laser therapy stimulates new blood vessels that allow follicles to receive oxygen. Alternatively, wigs are made from real human hairs placed on top of a mesh cap. Technology has advanced to such a degree that they can look natural. 

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a condition in which people pull out their hair, often resulting in noticeable thinning of the affected area. It can be triggered by emotional stress, trauma, anxiety, and even just boredom. Trichotillomania may be a symptom of another medical condition that needs to be treated before it’s possible to treat trichotillomania on its own.

The disorder isn’t considered an actual mental illness, so those who suffer from it are not considered to be suffering with a mental health issue. Trichotillomania can be overcome and treatments available can help manage symptoms. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone close to you who has this condition, talk with your doctor about how best to proceed. You can get learn more by visiting a site like hshairclinic.co.uk. 

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a hair loss condition that causes large amounts of hair to be shed from the scalp. It can also cause thinning or even balding in some patients.

This hair loss happens when your body experiences acute stress, such as major surgery, an illness like cancer, or even emotional trauma, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. In this case, it’s not your immune system causing the problem but something external that has happened to you.

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a skin condition that causes flat patches of purple or white bumps to appear on the skin. The bumps are not contagious, but they can be itchy. Lichen planus is also known as oral lichen planus when it occurs on your lips, tongue, and gums.

If lichen planus affects your scalp (also called scalp lichen planopilaris), there may be redness along with small dandruff-like scales on each patch. Lichen planopilaris usually clears up without any treatment after a few months; in some cases, hair loss can occur – especially if there isn’t the proper treatment for over six months.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing hair loss, you must talk to a doctor. While it is not necessarily dangerous, it can be a sign of underlying health conditions that should be diagnosed and treated. Hair loss can also be stressful, and your doctor may recommend professionals who specialise in helping people cope with hair loss.