Types of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a devastating and frustrating condition to battle for both males and females. Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss and refers to any form of hair loss.  Hair loss can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors and associated with medical conditions such as thyroid disease and anemia. 

The most common type of Alopecia is called Androgenetic also known as male and female pattern baldness. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be due to receptors in the hair follicles being attacked by hormones.  This type of hair loss can also be hereditary.  Men tend to lose hair at the front of their scalp also known as the widows peak.  In females the hair loss tends to be on the back of their scalp.

A common hair loss seen in women after pregnancy is called Telogen Effluvium.  This is a rapid sudden loss of hair. It can also be caused by trauma, surgery, rapid weight loss, and medications. This type of hair loss generally resolves within a year.

A more rare type of hair loss is called Alopecia Areata. This is rapid hair loss that occurs in round oval patches on the scalp.  The exact cause of this type of hair loss is unknown but it is thought to be an autoimmune response where our body attacks the hair follicles.  This type of treatment can be unpredictable and is more difficult to treat.

The most important step when dealing with hair loss is to make sure there are no underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune disease, thyroid disease or anemia.

It is also important to get a diagnosis for your hair loss because each type of alopecia has different treatment options. Florida Skin Center offers the latest treatment for all types of hair loss including prescription medications and products and treatments including platelet rich plasma treatments.