Hair loss: Causes and solutions

Hair loss is a common problem that can affect both men and women, regardless of age. Although it is a natural process to lose a certain number of hairs every day, excessive hair loss can be a sign of a health problem or an imbalance in the body. Fortunately, in many cases, hair loss can be successfully prevented or treated.

The Elytis Hospitalwe understand the emotional and social impact that hair loss can have. Our team of experienced dermatologists is at your disposal with a full range of services for the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss, from consultations and investigations to personalized therapies and innovative procedures.

This article will guide you through the complex world of hair loss, exploring the most common causes, symptoms and treatment options available at Elytis Hospital.

Causes of hair loss

Hair loss can have many causes, from genetic factors to medical conditions, hormonal imbalances or lifestyle. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Androgenetic alopecia:

• The most common cause of hair loss, affecting both men and women.
• It's caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.
• In men, it is manifested by recession of the hairline and thinning of the hair on top of the head.
• In women, it manifests as diffuse thinning of the hair all over the scalp.

2. Telogen efflux:

• A temporary form of hair loss, triggered by stress, fever, childbirth, surgery, medication or hormonal imbalances.
• The hair enters the resting (telogen) phase prematurely and falls out after a few months.

3. Alopecia areata:

• An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in round or oval areas.
• It can affect the scalp, face or other parts of the body.

4. Medical causes:

• Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease, lupus, anemia, nutritional deficiencies or scalp infections can cause hair loss.

5. Medically:

• Certain drugs, such as chemotherapy, anticoagulants, antidepressants or blood pressure medicines, can have the side effect of hair loss.

6. Lifestyle:

• Stress, unhealthy eating, smoking, tight hairstyles or excessive use of styling products can contribute to hair loss.

Symptoms of hair loss

Hair loss can manifest in different ways, depending on the cause:

• Diffuse thinning of the hair: The hair gradually thins over the entire scalp.
• Hair loss in round or oval areas: specific to alopecia areata.
• Hairline recession: specific to male androgenetic alopecia.
• Hair loss in clumps: Can be a sign of a scalp infection or an autoimmune condition.
• Itchy or irritated scalp: May accompany hair loss in some cases.

Hair loss solutions at Elytis Hospital

The Elytis Hospital, we approach hair loss with an integrated perspective, combining medical expertise with advanced technology and a personalized approach.

1. Diagnosis:

• Dermatologic consultation: evaluation of the health of the hair and scalp, including history, physical examination and discussion of symptoms.
• Further investigations: depending on the cause, blood tests, microscopic examination of the hair (trichogram), scalp biopsy or other investigations may be necessary.

2. Treatment:

• Depending on the cause, topical medications (solutions, shampoos, lotions), oral medications (finasteride, minoxidil, spironolactone) or corticosteroid injections may be prescribed.
• Advanced therapies:
  • Mesotherapy: Injecting nutrients and medications directly into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
  • PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma): Injection of the patient's own plasma, rich in growth factors, to stimulate hair follicle regeneration.
  • Laser therapy: stimulating hair growth with laser light.

3. Prevention:

• Healthy lifestyle tips: Eat a balanced diet, manage stress, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Proper hair care: use gentle cosmetics, avoid tight hairstyles and excessive heat treatment.

Benefits of treatment at Elytis Hospital

• Recognized medical expertise: dermatologists at Elytis Hospital have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss.
• State-of-the-art technology: we have modern equipment for precise investigations and advanced therapies.
• Personalized approach: treatment is tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
• Prevention and education: we offer advice on hair care and hair loss prevention.

Don't let hair loss affect your self-confidence! Schedule a dermatology consultation at Elytis Hospital and find out how we can help you regain healthy, beautiful hair.

Latest medical review:

19.01.2025, Dr. Mădălina Iosip-Bejan - Medical Specialist

References:

• Alessandrini, A., et al. "Common causes of hair loss - clinical manifestations, trichoscopy and therapy". Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, 2021, vol 35, no. 3, pg. 629 - 640.
• Almohanna, Hind M., et. al. "The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review". Dermatology and Therapy, 2019, vol. 9, pg. 51 - 70.
• Fabbrocini, G., et. al. "Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review". International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2018, vol. 4, no. 4, pg. 203 - 211.
• Lin, Richard L., et. al. "Systemic causes of hair loss". Annals of Medicine, 2016, vol. 48, no. 6, pg. 393 - 402.
• Phillips, T. Grant, et. al. "Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment". American Family Physician, 2017, vol. 96, no. 6, pg. 371 - 378.