Baldness - Information on Baldness

The most common form of baldness is a progressive hair thinning condition called androgenic alopecia or 'male pattern baldness' that occurs in adult male humans and other primate species. It isn't a life-threatening condition and it is easy to spend a lot of money unsuccessfully attempting to restore a full head of hair. More than half of men are affected by male pattern baldness by age 50. The typical pattern of male baldness begins at the hairline. The hairline gradually recedes to form an "M" shape. The existing hair may become finer and shorter. The hair at the crown also begins to thin. Hair loss in patches, diffuse shedding of hair, breaking of hair shafts, or hair loss associated with redness, scaling, pain, or rapid progression could be caused by other conditions. Most doctors believe that because the treatment options are so limited, balding men should think deeply before using any remedies. Classic male pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on the appearance and pattern of the hair loss. Any atypical hair loss may be caused by other medical disorders.

Hair loss can start in different areas but is usually at the temples and on the crown of the head. Women with common baldness rarely develop bald patches. Instead, they experience a diffuse thinning of their hair. Initial thinning of hair progresses over a number of years and may lead to total baldness but more typically loss of hair over the top surface of the head. Treatment is not necessary if you are comfortable with your appearance. Hair weaving, hairpieces, or change of hairstyle may disguise the hair loss. Surgery is another method of reversing hair loss and baldness, although it may be considered an extreme measure. Male pattern baldness does not indicate a medical disorder, but it may affect self-esteem or cause anxiety. The hair loss is usually permanent. The surgical methods used include hair transplantation, whereby hair-producing follicles are taken from the back and sides of the head and injected into bald or thinning areas.

Causes of baldness

Hair loss is believed to be primarily caused by a combination of the following:

• Change in hormones.
• Family history of baldness.
• Retinoids used to treat acne and skin problems.
• Certain diseases.
• Exposure to certain chemicals.
• Some anti-depressants.

Symptoms of baldness

Some symptoms related to baldness are as follows:

• Diffuse shedding of hair.
• Hair loss associated with redness, scaling, pain.
• Hair fall on clothes after combing.
• Gradual appearance of bald patches.

Treatment for baldness

• Certain medications to promote hair growth (such as minoxidil and finasteride).
• Skin lifts and grafts.
• Corticosteroid injections may be used in some cases.
• Techniques such as hair transplantation, scalp flaps, and other procedures may be used.
• Surgery is another method of reversing hair loss and baldness, although it may be considered an extreme measure.

All of us lose hair. A loss of up to 100 hairs. a day is normal, as this hair loss is replaced. Excessive hair loss which is not replaced
leads to baldness.

Baldness or alopecia, as your doctor would call it, has several causes:

The commonest fonn is the baldness that affects men. It is called male pattern baldness. The hair loss in this condition depends on two factors, namely the presence of male sex honnones (the androgens) and age, netic tendency to develop baldness.