There are many forms of hair loss, and one of them might affect you! This page tells you all about the rare types most people never know about.
The majority of men, as well as many women, suffer male pattern baldness (alopecia androgenetica). Many have also heard about the much-publicised alopecia areata due to its severity and rapid onset. But that's of no use to you if your problem involves some other type.
If you suffer any form of alopecia, you need to see a specialist. However, the following information may help you to either identify, or eliminate certain conditions as the cause of your hair loss.
Trichotillomania
This impulsive control disorder involves a repeated urge to pull out hair from the scalp, beard, nose, ears, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other part of the body.
There is debate as to its classification - it has been considered as a mental disorder, a form of self-harm, a neurobiological condition, a form of addiction, or merely habitual behaviour without any significant personality disorders associated with it.
It may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as it shares both similarities and differences. It also has a strong connection to stress - it's been observed that some completely stop pulling hair when in a low-stress environment, only to resume when the stress reappears.
This disorder generally starts at puberty and may be genetic in origin. Of those affected, 80% are female.
Trichotillomania may lead to patches of broken hair, and so appear similar to
alopecia areata.
However, it won't involve the skin changes that are quite often associated with areata.
Most people with trichotillomania seem to live relatively normal lives but for the bald spots on their head, eyelashes, or eyebrows. However, low self-esteem may be an additional problem.
There is no cure, but there is treatment - drug trials have taken place (with fluoxetine, lithium and anafranil) but no one type of medication has yet shown an advantage over any other.
Trichophagia
In this condition, which is related to Trichotillomania, hair is swallowed.
In severe cases a hairball (trichobezoar) may even form in the abdomen. This is a serious condition in humans called Rapunzel syndrome. In such cases, intestinal blockage may occur and require intervention through surgery.
Tinea capitis
This is also known as scalp ringworm, and is a fungal infection (i.e. it's not caused by worms).
It's a very common disease (especially amongst children) and is highly contagious via skin contact or by using contaminated items such as combs and brushes.
It can spread through contact with people or animals (including cats and dogs). Anyone infected becomes contagious even before they show any symptoms.
Symptoms involve red, raised itchy patches - these are often lighter in the centre giving the appearance of a ring.
If the infected area involves the scalp or beard area, bald patches may form. Scalp hair may break off just above the surface of the skin leading to irregular patches of stubble. Ringworm can also affect skin in other parts of the body including the groin.
Treatment involves topical antifungal drugs (containing clotrimazole and miconazole). Folk remedies include cider vinegar and tee tree oil. Any fungal infection may take many months to clear up.
Thyroid gland disorders
Some thyroid disorders can cause hair to thin, fall out, or change in texture. Such conditions may cause the hair producing cells to shut down as healing energy is redirected to other parts of the body.
Alopecia caused by thyroid disorders is usually treatable, and so should only be considered a temporary condition. Possible thyroid problems include the following examples.
Post-partum thyroiditis - This condition develops in about 10% of women some months after they've given birth. It's believed to result from the changes that occur in a womans' immune system during pregnancy. Its symptoms can include alopecia and are usually temporary.
This condition is separate from post-partum
telogen effluvium
which involves temporary alopecia in up to 50% of all women following childbirth.
Hypothyroidism - This is caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone. It has several possible symptoms including hair loss (especially thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows). It may be caused by a mineral deficiency (i.e., a lack of dietary iodine).
The severity of this disease varies widely - the most serious condition it can cause is myxedema.
Hyperthyroidism - This can be caused when an overactive thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones. As with hypothyroidism, at worst, it could lead to myxedema.
Myxedema - This is a very serious condition (it can even cause kidney failure). Other lesser symptoms include thinning hair and the formation of bald patches. Treatment for myxedema is difficult and usually involves steroid hormones.
