Alopecia in women. Causes and Treatment, photo alopecia, alopecia, androgenic, diffuse. Folk remedies, drugs, procedures

Alopecia or intensive hair loss in women is not just a single disease, it often refers to the development of other, more serious pathological processes. Thanks to the timely identification of the main reasons it is possible to find the most effective method of treatment, in order to avoid complications in the future and return the previous condition of the hair.

Causes of hair loss in women

Loss of a small amount of hair is a natural process of the body and takes place on a daily basis. Alopecia is characterized by an increased loss that occurs due to the harmful effects of various factors. Most of these reasons are divided into two groups: hereditary and acquired.

The main factors that lead to increased hair loss:

• Lack of nutrients in the diet. Lack vitamins b, c, zinc, and other important trace elements and amino acids leads to deterioration of integral structure of the hair.
• Acute or chronic stressful situations. Contribute to disruption of normal circulation of the scalp, which adversely affects the hair follicles.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In this case, the hair falls out due to the reduced level of importance of the hormone estrogen, which is characterized by a simultaneous increase in testosterone.
• Reception of drugs. Various slimming, antidepressants, hormonal medicines or laxatives may cause a sharp decrease in the density locks.
• Pregnancy and lactation presence. Characterized by a deficiency of important minerals and vitamins, as most of the nutrients consumed on the fetus. They also include hormonal changes in the body and the presence of menopause.
• External damage or cosmetic procedures. Strengthened hair loss is shown on a background of a traumatic effect on the scalp and follicles: chemical bleaching or dyeing, drying with a hair dryer, pulling and other procedures. Similarly, alopecia causes incorrect application of curling or frequent use of heated rollers at home.
• Diseases such as chronic. Any prolonged disease process can lead to a deterioration of the condition of hair, due to the sharp decline in immunity. They are the most common infectious diseases: syphilis, tuberculosis, poisoning and others.
• Infection of the scalp bacterial or parasitic organisms. This includes any chemical or radiation exposure. Characterized by destruction of hair follicles is not the whole of the head, which leads to the appearance of scarring-type alopecia.
• Pathological disturbances in the thyroid gland. In this case, hair loss occurs with the development of hypothyroidism.
• The high content of nicotine, alcohol or caffeine in the body zhenshiny.

Often baldness occurs on the background of chronic telogen alopecia, the causes of which are still unknown. In this case, a treatment aimed at removing the major features.

Stages and types

Alopecia in women (causes and treatment are determined by the attending specialist) is classified on a scale of Ludwig.

In practice, the isolated 3 separate phases, each of which differs depending on the degree of curl thinning and distribution of baldness:

• I stage. Characterized negligible loss of hair in the frontal and parietal region;
• Step II. There is a more pronounced thinning of hair in the same areas;
• Step III. Characterized by sudden loss of a large amount of hair at the crown and occipital region, there is a thinning on the sides of the head and temples.

In addition to the main stage, the specialists decided to allocate variety of alopecia: androgenic, diffuse and focal. There is also a special kind of cicatricial alopecia. All of them are based on the causes of and the presence of accompanying symptoms.

androgenic form

Despite the fact that androgenic alopecia is typical for a male, often it is possible manifestation and women. The main factor leading to this species -Increase the level of the male hormone testosterone in the body. However, the deterioration of the hair structure is not affected by it himself, and derived hormone dihydrotestosterone.

The initial symptoms are characterized by a gradual thinning of the hair on parting, including discoloration. Often the damage is within the parietal and frontal head area. Along with this may be a manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics, such as a sharp decrease in the occurrence of voice or facial hair.

Androgenic species most commonly transmitted genetically, and in over half of cases is inherited through the mother.

diffuse form

Alopecia in women, causes and treatment which is most easily transferred with timely treatment to the doctor, the diffuse type is different uniform thinning and hair loss on the entire scalp area. In this case, alopecia occurs against a background stress, prolonged use of certain drugs, or in the presence of chronic diseases.

In addition, the thinning hair may indicate a lack of useful trace elements, or a general decline in hormone levels. Diffuse alopecia can cause baldness or nested "polosochnomu" type. In the second case, the hair falls out only in the parietal and frontal region, which indicates the presence of diseases of the endocrine system.

lobular form

The particular species or alopecia areata refers socket form which is characterized by partial loss of hair in a particular area. Initial signs of disease include sudden loss of entire curls of clearly limited area, which is why there are oval or round bald spots with smooth edges.

The emergence of a nested type of baldness contribute to psycho-emotional stress, infections or fungal infections, as well as genetic predisposition. Focal forms relate to autoimmune processes.

In medical practice, there are several forms of the female species: subtotal, total or universal. All of them are based on the number of focal bald patches and speed of their propagation.

In the absence of timely treatment, any of the described species can grow into a universal type, which not only affects the scalp, but the whole body. A frequent symptom of this dangerous form of - loss or increased fragility of the nails.

Alopecia scar forms in women is the most rare species, in which localized lesions occur on the background of the main reasons, indicating the presence of head trauma. In this case, often resort to surgical treatment, because to heal the injured area in most cases impossible.

differential diagnosis

The sharp decline in hair density is heavy psycho-emotional turmoil for a woman, because of what is most important to quickly and promptly begin appropriate treatment.

If you experience symptoms should immediately contact the experts in the field of Trichology or dermatology. In some cases, you may need the help of a therapist, endocrinologist or gastroenterologist.

Before performing diagnostic procedures, the doctor finds out the basic history of the patient, including the approximate time of the beginning of hair loss and a standard survey of the possible factors that might lead to the disease.

Upon completion of a visual inspection, and is determined by the type of alopecia is assigned a set of different diagnostic tests. This is the most accurate method to identify the root cause, indicating the occurrence of baldness.

Standard diagnostic evaluation includes:

• Biochemical analysis of blood and urine. It makes it possible to identify the development of inflammation, anemia and other immune disorders.
• The biopsy analysis of hair, which provides important information about the presence of vellus, terminal or telogen hair.
• Microscopic examination of the weakened hair or follicle.
• Hormonal study on the level of estrogen and testosterone.
• US of a thyroid gland and hormones tireodinye analysis.
• The study sample with an additional pulling a few hairs.
• Rapid diagnosis of syphilis or Wasserman.

Since female hair loss often appears due to chronic stress, in addition to the differential diagnosis it is important to immediately exclude the impact of various psychosocial factors. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, other tests can be assigned to the main complex of research.

alopecia treatment

The only true regimen of female alopecia does not exist. Integrated therapy is based on the principal factor which has led to the development of the pathological process.

the following treatments are allocated in the current practice:

• medical;
• physiotherapy;
• surgical;
• beauty.

In most cases treatment is complex, which allows to restore the scalp for a few months. In addition to the main therapeutic methods, often resort to psychotherapy, especially in the presence of stress and psycho-emotional situations.

Medications

Alopecia in women, causes and treatment which involves the use of drugs is the most effective therapeutic method and is used in almost all cases. Purpose preparations takes place under the supervision of the attending physician who prescribes a particular medication depending on the disease factor.

Modern medicine has only a few pharmacological agents that are in varying degrees, have a positive impact on alopecia, regardless of the main factors:

• Finasteride. The only drugs that have proven effective in clinical trials. Available in tablet form. The dosage and duration of the course is assigned strictly doctor, as at increased dose and features of the body can manifest these or other side effects. Contraindicated in pregnant women.
• Minoxidil. Drug topical vasodilator effects, has a stimulating effect on the scalp and accelerating hair growth. Available as a foam or solution. The dosage is selected in an orderly fashion under the control of the treating specialist. With an increase in the recommended dosage may increase blood pressure, headaches, or activate hair growth in unwanted areas (eyebrows, cheeks, lips). Analogues of drugs are minoxidil and Regeyn Revas.
• Spirolonolakton. Modern means appointed for the prevention and treatment of hypertension. The drug significantly reduces the biological synthesis of androgens, thereby reducing their harmful effects on the hair structure.

In recent years, it is gaining increasing popularity drug of a new type - Dutasteride. It is more powerful version of Finasteride and has a very high efficiency in androgenic alopecia species. Unlike precursor acts directly on two types of dihydrotestosterone.

Apart from the main group, doctors prescribe additional means acting on the elimination of the main pathological causes.

The following table describes some group of similar pharmacological agents:

main reason	name means	Features and effects
Fungal infections	Econazole, ketoconazole, Diflyuzol, Flukonaz	Antifungal drugs, have a devastating effect on the infection of. Depending on the type and severity of the alopecia, prescribed as shampoos, ointments, or tablets.
Diseases of the thyroid gland, reducing its natural work	Yodokomb, Levothyroxine Sodium, triiodothyronine, Eutiroks,	Gormonosoderzhaschie or supporting agents, has a positive influence on the physiological processes in the thyroid gland and the body. Increase metabolism and protein structures, contribute to the normalization of the nervous and vascular systems. Assigned only after the date of the general analysis on hormones and is replacement therapy.
skin diseases (dermatitis, psoriasis)	Terfenadine, Dexamethasone, Bronal, Terfed, Rieter	Antihistamines, facilitates a smooth effect on the disease site. Some of them have a pronounced sedative effect.
neurological diseases	Persen, gelarium, Atarax, Alluna, Valdispert	Based on the severity of the disease, selected drugs acting effectively on the neurological system. Most have smooth the impact of vegetable origin on the basis of valerian tincture or peony. Also, antidepressants and tranquilizers may be prescribed.
Disease, lowering estrogen levels	Proginova, Ovestin, Norkolut, Estramon, Folikulin	Hormonal agents providing substitutive effect at reduced levels of estrogen or progestogen. Are issued non-sustained rate as prolonged exposure increases the risk of breast cancer.
Avitaminosis	Esvitsin, Tsintekral, Fitoval, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, vitainy group B, nicotinic acid	Vitamin complexes have protivoanemicheskim effect, supplying the body with essential minerals and trace elements necessary for the growth and strengthening of hair structure. Administered together with other drugs, or in the absence of improper diet. They are the safest for pregnant women.

Taking any medication should be under the supervision of a specialist. Contrary to popular belief, there is no single treatment regimen that would be effective for all. The purpose of a pharmacological therapy is based on the positive effects, based on the unique features of a particular organism.

Medicated cosmetics

Alopecia in women (the cause and treatment is observed specialist) is effectively eliminated by means of various cosmetic preparations produced in the form of shampoos, lotions or sprays.

These tools are manufactured by different names, but it is best to use the most well-known products:

• Burdock shampoo. It has an effective impact on the regeneration of hair follicles and provides good cleaning of the scalp. Particularly often prescribed for seborrheic dermatitis.
• Nioxin. Is both air conditioning and shampoo. Consisting of useful trace minerals and vitamins that promote nutrition scalp. The drug has a destructive effect on DHT, which is particularly effective in androgenic alopecia.
• Alerana. Available in the form of shampoo, treatment components which are effective hair growth stimulants. Well suited for oily, dry or brittle locks.
• Nizoral. It characterized by high exposure to fungal or infectious diseases. It has a wide impact on the scalp, allowing you to quickly and efficiently get rid of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
• Progeyn. The main ingredient of cosmetic products - drug Minoxidil. Available as shampoo or lotion. You can also come across as "Regeyn".

Any shampoo against alopecia should be used together with drugs. In some cases, the use of such lotions may for the prevention of alopecia. Despite the fact that these cosmetic products are available without a prescription, before taking the need to consult with a specialist.

Physiotherapy and beauty treatments

special beauty and physiotherapy treatments are often used to treat female pattern baldness. Such events have a long enough effect that helps to normalize blood circulation and restore your hair as soon as possible.

• Mesotherapy. Characterized by the introduction of an injection into the scalp, the drug for which the chosen individually. Promotes restoration of painful follicles, stimulates hair growth and provides them with the necessary nutrients.
• Cryotherapy. The procedure is based on the use of liquid nitrogen with massage elements. Is quite effective method of stopping the initial stage of alopecia, which is possible due to increased blood microcirculation.
• Local darsonvalization. The most common method of physiotherapy, which is characterized by the influence of high frequency alternating current to the scalp. The treatment improves blood circulation and promotes relaxation of muscle tissue.
• Laser therapy. Characterized by using the infrared and ultraviolet radiation spectrum. It promotes cell regeneration and improves the absorption of mineral elements in the scalp. In some cases there may be dilation of blood vessels, as well as increased secretion of the sebaceous glands properties.

Key benefits include physiotherapy no strict contraindications presence lasting effect after and compatibility with other therapeutic methods. here should also add well-tolerated at any age. The course and the number of sessions is selected expert, based on the individual characteristics.

Hair transplantation

In the absence of efficacy of conservative treatments resorting to radical surgery. In this case, the transplantation of healthy hair from the back or the temporal part of the head to the area where a significant loss occurs.

The operation is performed on the basis of two basic methods: patchwork and follicular. In addition, the opportunity to take donor hair from other areas of the body. Transplantation characterized by a rapid and painless recovery period and sufficiently high efficiency.

In the case of the traditional strip method is the scarring, which adversely affects the appearance of a patient. When modern seamless way, any trace of the intervention was not observed.

Forecast repeated loss is totally dependent on the variety of alopecia and the main reasons due to which it was called. Of the contraindications should notice the presence of inflammatory processes, diabetes, and the presence of an allergic reaction to the anesthetic drugs.

Alopecia in women respond well to therapy only under close attention of specialists. Modern diagnostic techniques allow us to accurately identify the main cause of baldness and assign the most effective treatment. Lack of timely treatment to the doctor, and inefficient use of folk methods can lead to complete loss of hair and loss of follicles.

Registration of the article: Vladimir the Great

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