Hair loss: what diseases cause baldness?

Cause of hair loss #1: thyroid disease

The content of the article

Hair loss occurs especially often with hyperthyroidism. This pathology is associated with increased production of thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism

When the level of hormones produced by the thyroid gland rises above normal and the body's metabolism accelerates, hair goes through the growth cycle faster, ages, becomes very thin, brittle and eventually falls out.

With hyperthyroidism, alopecia can be either generalized (spreads evenly over the entire scalp) or limited. In the latter case, the hair falls out in clumps, leaving bald spots.

What are the chances of getting your full head of hair back?

In addition to the above, diseases that cause hair loss include internal and infectious diseases, experienced shock, prolonged depression, deficiency of vitamins and nutrients (especially with mono-diets), etc.

Only a qualified doctor can choose treatment tactics not only for the diseases associated with hair loss, but also for hair loss itself. This may be the prescription of certain drugs (including hormonal ones) that stimulate hair growth, and physiotherapeutic procedures carried out for a similar purpose (laser therapy in this regard is at the peak of popularity today).

But, of course, the most effective and most popular way to restore hair, if medications are powerless and the consequences of the disease have caused irreparable damage to the hair, is hair transplantation. And the best tactic here is HFE technology. Its attractiveness to patients is understandable.

If there is a sufficient amount of healthy hair left on the head (this is determined by a specialist during examination), then using this technique a transplant is performed on the “bald” area. It is done manually using microtools. Thus, the skin is practically not injured. Most often, this procedure (which, however, can take several hours) does not even require anesthesia, and after that the patient immediately goes home.

Trichologists advise not to wash your hair for the first few days so that the transplanted grafts take root and grow. For a more stable recovery, it is recommended to further use medicated shampoos and products that support hair growth.

Cause of hair loss #2: systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which the body fights its own tissues. One of the clearest symptoms of lupus is thinning and increased hair loss.

lupus erythematosus

Lupus can be identified by other signs: hypersensitivity to sunlight and butterfly erythema on the face (redness of the cheeks and nose). Changes in the skin may take the form of hives and red discs. Common symptoms include pain and swelling in the joints, muscle pain and erosions in the mouth.

Acne in women and men: are there any differences?

Before getting rid of acne, it is worth understanding whether there is a difference in their formation and treatment.

• The male dermis is much thicker and oilier, and therefore can be several times more susceptible to various inflammatory processes. In the body, androgens, that is, hormones of the stronger sex, are responsible for the functioning of the glands.
• In the female version, the culprit is most often an imbalance of substances such as progestogens and estrogens. Even after the body goes through puberty, there remains a risk of hormonal imbalances due to the presence of menstruation, pregnancy and lactation.

When the defect is caused by other reasons, for example, poor quality care or gastrointestinal diseases, then no difference by gender is observed. The only provoking factor is naturally oilier skin and sometimes various concomitant diseases.

Cause of Hair Loss #3: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

One of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome is androgenetic alopecia in women. This is male pattern baldness, which in women usually appears as diffuse thinning of the hair on the crown of the head.

In addition, during the course of the disease, significant weight gain (especially around the waist), scanty or irregular periods, acne on the chest, back, and excessive hair growth on the face, thighs, buttocks, and back appear.

How to treat acne on the hairline, according to dermatologists

When most people think of pimples, the ones that immediately come to mind are those that appear on areas such as the chin, forehead, or back. Sometimes the rash can appear higher up on the face, such as right along the hairline. These types of breakouts, aptly named “hairline acne,” can be just as frustrating to combat, treat, and prevent as those that appear on other parts of the face and body, but with the right treatment, they can become a distant memory.

We spoke with board-certified dermatologists Dr. Naissan O. Wesley and Dr. Purvisha Patel to find out why people get breakouts along their hairline, what to do to prevent them, and the best products to treat them.

Naissan O. Wesley, MD, FACMS CV is a board-certified aesthetic and surgical dermatologist in Beverly Hills, California.

Purvisha Patel, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, MOH and cosmetic surgeon, and owner of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Memphis. She is also the founder of Visha Skincare.

Common types of breakouts

Although acne symptoms can occur along the hairline, some are more common than others.

• Inflammatory papules: “I often see inflammatory papules that look like pink bumps or pimples,” says Wesley. “However, you can find any type of pimple, including comedones, which is the medical term for blackheads and whiteheads, pustules and cysts.”
• Fungal Acne: While this condition is technically acne, it results in breakouts due to pores clogged by a buildup of yeast. “There is a condition called Pityrosporum Folliculitis, which is caused by a fungus that causes dandruff. Overgrowth of this organism on the scalp can spread to the forehead/hairline, behind the ears and back,” explains Patel. “It shows up as small bumps on the skin and even tiny clogged pores. "Using hair products with coconut or olive oil makes this type of acne worse, and acne products like benzoyl peroxide aren't as helpful in combating it."

Causes and prevention

Acne, like any other form of acne, occurs when hair follicles (or pores) become clogged with excess sebum and debris. While debris such as dead cells or makeup that hasn't been washed off usually leads to pimples on some parts of the face, pimples on the hairline are often the result of a buildup of hair products, sweat, and dirty tissue that rubs against the skin faces like a hat.

• Hair Products: "Breakouts around the hairline are most often caused by hair products clogging the pores," Wesley explains. “Pomade acne usually occurs due to a buildup of oils near the hairline as a result of a reaction to the product or due to clogged pores from the product itself.” Additionally, while many are well aware that sodium laureth sulfate is blacklisted due to its drying tendencies, there are many other ingredients that can lead to clogged pores: “Do not use personal care products such as hair products with edible ingredients if you are acne prone/have oily skin,” Patel explains. Common pore-clogging ingredients include oils such as marula oil, flaxseed oil, and avocado oil. A good rule of thumb to follow is: If a product tends to clog the pores on your face, don't assume that it won't clog the pores on or around your scalp, including your hairline.
• Dirty fabric/materials: Items we wear on our heads, such as hats, headbands, scarves or helmets, says Wesley, can contribute to clogged pores when sweat or dead cells accumulate on them, especially when they are adjacent to the skin. Factors that can lead to clogged pores include "friction or blockage from things like headbands, hats or helmets" and "pulling hair back too tightly."
• Folliculitis: In addition to the hairline, the scalp can sometimes have bumps and rashes, which can indicate a condition known as folliculitis. "If the pimples are also located on the scalp and extend to the hairline, it may be due to folliculitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicle," says Wesley. Treating breakouts is much easier if you know the exact cause of your symptoms, so knowing the difference between acne and other conditions can go a long way in helping your skin recover.
• Dirty scalp and hair: “The problem most often occurs due to the scalp/hair not being washed as often as needed or due to the use of products with edible ingredients that can increase the growth of germs,” says Dr. Patel . What's the best way to clean your hairline? Wash your entire scalp and hair. “The hairline is easily missed when washing your face and is best cleaned with shampoo,” she adds. Additionally, anything that comes into contact with the hairline, such as headbands or hats, should also be washed regularly, as should pillowcases and towels.
• Poor diet: Our skin is the largest organ on the body, and regular healthy habits can benefit your complexion, especially if you have acne. "Drink six glasses of water every day, get eight hours of sleep every day, take a daily multivitamin and probiotic, and reduce your intake of inflammatory foods like sugar and dairy," says Patel. “These foods in the diet tend to make acne worse—and at the hairline.”

Treatment Options

Treating acne on the hairline should be the same as any other treatment - you should identify the root cause of the breakout and take effective measures to rid your skin of the problem.

• Identify the cause of your breakouts: It will be different for everyone, but identifying the cause will help you get rid of your breakouts sooner. "Whether your acne is caused by hair products or congestion from wearing hats, taking the previously discussed preventive measures can be extremely helpful," says Wesley.
• Stay on top of your skincare routine: "The key is to maintain a regular, non-comedogenic skin care routine to increase cell turnover, reduce clogged pores, and reduce inflammation of existing lesions," says Wesley. Salicylic acid, prebiotics, sage, calendula, witch hazel and willow bark extract are suitable for gentle care and exfoliation of the skin without stripping it of natural moisture.
• Wash your hair: This is, of course, a pretty obvious tip, but if you have breakouts around your hairline that you want to get rid of, it's important to get rid of product buildup on your scalp. Clarifying shampoos are designed to do just that and are available in a wide range of price points and formulas to get the job done.
• Look for antibacterial and antifungal ingredients: Avoiding pore-clogging ingredients like coconut oil can keep pores clear, but prevention occurs when hair follicles are kept clean in the first place. “Ingredients for hairline acne should fight both bacteria and fungus while also clearing out the skin/hair follicles,” says Patel. “Sulfur, tea tree oil and zinc pyrithione are ideal in washes and shampoos to help with hairline acne.”
• Cleaning between washes: Dry shampoo can remove unwanted oil between washes, but these sprays or powders can cause it to build up over time. To prevent oil from getting into your skin, try gently massaging your scalp with cool water, which will help relax and rinse away dirt and sweat. Can't get your hair wet? Try using an antimicrobial spray. “If frequent washing is not an option, Visha Skincare Cheek2Feet Spray contains witch hazel, tea tree oil and thyme oil, and the Scalp, Face and Body Mist is a natural deodorant and antimicrobial spray,” says Patel.
• Consult a professional if acne doesn't go away: As with any other skin care concern, if your breakouts don't go away or get worse, consider seeking help from a professional to rule out any underlying causes that may contribute to your symptoms.

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Cause of Hair Loss #8: Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a mental disorder characterized by uncontrollable hair plucking, usually from the scalp, then from the eyebrows, eyelashes and other parts of the body.

If you experience hair loss, you should consult a trichologist. Only he can correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.

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Which doctor should I contact for alopecia?

A doctor who deals exclusively with diseases of the scalp is called a trichologist. Trichology is an additional specialization of dermatology-cosmetology, so if such a specialist is not available (and in small towns and villages this is a common problem), you can seek advice from a dermatologist.

In addition, the following can provide significant assistance with hair problems:

• therapist;
• endocrinologist;
• gynecologist;
• andrologist;
• immunologist;
• rheumatologist;
• gastroenterologist

Important! Treating hair loss takes time. If the problem is not too serious and advanced, then it will take about three months for the improvement in the condition of the hair to become noticeable. (About a month to start the process of normal keratogenesis in the bulb; another month for the hair to grow to the surface of the skin and become noticeable; and another month for it to enter the tangible volume of curls.) In difficult cases, it may take six months to get results , and a year of continuous work between the patient and the specialist.

Rules and tips

If the situation has not yet become critical and it seems that you can cope with it yourself, it makes sense to learn a few simple recommendations from real professionals:

• We must not forget about hygiene for a second; the skin should always remain clean and well-groomed. But this does not guarantee getting rid of acne. To protect yourself as much as possible, you should thoroughly wash all sponges, makeup brushes and other accessories after each use. If you see that they are not washed, just replace them with new ones; there is no need to skimp on your health. About once a week you need to change your pillowcases, and replace your regular towel with disposable paper ones.
• An inspection of your cosmetic bag should be carried out every six months, or better yet, every three months. Everything is sorted out, shelf life, appearance, smell, consistency are assessed. At the slightest suspicion, it is better to send the tube or box for scrap.
• Sometimes the introduction of a new product into your skincare routine causes small rashes on the forehead and face, so you need to keep an eye on this. By temporarily stopping it and then starting to use it again, you can find out if this is the reason.
• Deep facial cleansing is not an easy procedure, all its stages must be thoughtful and safe, so it is better to entrust such an important task to real professionals.

Many experts recommend following the advice of Korean women, because they are distinguished by truly beautiful, smooth and even dermis, which they can maintain for many years. They begin any treatment with complete cleansing using micellar or hydrophilic oil. Only then do you use foam, milk or tonic for washing.

At the cosmetologist's

When several small formations arose during PMS or during puberty, there is little point in turning to a professional. However, when the problem becomes more serious every day, the situation worsens, and while health is normal, there is simply no other way out.

Laser resurfacing

It became a direct “heir” to such a procedure as dermabrasion due to the advent of new technologies. Its essence lies in mechanical damage to the integument (microburns), which the body must urgently restore, while at the same time coping with the cosmetic defect. It also makes it easier for dead epithelial particles to peel off and stimulates cellular renewal and metabolic processes inside the dermis.

Chemical peeling

Various acids are used for such cleaning:

• glycolic;
• apple;
• azelaic;
• ferulic;
• salicylic;
• dairy;
• almond;
• phytic and others.

Another option that has a right to exist is retinoids, which also have a similar effect. All this significantly speeds up the metabolism of the skin, giving it the opportunity to renew itself faster.

In this case, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for the fact that rehabilitation after them is quite long (from several hours to 5-7 days). It may be accompanied by severe itching, redness, peeling and other unpleasant phenomena. If you feel like something is going wrong, you should definitely consult a doctor for competent advice.

On one's own

When figuring out what causes small pimples on the forehead in women and men, it doesn’t hurt to look at home methods of combating it.

• It is necessary to improve your diet, give up unhealthy foods, and introduce more natural foods, vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich cereals into your diet.
• Pay attention to proper care, follow all the advice of cosmetologists, thoroughly cleanse the dermis, moisturize and nourish it in a timely manner.
• Make various homemade masks and peelings in a timely manner, but only with the permission of a doctor.
• Check your health, get tested, conduct all necessary studies and tests.

Particular attention should be paid to hygiene procedures, which we have already discussed above. This is the only way to be sure that there is no additional bacterial and microbial load on the integument.

Cosmetical tools

The modern market offers a colossal number of products of varying degrees of quality, presented in a wide range of prices. It is worth understanding that high-quality cosmetics cannot be cheap, so it is undesirable to follow the lead of intrusive advertising.

Moisturizers or serums

Life-giving moisture is necessary not only for dry, but also for oily skin, contrary to popular misconceptions. Feeling a shortage, it begins to more actively release sebum to the surface, which causes congestion and inflammation. Therefore, this point must be given sufficient attention.

Cleansing masks

Such products should not be used often, as this can lead to the opposite effect. The optimal regimen is 1-3 times a week, according to the directions on the package. After about 3-4 you can notice visual results.

Exfoliants

Chemical or mechanical peelings, and we are talking about them, are needed for high-quality exfoliation of keratinized epithelium. You must be extremely careful with such products, use them only according to the instructions, strictly following all the steps.

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Home treatment for alopecia after COVID-19

What can you do

Store-bought care products and folk remedies are more suitable for preventing hair loss. You should not rely on them as the main means of combating alopecia. They really “work”, but their effect is insignificant and can only help in combination with procedures and medications prescribed by a trichologist.

However, it is also necessary to locally maintain the quality of the hair and strengthen the scalp. You can use various herbal masks and shampoos, with red pepper extract, burdock oil, vitamins, keratin and other substances beneficial for hair.

What not to do

• Panic so as not to make the problem even worse.
• Avoid frequent hair washing . By reducing the number of procedures to a minimum, you can disrupt the functioning of the sebaceous glands. This will lead to itching of the scalp, inflammation and progression of the disease.
• Rub medicated oils into the scalp , which clog skin pores, causing excessive oiliness, dandruff, itching and, accordingly, increasing alopecia.
• Follow a protein-free diet . Protein is a structural element of the hair shaft, so its absence will cause hair fragility and aggravate the existing problem.
• Use minoxidil without a prescription from a trichologist. It allows you to save hair from loss, but at the same time it has consequences represented by withdrawal syndrome, which, with diffuse telogen effluvium observed after coronavirus, can only do harm.
• Avoid scratching , as removing dead hair has a positive effect on new hair growth and does not lead to the loss of more hair.

Prevention

In order not to worry about how to solve the problem, you can simply prevent it by taking various preventive measures in time:

• Proper deep cleansing.
• Timely care.
• Selecting suitable cosmetics.
• Regular checks for internal problems and diseases.
• Maintaining hygiene.
• Proper diet and balanced nutrition.
• Moderate physical activity.
• Rinse off decorative cosmetics at night.
• Visiting a dermatologist and cosmetologist.