These diseases can cause hair loss
Hair loss, sudden hair loss, circular hair loss - when the hair on your head starts to disappear, it is an enormous psychological burden for many of those affected. Hair loss can often be attributed to certain diseases, such as androgenetic alopecia (also known as alopecia androgenetica) or alopecia areata.
For patients, this is initially just a diagnosis - because alopecia androgenetica or other alopecia can have various causes. In this article, you can find out what exactly is behind these diseases, what treatment options are available (for example, medication with minoxidil) and what natural ways there are to stop hair loss.
What are the causes of pathological hair loss?
Pathological hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be triggered by various causes or diseases. We have summarised the most common ones for you here:
Genetic predisposition (androgenetic alopecia): One of the most common causes is heredity. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, occurs due to genetic predisposition. In men, typical symptoms of androgenetic alopecia are the typical receding hairline.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause the hair on the head to fall out. This can occur during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause or due to hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disorders.
Medications and treatments: Certain medications used for medical conditions such as chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, blood thinners and others can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Stress: Emotional or physical stress can lead to temporary hair loss, known as "telogen effluvium". This occurs when a large number of hairs go into the resting phase at the same time and then fall out [1].
Autoimmune diseases: Diseases such as alopecia areata lead to sudden bald patches on the scalp or throughout the body, known as circular hair loss.
Dernutrition: A lack of certain nutrients such as iron, proteins, vitamin D or B vitamins can cause hair loss [2]. Further information on the connection between vitamin deficiency and hair lossis summarised for you in this article.
Infections and skin diseases: Fungal infections of the scalp or other skin diseases can lead to alopecia.
It is important to determine the exact cause of hair loss, whether circular hair loss or diffuse hair loss, through a medical examination in order to receive the right treatment.
What are the different types or causes of alopecia?
Alopecia generally refers to hair loss of any kind, but there are different types of alopecia that can have different causes:
Androgenetic alopecia: The most common form of hair loss is alopecia androgenetica. This type of hair loss is influenced by genetic predisposition. In men, androgenetic alopecia often manifests itself as a receding hairline (receding hairline) or bald patches on the scalp, while women usually experience diffuse hair loss.
Alopecia areata: The autoimmune disease alopecia areata leads to sudden bald patches on the scalp or other hairy areas of the body (circular hair loss). The exact trigger of alopecia areata is not clearly known, but it is assumed that the immune system attacks hair follicles in alopecia areata, which ultimately leads to hair loss [3].
Alopecia totalis and universalis: These forms of alopecia are advanced stages of alopecia areata in which either the entire scalp (totalis) or the entire body (universalis) is affected.
Traumatic alopecia: Hair loss can be caused by mechanical stress on the hair, for example by strong pulling (traction alopecia) or by repeated rubbing or tugging of the hair [4].
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy: These cancer treatments can lead to severe hair loss as they attack fast-growing cells, including hair follicles.
Other causes: Diseases, hormonal changes, certain medications, infections or nutritional deficiencies can also lead to various forms of alopecia.
The exact cause of alopecia can vary depending on the type of hair loss. It is important to consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and find the best treatment option.
What to do about alopecia?
The treatment of alopecia depends on the type of hair loss, whether it is diffuse or circular hair loss, for example. Here are some approaches to treating different forms of alopecia depending on the cause:
For androgenetic alopecia: For both male and female androgenetic alopecia, patients are usually prescribed medications such as minoxidil and finasteride, which can slow the progression of hair loss caused by alopecia androgenetica [5].
For alopecia areata: Treatment for circular hair loss caused by alopecia areata may include steroid injections into the affected areas to influence the immune system and promote hair growth [6]. Topical creams or immunotherapies are also sometimes prescribed [7].
For traumatic alopecia: Avoiding excessive stress on the hair and scalp tissue can help to promote hair growth. Changes to hairstyle or styling can also relieve the affected area.
For hair loss caused by medication: Sometimes switching to alternative medication with fewer side effects on the hair in consultation with a doctor can be helpful.
For nutritional alopecia: Correcting nutrient deficiencies by taking supplements or adjusting your diet can help to stop hair loss, especially in the case of deficiencies such as iron, vitamin or protein deficiencies. We have summarised more information for you in this article.
It is important to emphasise that the response of patients to different treatments can vary from person to person. It is recommended to speak with a doctor or dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan.
At what age does alopecia occur?
Alopecia can occur at any age, and there are different types of alopecia that can occur at different stages of life. The most common form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, can often begin in men as early as the late teenage years. In women, it usually occurs after the menopause, but can also occur earlier. Alopecia areata can occur in people of any age, including children and adolescents.
However, hair loss is not always age-related and can be triggered by various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, illness or medication. It is important to pay attention to symptoms of hair loss and consult a doctor if necessary.
What therapies are available for alopecia?
There are various therapies that can be used depending on the type of alopecia:
Medication therapies: Minoxidil is a topical medication used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. It can promote hair growth and slow down hair loss [5]. Finasteride is also a prescription medication used to treat androgenetic alopecia in men [8]. It inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT, a hormone that plays a role in baldness. Corticosteroids are also often used in alopecia areata to reduce inflammation and influence the immune system to promote hair growth [6].
Immunotherapy: Various immunotherapies can be used for alopecia areata, including the application of chemicals such as diphencyprone or squaric acid dibutylester to the affected areas of the skin to stimulate hair follicle growth [9,10].
Laser therapy: Low-energy laser treatments can stimulate hair growth and improve hair thickness. This method is often used as a complementary treatment [11].
Not strictly speaking a therapy, but for advanced and stable androgenetic alopecia, hair transplantation can be a more permanent solution. This involves transplanting hair follicles from areas with thick hair onto the bald patches.
The best treatment depends on the type and progression of the hair loss. A dermatologist or specialist can recommend the best treatment option for the patient based on the exact diagnosis and the individual's needs.
Sources
[1] https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-stress-causes-hair-loss
[2] https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
[3] https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/alopecia-areata
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470434/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6322157/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002419/
[7] https://www. msdmanuals.com/en/professional/diseases-of-the-skin/diseases-of-the-hair/alopecia-areata
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9777765/
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3052565/
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4960932/
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8906269/