What is alopecia?
Alopecia is the excessive hair loss that causes baldness. There are different types of alopecia that have different causes and that manifest themselves differently in each person. The most common are androgenetic alopecia, where the cause is genetic; and alopecia areata, when the origin of the hair loss is unknown.
This disease affects men to a greater extent.
What are the symptoms?
Hair loss is usually the only symptom of alopecia. Most hair loss occurs on the scalp, although it can also be seen on the beard, eyebrows, arms and legs. In the case of total alopecia, the loss of all hair occurs within six months after the first symptoms appear.
Causes of alopecia or why it occurs
It is caused by three main factors: genetic inheritance, age and male hormones. Generally, it is triggered by the presence of high doses of dihydrotesterone in the blood, which in women is found in small amounts, making it a pathology that occurs more in men.
Acquired alopecia can be caused by: certain chemicals, postpartum, anemia, diabetes, fungal infections, high fever, cancer, malnutrition and stress, among others.
Can it be prevented?
If you act in time you can stop the process of baldness. Stress and drastic diets should be avoided, as they are two of the possible causes of alopecia.
What is the treatment?
The treatment for alopecia may vary depending on the causes of alopecia. However, the most common treatments are: nutritional supplements, systemic and topical drugs. In some cases patients also opt for hair transplantation.
Wigs may also be used to mask hair loss.