Illnesses That Cause Hair Loss

Everyone sheds hair, we just do it at different rates. Over in the United States, research has shown that the most common cause of hair loss in men, androgenetic alopecia, affects 50 million males and 30 million females.

There are many causes of male and female hair loss – including genetics, medications, stressful periods of your life, or the wrong hair treatments. Another cause of hair loss can be illnesses, and in this blog, we take a look at some of the medical conditions which are understood to contribute to baldness.

What illnesses cause hair loss?

– Alopecia areata – this is a condition that is characterised by the hair falling out in patches. Sometimes these patches can be so small that they go unnoticed, but in other cases, the patches can connect and be more prominent. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the hair follicles are attacked by the immune system, which results in hair loss. The condition affects the scalp and in some cases other parts of the body.

– Lupus – another autoimmune disease with symptoms such as tiredness, joint stiffness and pain, and a rash, lupus can also cause hair loss. In some cases, the hair grows back, and in other cases, it doesn’t. The reason for the hair loss is that lupus causes inflammation, discoid lesions, and sores, and is sometimes treated by medications that can lead to hair loss.

– Cancer – the chemotherapy which is needed to treat different forms of cancer – like Hodgkin’s lymphoma, for instance – causes hair loss. There are also other cancer treatments that can cause hair loss, such as radiation therapy, a stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy. These kinds of treatments damage the cells which assist hair growth.

– Thyroid issues – thyroid conditions – which occur when the thyroid gland is not producing enough of specific hormones or is producing too many of them – can cause several symptoms, and one of them is thinning or dry hair on the scalp.

– Burning scalp syndrome – this condition is characterised by a tingling sensation in the scalp, but it should be noted that in most cases, burning scalp syndrome is actually a symptom of other conditions which cause hair loss; such as sunburn, reactions to specific hair products, and nerve or skin trauma.

– Eating disorders – eating disorders such as anorexia can be a cause of hair loss. This is due to the body being malnourished and protein stores being depleted, and the body focusing on taking care of essentials such as retaining muscle tissue and the function of organs. At this stage, the hair loses out as the body adjusts and focuses on the crucial tasks.

There are other illnesses that have the potential to cause hair loss too, such as; trichotillomania and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

What treatments are available?

If your hair is thinning due to an illness, there are several treatment options available to you. One of these is medication. In the UK, the two main medication options for hair loss are Rogaine (Minoxidil), which is available over the counter; and Propecia (Finasteride), which needs a prescription.

In some circumstances, the most effective treatment option can be a hair transplant, which can remedy hair loss in both the short and long term. The follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant is considered today’s world-leading technique and offers a high success rate. An FUE hair transplant recreates hair where it is being lost on the scalp, giving you thicker hair just 8 to 12 months after the treatment.

Why is the FUE hair transplant considered the best on the market?

It is down to factors such as; superb precision, thanks to millimetre-guided procedures; a fast recovery time with speedier healing compared to other hair transplants; a minimally invasive procedure that leaves minimal scarring; and long-lasting results which can be seen for years following the treatment.

Finding a FUE Hair Transplant Clinic in London

If you are searching for a hair transplant clinic London can rely on, look no further than Treatment Rooms. Based at the prestigious Number 10 Harley Street, our hair transplant clinic is easily reachable by car and public transport. Treatment Rooms offers FUE hair transplants performed by two of the capital’s most accomplished surgeons – Dr. Dilan Fernando and Dr. Roshan Vara. Find out more information by calling us on 020 8706 0076.