Hair & nail diseases

Hair diseases

Particularly common:

• Hair loss
• Increased hair growth

Irreversible forms of hair loss also occur in the context of other diseases (e.g. lupus erytematodes). In all cases, a precise diagnosis of the cause is essential for successful treatment.

Hair loss

People normally lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. This is not normally noticeable as new hair grows back at the same time. Hair loss occurs when new hair does not replace the hair that has fallen out.

Hair loss is typically related to one or more of the following factors:

• Family history(heredity)
  The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that occurs with age. This condition is known as androgenetic alopecia, male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss. It usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns - receding hairline and bald patches in men and thinning hair along the scalp in women.
  
• Hormonalchanges andconditions
  A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems.
  
• Medications andsupplements
  Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.
  
• A very stressful phase of life
  Many people experience generalised hair loss several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.
  
• Hairstyles and treatments
  Excessive hair styling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as braids, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hair treatments with hot oil and perms can also cause hair to fall out. If scarring occurs, hair loss can be permanent.