Q. What are the biggest causes of hair loss?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Hair loss can be caused by various factors, and it can be pretty distressing when you start noticing those extra strands in your brush or on the shower floor. Here are some of the biggest culprits:

1. Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia): This is the most common cause of hair loss, often referred to as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. It's all about your genes. If your family tree has a lot of bald branches, there's a good chance you might experience it too.

2. Hormonal Changes: Hormones play a significant role in regulating hair growth. Events like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems can throw your hormones out of whack, leading to temporary or permanent hair loss.

3. Stress: Ever heard of the phrase "pulling your hair out"? Well, stress doesn't just make you feel frazzled; it can actually cause hair loss too. Extreme stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to shedding.

4. Medical Conditions and Treatments: Conditions like alopecia areata (where the immune system attacks hair follicles), scalp infections, and certain diseases like diabetes or lupus can result in hair loss. Additionally, treatments like chemotherapy, while targeting cancer cells, can unfortunately also affect healthy cells, including those responsible for hair growth.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies: Your hair needs certain nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Lack of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin D, and protein can lead to hair loss over time.

6. Overstyling and Chemicals: Constantly subjecting your hair to harsh treatments like bleaching, perming, or using excessive heat from styling tools can damage your hair and cause it to break or fall out.

7. Age: As we age, our hair naturally thins out. The rate of hair growth slows down, and the hair follicles shrink, producing finer and shorter strands.

8. Poor Scalp Health: A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. Issues like dandruff, psoriasis, or excessive oiliness can interfere with the hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss.

Understanding these causes can help you take steps to prevent or manage hair loss. If you're concerned about excessive hair loss, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

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Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.

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