Diffuse hair loss – causes, symptoms & therapy

Diffuse hair loss

Diffuse hair loss ( diffuse alopecia ) is one of the most common forms of hair loss. Women in particular are affected by diffuse hair loss. Diffuse hair loss can have a number of causes.

What is diffuse hair loss?

Diffuse hair loss, also known in technical jargon as diffuse alopecia, describes the loss of hair that, unlike circular hair loss, is not limited to certain areas, but occurs over the entire head. As a rule, people lose between 80 and 100 hairs a day. If this number is exceeded, doctors speak of diffuse hair loss.

In order to prevent diffuse hair loss, attention should be paid to a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as whole grain and dairy products. Proteins, iron, vitamins and amino acids also supply the hair with important nutrients and prevent diffuse hair loss from occurring.

causes

There are many causes of diffuse hair loss. Disease -related causes include thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus, sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis , chronic intestinal diseases, severe infections, eating disorders and cancer.Sometimes external circumstances also lead to diffuse hair loss. Excessive stress , changed living conditions, an unbalanced and unhealthy diet , iron deficiency and nutrient deficiency ( biotin , zinc ) can lead to increased hair loss.

If the diffuse hair loss occurs after taking the medication, this can be an indication. In particular, drugs used in chemotherapy, such as ACE blockers, beta blockers , lipid-lowering drugs, retinoids, thyroid drugs, antibiotics and some painkillers lead to hair loss.

In women, this is usually caused by hormonal fluctuations, e.g. B. at the beginning of the menopause (climacteric) or when putting on or stopping the pill. This is due to the altered hormone levels. Above all, a lack of estrogen can lead to disturbed hair growth and the death of the hair root. It is not uncommon for women to complain about severe hair loss after childbirth. This is also due to hormonal fluctuations. While there is an increased concentration of estrogen during pregnancy, this already falls after the birth. This leads to diffuse hair loss.

When to the doctor?

In women in particular, gradual hair loss should always be examined and checked by a doctor. The changes are considered unusual and are often based on causes that need to be medically clarified and treated. If there is a noticeable loss of hair after taking the birth control pill, the doctor should be informed. Together they look for alternative contraceptive methods so that the pill can be stopped and the hair can grow normally again.

If the hair loss occurs due to other medications, it is also often an intolerance to the preparation. The doctor must be consulted and the problem discussed. Hair loss is a common phenomenon associated with hormonal changes. A doctor’s visit is necessary to correct the hormonal balance and bring about changes.

Diffuse hair loss can occur due to a deficiency in the organism. Sometimes you can change your diet and optimize the supply of nutrients without medical help. However, if there is no improvement or if the hair loss increases, a doctor should be consulted. For some sufferers, hair loss occurs as a result of severe psychological problems, stress or emotional strain. It is advisable to consult a doctor. As soon as there is distress, shame or social withdrawal due to the symptoms, it is advisable to ask a doctor or therapist for help.

symptoms and course

Unlike circular hair loss, diffuse hair loss is not limited to specific regions of the head. As the disease progresses, the hair becomes thinner overall and there are sometimes sparse patches on the head. As a rule, diffuse hair loss does not lead to complete baldness or baldness. The course can be extremely different depending on the patient. What matters most is the cause. As a rule, the diffuse hair loss disappears even after these have been eliminated.

Diagnose

Due to the numerous causes of diffuse hair loss, the diagnosis of diffuse hair loss is sometimes very difficult. A detailed anamnesis clarifies the first possible triggers. Questions about the duration, type, localization, existing or previous diseases and medication can provide information. A conversation about the living conditions and eating habits (possible stress, changes in life, depression ) can also be helpful.

Then there is a clinical examination of the hair in which the quantity, structure and follicles of the hair are examined. The anchoring of the hair in the scalp can also make a significant contribution to finding the causes. Finally, the diagnosis is supported by laboratory findings. For this purpose, the concentration of sex hormones, thyroid hormones and iron levels is determined with the help of a blood count. Since diffuse hair loss is often associated with several causes, a thorough and comprehensive examination is essential.

complications

Diffuse hair loss can be so massive that it can occur as a complication of an underlying condition. Without treating this disease, diffuse hair loss cannot be stopped. For women, complete hair loss is a complication that can be very stressful mentally. If you cannot or do not want to wear a wig, the hair that has fallen out can cause depression. This is particularly the case with younger women. However, treating the underlying condition can often stop hair loss. New hair grows back. It is also possible that the scalp is undersupplied with nutrients. A disruption in the nutrient structure must be diagnosed and treated by the doctor so that the diffuse hair loss can be stopped.

The same applies to hormonal hair loss. First, those affected will try to treat the increasingly bald head with hair restorers. As a complication, side effects such as skin irritation, itching and massive dandruff formation due to drying skin can occur. Hair loss caused by tumors indicates certain cancer foci that have not been recognized or are already being treated. Here, the diffuse hair loss is often an additional complication of chemotherapy or radiation treatment on the head. This condition can cause severe psychological stress for those affected. So that this complication is not too serious, wigs, self-help offers or psychotherapeutic interventions are possible.

treatment and therapy

Based on the examination results, diffuse hair loss can be treated in a targeted manner. Hair loss often improves after the causes have been eliminated. In principle, it is not the diffuse hair loss itself that is to be treated, but rather the cause. As a rule, hair growth starts again after about 6 months.

The level of suffering is often very high, especially for women who attach great importance to their appearance. When used as a support, a 2% Minoxidil solution has had good results. Holistic treatment is important. In addition to hair lotions or hair tonics, which are intended to stimulate hair growth and nourish the hair roots, a change in diet is also useful.Due to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle (stimulant toxins, ready meals, highly industrially processed foods), the body becomes increasingly acidic . Deacidification, the elimination of toxins and restoration of the acid-base balance can definitely have a positive effect on hair growth.

An additional supply of nutrients such as zinc, biotin , folic acid and vitamin C for diffuse hair loss is still controversial. Although studies confirm a strengthening effect, these nutrients cannot be stored in the body as a depot. In order to keep the supply constant, a permanent intake is required. As a rule, however, undersupply is extremely rare in western industrialized nations.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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