Hair loss

What is hair loss?

Alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, pertains to the gradual or abrupt shedding of hair from the scalp or other body regions. This prevalent condition can impact people of any age or gender. Hair loss may stem from diverse factors, underscoring the importance of discerning its root causes for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment.

Common signs of hair loss:

• • Noticeable thinning of hair on the scalp.
• • Excessive shedding of hair during washing or brushing.
• • Receding hairline.
• • Formation of bald spots or patches on the scalp.
• • Changes in the texture or quality of hair.

Causes of hair loss:

Hair loss can be prompted by a range of factors, including:

• Genetics: The presence of a family history of hair loss can contribute to hereditary baldness.
• Hormonal changes: Imbalances in hormones, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause, have the potential to lead to hair loss.
• Medical conditions: Specific health issues like thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and alopecia areata hold the potential to trigger hair loss.
• Medications: Some drugs, including chemotherapy medications, blood thinners, and antidepressants, may have hair loss as a side effect.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate consumption of vital nutrients such as iron and vitamins can negatively impact hair health.
• Stress: Emotional or physical stress is a contributing factor to hair loss.

How does Dr Kunene diagnose hair loss?

Dr Kunene employs a comprehensive approach to diagnose hair loss. The diagnostic process may involve:

• Medical history assessment: Understanding the patient's overall health, family history, and any recent changes in lifestyle or medications.
• Physical examination: Careful examination of the scalp and hair to identify patterns of hair loss, bald spots, or changes in hair texture.
• Laboratory tests: Blood tests to assess hormone levels and nutritional status and rule out underlying medical conditions.
• Scalp biopsy: In certain instances, a minute scalp sample may be extracted for microscopic analysis to identify the underlying cause of hair loss.

How does Dr Kunene treat hair loss?

Dr Kunene tailors treatment plans based on the underlying cause and severity of hair loss. Treatment options may include:

• Medications: Doctor-prescribed medications, like minoxidil or finasteride, work to encourage hair growth and impede further loss
• Topical treatments: Specially formulated shampoos, foams, or creams containing active ingredients aim to stimulate hair growth or address underlying conditions.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: In this minimally invasive procedure, the patient's blood is processed to extract growth factors, which are subsequently injected into the scalp to activate hair follicles.
• Laser therapy: Low-level laser therapy is utilized to boost hair growth and enhance the overall health of existing hair.