LIFESTYLE NEWS - September is Alopecia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about hair loss, challenging misconceptions and supporting people living with alopecia.

The word “alopecia” simply means hair loss. 

It is the medical term for partial or complete loss of hair from the scalp or body, and it can have a range of causes.

It is estimated that around 2% of the global population will experience alopecia at some point in their lives, meaning roughly one in every 50 people may be affected.

Different types of alopecia

Not all hair loss is the same. Some of the more common forms include:

Alopecia areata: An immune-system condition that can cause sudden, round or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp or body.

Androgenetic alopecia: A genetic form of hair loss commonly known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness.

Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair and scalp, which can occur with tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids and extensions.

Telogen effluvium: A form of temporary hair shedding that can occur after significant physical or emotional stress, illness or hormonal changes. These factors can cause a larger-than-usual number of hair follicles to enter a resting phase at the same time.

Alopecia totalis: Complete loss of hair on the scalp.

What causes hair loss?

There is no single cause of alopecia.

Depending on the type, hair loss can be linked to genetics, hormonal changes, certain medications, illness, stress, environmental factors and hair-care practices. In some cases, more than one factor may contribute.

This is why identifying the underlying cause is important before deciding on treatment.

Can hair loss be prevented?

Preventing hair loss completely is not always possible, particularly when genetic or hormonal factors are involved. However, addressing underlying causes and adopting healthy hair and scalp practices may help reduce damage or manage some forms of hair loss.

Treatment options vary according to the type and cause of alopecia and may include:

Medication: Treatments such as minoxidil may be recommended for certain types of hair loss. Other medicines, including finasteride, may be considered for some men with androgenetic hair loss. These treatments are not suitable for everyone and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle and hair-care habits: A balanced diet, adequate sleep and effective stress management can support overall health. Avoiding excessive heat, harsh chemical treatments and hairstyles that place prolonged tension on the hair may also help reduce hair damage and traction-related hair loss.

Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss in some people, so supplements such as iron, vitamin D, biotin, vitamin B12 or zinc should generally be considered when a deficiency has been identified rather than taken routinely without medical advice.

Medical and aesthetic treatments: Depending on the diagnosis, treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), low-level light or laser therapy, microneedling and other scalp treatments may be considered. The evidence and suitability vary between conditions.

Hormonal treatment: For some women whose hair loss is associated with hormonal factors, a doctor may consider treatments such as certain oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medication.

Hair transplantation: Surgical options such as follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) can be considered for certain forms of permanent hair loss.

There is no one-size-fits-all cure

Unfortunately, there is no universal cure for alopecia.

Some types of hair loss are temporary and may resolve once the underlying trigger has been addressed, while others require longer-term management. Treatment success also depends on the underlying condition.

Professional treatment options can include prescribed medication, scalp therapies, PRP, microneedling and, for suitable candidates, hair transplantation.

Scalp-care products and topical treatments may also form part of a personalised hair-care routine. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide and other conditioning or soothing ingredients are used in some scalp formulations.

When should you seek medical advice?

Persistent, sudden or patchy hair loss should not simply be dismissed as a cosmetic concern.

A sudden change in hair growth or excessive shedding can sometimes be associated with an underlying medical condition, nutritional deficiency, hormonal change, medication or other health issue.

Anyone who is concerned about ongoing hair loss should speak to a doctor or other suitably qualified healthcare professional, particularly if the loss is sudden, occurs in patches or is accompanied by scalp symptoms.

The emotional impact should not be overlooked either. Hair loss can affect confidence, self-esteem and quality of life, and some people experience significant anxiety or depression as a result.

Persistent, sudden or patchy hair loss should not simply be dismissed as a cosmetic concern.

Biomedical Emporium’s scalp-care options

Biomedical Emporium offers a range of scalp-care and aesthetic treatment options.

Its Scalp Serum combines ingredients including hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin E, caffeine and peptides. The company says the formulation is designed to support scalp health, reduce scaling and irritation and stimulate hair follicles.

The serum can be used alongside Biomedical Emporium’s professional Microneedling Scalp Treatment, which is designed for people experiencing hair thinning or hair loss associated with static hair follicles and scalp inflammation.

For more information, visit Biomedical Emporium’s website.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’