Diffuse hair loss, also diffuse Alopecia called, occurs increasingly phased and is usually well treatable. In this disease, the hair is not only in typical places such as the crown or the receding hairlinebut on the entire head uniformly thinner. While individual bald patches are usually not noticeable, the hair becomes increasingly thinner and the entire scalp increasingly shimmers through. Often, sufferers discover excessive hair in the shower drain or on the brush and thus become aware of the symptoms.
A loss of up to 100 hairs per day is quite a normal occurrence and not unusual. However, if this benchmark is exceeded, the trigger should be investigated. Even if the disease unisex is and almost all age groups can affect women more often than men.
Phases of hair growth
Normally the Hair loss often noticed only two to four months after the causative event. This is due to the hair cycle, which is divided into the following three phases:
- Growth phase (anagen phase): Duration from two to six years
- Transition phase (catagen phase): Duration of two weeks
- Dormant or failure phase (telogen phase): Duration from two to four months
Every single hair goes through this cycle, growing, falling out and growing again.
Forms of diffuse hair loss
- Telogen effluvium: In this variant, the loss of hair begins a few months after the responsible event. Although a traumatic incident or a radical intervention on the body, for example caused by a drastic dietIf the cause of the diffuse hair loss is not known, the hair will start to fall out more quickly. If the cause was found and treated, the diffuse hair loss is restored and the individual hairs grow back again.
- anagen effluvium: In this form, the failure begins already in the growth phase. Already one to two weeks after the triggering event, there is an acute loss of the hair, which can be Chemotherapy can be triggered. Usually, however, the hair grows back and sometimes becomes denser than before.
Triggers for diffuse hair loss
The triggers for this form of hair loss are wide-ranging, but in most cases are associated with a acute nutrient and mineral deficiency in context. A healthy eating is the Basis for healthy hair. If the hair root is not supplied with nutrients due to malnutrition, for example as a result of an eating disorder or diet, it will largely stop working and the hair will fall out as a result of the shortened growth phase out faster than usual. Whereas, on the other hand, in the case of a hereditary failure, a genetic predisposition underlying, the triggers for this hair loss are rather in the outer circumstances of the persons concerned.
Furthermore, the emergence of Stress a similar effect on the growth of hair. It is not uncommon for those affected to not really notice the stress at first. However, the body reacts accordingly to the change, shuts down all non-essential functions and stops hair growth. Other factors that promote the loss of hair include:
- Lack of sleep or sleep disorders
- Illnesses such as a flu-like infection, diabetes or other chronic complaints
- taking certain medicines (for example, anticoagulants)
- Smoking
- Maintenance errors
- Pregnancy
Unbalanced diet
If the body is not sufficiently supplied with important nutrients such as Vitaminstrace elements and minerals, this can lead to a Hair Growth Disorder lead. For example, if there is a Iron deficiency can be taken if necessary with the intake by Food supplements compensate.
Sleep deprivation
If the body does not get enough sleep, which is extremely important for the mental and physical regeneration If the sleep problem is not acute, this sometimes leads to symptoms such as poor concentration, depression or even hair loss. In case of acute sleep problems, a visit to a doctor is absolutely recommended in order to avoid long-term health effects. to counteract.
Diseases or infections
Furthermore, various diseases or infections and, in rare cases, poisoning by heavy metals can cause damage to hair growth. Skin diseases like fungal diseases, a viral infection, Tumors on the skin or Psoriasis and Eczema should be taken into account in the search for the cause, as well as any thyroid disease.
taking medicine
In addition, the use of certain medicines poses a increased risk potential to suffer from this form of hair loss. Information on any side effects should be taken from the package leaflet and clarified with a doctor before use. Drugs that promote the loss of hair are:
- Antibiotics
- Heparin (blood thinner)
- ACE inhibitors and beta blockers (for example, for high blood pressure)
- Lipid-lowering drugs (drugs that lower blood lipids)
- Drugs for the thyroid gland
- Painkiller
Smoking
The likelihood of being affected by diffuse hair loss is increased by the use of tobacco almost doubles. If the consumption is more than one pack a day, the probability increases by 130 percent.
Maintenance errors
In some cases, a incorrect or improper care can be a trigger for diffuse hair loss. Too much is expected of the hair, so that damage to the hair itself occurs. In particular, too intensive and hot drying, the use of curling irons, frequent bleaching as well as perms represent a Threat for the growth and health of the hair.
Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy
At the beginning of pregnancy, many women enjoy strikingly dense and healthy-looking hair, which the Change in hormone balance is due to. The reason for this is that the growth phase of the hair is prolonged. Due to the hormonal change after birth, on the other hand, it then often comes to a increased breakdown over the entire head. However, this short-term loss of hair usually settles down again after a short time.
Symptoms and duration
Contrary to the typical hair loss pattern in age-related and hereditary hair loss, which is classically associated with the development of receding hairline and a tonsure diffuse hair loss, there is no discernible pattern. A circular loss (alopecia areata) also shows its characteristics through a corresponding loss pattern. In diffuse disease, on the other hand, the main hair thins out over the entire length of the head. Scalp the entire hair density is distributed over the head. reduces. Furthermore, the loss of hair may temporary be and predominantly episodic occur. High stress levels in difficult life situations are not uncommon triggers. The duration can vary from person to person.
Treatment of diffuse hair loss
This variant of hair loss is generally considered to be reversible. With regard to the therapy, the main aim is to hair follicle more resistant. In doing so, the trigger should first be diagnosed by a doctor and then, at best, this should be discontinued. If the loss of a Malnutrition underlying, dietary supplements can be taken as a supportive measure. As a non-drug therapy these are conducive to strengthening hair fullness as well as improved hair growth. If medications are the trigger, in consultation with the respective doctor can be a other drug be prescribed. If a Iron deficiency diagnosed, it is essential to clarify the triggers and to treat them in a targeted manner.
In the case of a Anemiacaused by anaemia in the case of iron deficiency, can be Iron supplements should be administered. If it is a Thyroid diseasewhich leads to the loss of the hair, this must of course also be Sync and corrections by n17t01 be treated. Are the triggers in hormonal fluctuations also can be used special drugs. The substances contained therein (Minoxidil and finasteride) are, however, not completely harmless and can Side effects such as increased hair growth in other parts of the body or water retention in the tissue (edema). When the loss of hair from a Diet it is advisable to discontinue this by all means and to start with a balanced diet instead. Otherwise developed nutrient deficiencies are in this country in the rarest cases triggers.
Even if the trigger of this variant of hair loss has been successfully combated for the time being, it can still be two to three months stop. This is due to the fact that a certain part of the hair is already in the dormant or outage phase has occurred and after a few months fails.
FAQ's - Questions and answers
When do we speak of diffuse hair loss?
Diffuse hair loss is when the hair becomes progressively thinner and falls out evenly over the entire head.
What are the triggers for diffuse loss of hair?
The causes are manifold, but are often related to psychological suffering.
What is the treatment for diffuse hair loss?
The treatment must be adapted to the corresponding cause and therefore individually coordinated with a doctor.
