Hair loss is also known as alopecia. You may lose a few hairs at a time or in clumps depending upon the etiology (cause) of your hair loss. The American Hair Loss Association states that hair loss can be inherited or due to tight hairstyles and certain medical conditions. If you or someone you know is experiencing hair loss, you should know about its different types.
Alopecia Areata
According to the Mayo Clinic, alopecia areata causes you to lose hair in patches. For example, you may have a bald patch on your scalp, eyebrow, beard or eyelash. When you lose hair on your entire body, this is called alopecia universalis. If you lose hair on your entire scalp this condition is called alopecia totalis.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, is a type of hair loss disorder diagnosed in 3 percent of people suffering from hair loss, according to the American Hair Loss Association. In this type of hair loss, permanent scar tissue remains after you lose patches of hair. Symptoms accompanying this hair loss include severe itching, pain and burning.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium refers to a temporary hair loss that can occur suddenly when you wash or comb your hair, according to the Mayo Clinic. When you tug your hair, large amounts of it can lead to thinning of your hair. No bald patches result. The association states that telogen effluvium can be due to chronic stress, your diet or hormonal (chemical) changes in your body.
Trichotillomania and Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia refers to hair loss due to the mechanical action of pulling at your hair, according to the association. If you pull your hair into a ponytail or use tight hairbands, this may pull your hair follicles out of your scalp.
Trichotillomania refers to a self-induced pulling of hair. Much debate exists over whether trichotillomania is a habit or a serious psychological problem. Sufferers may pull hair from their scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or pubic region, says the association. Those who eat their hair after pulling it suffer from trichotillophagia and immediate medical attention is necessary because hair can severely irritate the stomach and intestinal lining.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is a permanent form of hair loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. Men can begin to have a receding hairline at the top of their heads or temples starting as young as their teen years. Women may lose hair at the front, crown or sides of their head and rarely develop complete baldness.
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