Losing clumps of hair can be devastating and alarming. The body naturally sheds some hairs each day as part of the normal hair growth cycle. When the hair loss is rapid and results in bald patches, you should determine the cause and seek treatment.
Identification
Focal hair loss causes round, defined bald patches, according to Anne. L. Mounsey, M.D., of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In contrast, diffuse hair loss is widespread and typically causes gradual thinning, such as in male pattern baldness. Focal hair loss is a sign of an underlying condition and is divided into two broad classifications, according to the Merck Manual. Nonscarring alopecia, the more common form, results from conditions that cause reversible damage to the hair follicle that slows the growth cycle. Scarring alopecia, which is rare, is causes irreversible destruction of the hair follicle.
Types
Several types of nonscarring alopecia exist, the most common being alopecia areata, according to Mounsey. Alopecia areata is characterized by the sudden appearance round bald patches. The patches are completely hairless and bordered with deformed "exclamation-point" hairs. Tinea capitis is another common type of focal hair loss that typically occurs in children. Tinea capitis also produces round bald patches, but the scalp appears scaly and red. Other types of focal hair loss include traction alopecia and trichotillomania.
Causes
A number of conditions may disrupt the growth cycle and initiate greater-than-normal hair loss. For example, a fungal infection causes tinea capitis. Traction alopecia results from consistently wearing tight hairstyles, for example, tight braids or buns, or overprocessing hair, such as with coloring or permanent waves or relaxers. Compulsively tugging or twirling hair leads to trichotillomania. The cause of alopecia areata is less well defined and Mounsey suggested the condition may result from a type of autoimmune disease.
Treatment
Treatment for focal hair loss depends on the cause. Antifungals, such as griseofulvin, itraconzaole or fluconazole, effectively control tinea capitis. Areata alopecia treatment varies according to the extent of the condition, said Mounsey. Treatment is unnecessary for those with only one or two small bald patches, although minoxidil may help improve hair growth. People with more extensive hair loss may be treated with corticosteroids, and those who have lost hair on more than half their scalp may need topical immunotherapy, such as diphenyl-cyclopropenone. Most people with alopecia areata regrow hair within one year, while some with extensive hair loss may develop chronic alopecia, according to the Merck Manual.
Prevention
Keeping hair healthy can help minimize hair loss and the appearance of baldness. A balanced diet improves overall hair health. The Mayo Clinic recommends allowing hair to dry naturally and avoiding processing and tight hairstyles. Minoxidil may encourage new hair growth and prevent further loss, but it is not effective for everyone and may only have a short-term effect.
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