Hair and Scalp Condition: A Sign of Poor Health?
We are going to explore how the condition of our hair and scalp can reflect our overall health. It’s fascinating to explore how certain illnesses and medications can affect both our bodies and our hair. In some cases, giving our hair and scalp extra care may be the solution. By highlighting the connection between hair, scalp, and overall health, we can uncover some surprising insights.
Shedding Quite a Few Hairs Daily is Normal
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), shedding between 50 and 100 hair strands daily is normal. As long as the rate of hair replenishment keeps up with the rate of loss, there is no cause for concern. However, if the replacement process falls behind, it can lead to hair loss.
Scalp Condition – Dandruff
Dandruff, a common scalp condition, is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia. Factors like stress, cold weather, and certain hair care products can worsen the condition. Individuals with eczema or psoriasis are more prone to dandruff. Over-the-counter shampoos with zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole can manage dandruff. If these options don’t work, consulting a dermatologist for stronger treatments is recommended. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management helps control dandruff. However, since everyone’s skin is unique, finding the most effective treatment may require some trial and error.
Serious Disease-Related Dandruff
The hair and scalp condition seen above is a typical finding in some diseases. Parkinson’s disease, HIV, and immune system disorders increase the risk of seborrheic dermatitis, causing severe dandruff.
Advisory
Understanding the type of dandruff you’re dealing with is the first step toward effective treatment. If OTC dandruff treatments don’t help, consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan.
Reasons Behind Unusual Hair Shedding
Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic hair loss)
Although its exact cause is uncertain, experts believe that hereditary hair loss has a genetic component. Despite not causing physical pain, it has a profound psychological impact due to its unpredictable effects on appearance. While available treatments stimulate hair regrowth and manage the condition, there is currently no definitive cure.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, causes sudden hair loss in round patches on the scalp or body. Its exact cause is uncertain, but experts believe it has a genetic component. Despite lacking physical pain, it has a profound psychological impact due to unpredictable appearance changes. Available treatments stimulate hair regrowth and manage the condition, but no definitive cure exists. Therapies include topical treatments and advanced options like injections or immunotherapy for severe cases. Ongoing research offers hope for improved management and eventual cure of alopecia areata.
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium, a common temporary hair loss resulting from significant stress, illness, or life changes, disrupts the normal hair cycle. Hair shedding increases during washing or brushing, typically one to three months after the stressful event. However, the good news is that telogen effluvium is usually reversible. Once the triggering event passes and the body recovers, hair regrows within six months. Recovery time varies depending on individual health and the specific stressor, highlighting the need to consider these factors. Seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist if hair loss persists or concerns arise for further evaluation and treatment.
Iron deficiency anaemia
This condition is marked by insufficient iron levels, significantly impacts hair health. Iron is vital for producing hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to tissues, including hair follicles. In iron deficiency, the body prioritizes iron distribution to vital organs, neglecting hair follicles. This disrupts the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding and hair loss. Iron deficiency anemia is associated with diffuse hair loss, which can be reversed by restoring iron levels through proper supplementation.
Thyroid dysfunction
Thyroid dysfunction affects hair health. Hypothyroidism slows metabolism, resulting in hair thinning and loss. Hyperthyroidism accelerates metabolism, causing premature hair shedding. Hair loss from thyroid dysfunction is usually diffuse, non-scarring, and reversible with proper treatment.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus, an autoimmune disease, significantly impacts hair health. It causes inflammation and damage to skin and hair follicles. “Lupus hair” or “lupus alopecia” results, characterized by fragile, easily breakable hair and “fluff” on the scalp. Severe lupus flare-ups cause clumps of hair loss (alopecia areata). Hair regrows once the disease is controlled, but discoid lupus lesions may cause permanent hair loss through scarring.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS, a common hormonal disorder among reproductive-age women, affects hair health by altering hormone levels. PCOS increases androgen levels, including testosterone, resulting in hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and androgenetic alopecia (scalp hair thinning). Balancing hormone levels via lifestyle changes, medications, or treatments helps manage these hair-related symptoms in women with PCOS.
Skin disorders
Scalp-related skin disorders impact hair health and growth. Psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and ringworm cause inflammation, scaling, and infections. These conditions lead to temporary hair loss, breakage, or texture changes. Hair loss isn’t permanent but results from scratching and inflammation. Once the scalp condition is treated, hair typically regrows. However, scarring alopecia can cause permanent hair loss due to follicle damage. Seek medical advice and treatment for scalp skin disorder symptoms.
Heart disease
While not directly affecting hair, cardiovascular conditions can impact hair health through specific indicators and treatments. Male pattern baldness, especially at the crown, may be an early sign of heart disease. Certain heart medications, like beta-blockers, have been linked to reversible hair thinning or loss. Consult a healthcare provider before altering medication regimens as benefits usually outweigh temporary hair loss.
Impact of some medications on hair and scalp condition
Medications greatly affect hair health and growth, altering the hair cycle through various mechanisms. They can cause temporary or permanent hair loss (drug-induced alopecia) or excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis). Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles, leading to temporary severe hair loss. Conversely, minoxidil and finasteride promote hair growth, while isotretinoin and certain medications can cause hair thinning or texture changes. Antibiotics, anticoagulants, and hormonal medications also impact hair. Prescribing healthcare providers must consider these side effects, and patients should be aware of their potential hair impacts.
Effect of exposure to excessive sun on the hair and scalp condition
Sun’s UV rays harm hair health. UV radiation weakens keratin, leading to dryness, brittleness, discoloration, thinning, split ends, and dullness. It depletes natural oils, causing dryness. Scalp irritation, burning, flaking, itching, and increased skin cancer risk can occur. Lighter hair is more vulnerable due to less protective melanin. Precautions like wearing hats or using UV-protectant products are crucial during prolonged sun exposure to minimize damage.
Impact of Diet on hair and scalp condition
Diet profoundly impacts hair health. Hair’s composition relies on nutrients like protein (keratin) for strength. Protein deficiency causes weak, brittle hair and hair loss. Iron aids oxygen delivery to cells, including hair follicles, and its deficiency leads to hair loss. Vitamins (A, C, D, E) and B vitamins (biotin) promote hair growth, scalp circulation, and protect against stress. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds) nourish and thicken hair, reducing inflammation-induced hair loss. Unhealthy diets disrupt hair growth, causing hair loss through hormonal imbalances and inflammation from processed foods, sugar, and fats. Thus, a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is crucial for healthy hair.
Over-styling impacts hair and scalp condition
Excessive styling harms hair integrity. Frequent heat styling dries hair, causing brittleness and breakage. Tight hairstyles create tension, leading to hair loss. Chemical treatments weaken hair, making it vulnerable. Brushing, combing, and rough towel drying cause friction and damage. Maintain healthy hair by limiting heat styling, opting for gentle practices, and allowing recovery time.