Androgen Dependent Alopecia – The Most Common Hair Loss Conditions

The Shuna Hammocks Trichology Clinic in West Sussex is one of the leading trichology clinics in the South West, under the guidance of Shuna Hammocks. An expert in her field, she has over fourteen years’ experience in diagnosing and treating a range of hair and scalp conditions.

These are some of the most common conditions dealt with at the Shuna Hammocks Trichology Clinic:

Androgen Dependent Alopecia

This is the most common hair loss complaint seen at the clinic, accounting for 50% of visits. Also referred to as Male Pattern Baldness or Female Pattern Baldness, this hereditary condition is not restricted to men. It’s caused by sensitivity to hormones, which results in the affected follicles producing finer and shorter hairs. Both men and women experience the upper region of the hair to thin gradually, this does not result in patches (another condition entirely) but a miniaturisation of the pre disposed hair follicles which , in men if untreated, results in the loss of the hair in this locality.

Eczema

Eczema is a non-contagious skin disease that can cause hair loss when the scalp is affected. It’s the second most common complaint seen at the clinic, accounting for 22% of visits. It’s an inflammatory, itchy condition, linked to hormones that can cause embarrassment and discomfort, and causes hair to feel lank and fall out.

General Hair Loss

12% of patients attend the clinic complaining of general hair loss. While most people lose an average of 100 hairs every day, a consistent loss of more than this each day is regarded as significant hair loss. Several circumstances may produce a shock to the system, sufficient enough to cause hair loss. Such circumstances include certain medications, poor nutrition, stress, anxiety, bereavement, and thyroid conditions.

Scarring Hair Loss

Often referred to as Scarring or Cicatricial Alopecia, this relatively rare disorder accounts for 6% of visits to the clinic. For some, hair loss is gradual, starting with small patches of hair that may go unnoticed for some time. For others, this condition is associated with severe itching, burning and generalised pain, and is rapidly progressive. The common theme amongst them is the destruction of hair follicles and their replacement with scar tissue.

Alopecia Areata

This is a type of hair loss that causes patches of baldness, and is often called Patchy Baldness. Typically, one or two bald patches appear on the head, and in most cases this condition spontaneously regrows. This condition can cause pitting or ridges to form on the fingernails, and thinning of the eyebrows, too. Other forms of Alopecia Areata can cause widespread hair loss which can lead to loss of all scalp and/or body hair. Five per cent of patients visit the clinic with this condition.

Psoriasis

Also accounting for 5% of visits to the clinic, psoriasis is a scaling skin disease. Sufferers typically develop patches of red, scaly skin which, when found on the scalp, looks like severe dandruff and can cause hair loss. This is usually a temporary state and the hair will regrow as the condition improves.

If you’re suffering from a hair loss condition, and aren’t sure what it is or how to treat it, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We diagnose and treat all the conditions above, as well as numerous others, and are able to give you a prescription to help you combat your hair loss at home, too.