What is alopecia?
It is the abnormal hair loss. Although it is most common on the scalp, the beard, eyelashes, armpits and genital area may also be affected.
It can be classified into two groups:
- Scarring alopecia, with destruction of the hair follicle and irreversible.
- and non-scarring forms, which are reversible.
Although there are also multiple causes such as a diet lacking in essential nutrients, thyroid problems, iron deficiency, infections, stress, anemia, excessive use of cosmetics, dyes, etc. Treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation also cause alopecia.
Types of alopecia
The most frequent is androgenic and the affecting factors are genetic and hormonal. There is a hereditary gene responsible, but it has not yet been discovered. These affect the follicle, weakening it to the point of atrophy and fibrosis.
Androgenic alopecia
Also known as common baldness. It mainly affects men, although women are also affected to a small extent.
In men, hair is lost mainly in the frontal and parietal areas (known as receding hairline). Then it affects the vertex or crown region.
In women, the loss is diffuse, but the previous implantation line is maintained (entries).
Alopecia areata
The hair falls as if in round pieces all over the head. The hair can grow back because the hair follicles are not destroyed, but over time it may fall out again.
Traumatic alopecia
It is the loss caused by physical trauma, pressure or trichotillomania (impulsive control disorder of pulling out).
Diffuse alopecia
It is the intense, but reversible and non-localized scalp loss. It usually occurs after a traumatic state for the body such as childbirth, serious illness, fever, stress or significant weight loss.
Cicatricials
The repair is irreversible because there is damage, malformation or total rupture of the follicular structure. It is determined by infection, physical-chemical agents, tumors or dermatosis.
How to diagnose alopecia
Although each case is different, the patient’s medical history should be studied and a blood test should also be performed to detect any alteration in order to determine the exact cause of the fall.
When the origin of the alopecia is detected, the corresponding treatment will be applied.
Two medications are usually used for androgenic alopecia, minoxidil, which is applied to the scalp, and finasteride, which blocks androgen production and is taken orally. Cyproterone acetate is usually used in female androgenic alopecia.
In case of nutrient deficiency, supplements based on sulfur amino acids, minerals and vitamins are recommended.
In alopecia areata, corticosteroids (topical or infiltrated) and immunotherapy with the application of difenciprone (topical sensitizer) are prescribed.
Mesolux and capillary manipule
With Mesolux transdermal electroporation, Minoxidil can be introduced to the deepest layers of the scalp, maximizing the effectiveness of the product compared to topical use.
The high voltage pulses open the cell membrane and allow full entry of Minoxidil into the follicles painlessly.
Commitment to quality
This text on alopecia has been prepared by professional editors. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following sources:
- L. Lacueva Modrego y J. Ferrando Barberá. «Alopecias: orientación diagnóstica, clínica y terapéutica» en Medicina integral. Vol. 35. Núm. 2. 54-71
- «Alopecia femenina. Abordaje eficaz» en Farmacia profesional. Vol.15 num.10 (76-83).
- Bertolino AP. «Alopecia areata. A clinical overview» en Postgrad Med 2000; 107 (7): 81-5, 89-90.
