DISORDERS IN HAIR
Human hair is a diverged one. It come in different textures and different colour.Hair is a significant feature of human appearance, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. It consists of a protein called keratin, which is produced in hair follicles embedded in the skin. While hair enhances our appearance and protects the scalp from UV radiation and environmental elements, it can also be susceptible to various diseases that affect its growth, texture, and overall health. Have you ever wondered how many hairs does your head contains,?? It varies form one to other. Interestingly on an average there are 80,000 to 1,20,000 in number. The diameter of human hair varies from 0.017 to 0.18 millimeters.
Hair is an important part of our body. We may say it just like its just a hair, but the people who don't have it really know the importance of it. Hair is one of the most important thing that plays a very important in the beauty of a person.
Hair diseases encompass a variety of conditions that affect the health, appearance, and growth of hair. These conditions can result from genetic predisposition, autoimmune responses, infections, hormonal imbalances, or even psychological factors. Here’s an overview of some common hair diseases:
- Alopecia Areata:
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss in round patches. It can progress to more extensive hair loss on the scalp or body. The exact cause is not fully understood, but genetics and environmental triggers are believed to contribute.
2. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness):
This hereditary form of hair loss is most common in men and women. It’s characterized by gradual hair thinning, typically starting at the hairline or crown. Androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a role in shrinking hair follicles over time.
3. Tinea Capitis (Ringworm of the Scalp):
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection that affects the scalp, causing red, scaly patches and hair breakage. It’s common in children and is highly contagious.
4. Telogen Effluvium:
This temporary hair shedding condition is often triggered by stress, illness, surgery, or hormonal changes. It disrupts the hair growth cycle, causing more hair follicles to enter the resting phase and eventually shed.
5. Trichotillomania:
Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder characterized by the urge to pull out one’s hair, often as a coping mechanism. This leads to patchy hair loss and broken hairs, usually in easily accessible areas.
6. Folliculitis:
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles, commonly caused by bacterial or fungal infections. It can result in red, pimple-like bumps around hair follicles, sometimes leading to hair loss.
7. Seborrheic Dermatitis:
This chronic skin condition causes red, itchy, and flaky patches on the scalp, known as dandruff. It can lead to temporary hair loss due to irritation and inflammation of hair follicles.
8. Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia):
Scarring alopecia involves inflammation that permanently damages hair follicles, replacing them with scar tissue. It can result from various causes, including autoimmune diseases or infections.
9. Lichen Planopilaris:
This inflammatory condition affects hair follicles and can cause itching, redness, and scaly patches on the scalp. Over time, it can lead to permanent hair loss.
10. Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can extend to the scalp, causing red, scaly patches. In severe cases, it can lead to hair loss due to the damage inflicted on hair follicles.
11. Alopecia Universalis and Totalis:
These conditions are severe forms of alopecia areata, resulting in total hair loss on the scalp and body (alopecia universalis) or only on the scalp (alopecia totalis).some of the other diseases include:
.Trichopathy
.Hypertrichosis
.Hypotrichosis
.Traction alopecia
.Dandruff
.Hair breakaage
.Split ends
.Dry scalp
.Oily scalp
.Hair thinning
.Hair loss
.Hair shedding
.Brittle hair
Conclusion:
Understanding common hair diseases is essential for recognizing their signs, seeking timely treatment, and managing their effects on hair health and appearance. Many of these conditions have a significant impact on self-esteem and overall well-being. If you suspect you have a hair disease, consulting a dermatologist or healthcare professional is recommended for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
