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Hair dandruff
Factoid:
The average human head has about 100,000 hair follicles.
Hair dandruff
What Is alopecia areata? pattern baldness is considered an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, the tiny cup-shaped stopped from which hairs grow, hair dandruff. This can lead to baldness on the scalp and other sites on the body. In most situations, hair falls out in small, round patches with reference to two centimeters square. In many cases, the disease does not cover more than a couple of patches. In some folks, hair loss is more extensive. Although uncommon, hair dandruff, the condition can go on to to cause total loss of hair on the head (referred to as alopecia totalis) or complete loss of hair on the head, face, and body (alopecia universalis). What Causes It? In male or female pattern baldness, immune system cells called white blood cells attack the speedily growing cells in the hair follicles that make the hair. The affected hair follicles become tiny and radically inhibit hair production. Fortunately, the stem cells that continually supply the follicle with new cells do not seem to be targeted. Therefore the follicle always has the potential to regrow hair - hair dandruff. Hair research scientists do not know exactly why the hair follicles undergo these changes, hair dandruff but they are fairly sure that a combination of genes may predispose some individuals to the ailment. In those who are genetically predisposed, some type of trigger - perhaps a virus or a certain thing in the person's environment - brings on the assault against the hair follicles. Who Is Most Likely To Get It? male or female pattern baldness seriously affects about four million US citizens of both sexes and of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. It often begins in childhood hair dandruff. If you have a close relative with the affliction, your risk of developing it is slightly increased. If your relation lost their first patch of hair before age thirty, the risk to other family members is greater. On the whole, one in five citizens with the affliction have a family member who has it also. Is My alopecia areata a Symptom of a Serious Disease? pattern baldness is not a life-threatening condition and neither is hair dandruff. It does not instigates any physical pain, and persons that have the ailment are generally in good health otherwise. For most folk however, a ailment that unpredictably affects their appearance the way alopecia areata does is a serious matter. The effects of pattern baldness are primarily socially and emotionally worrying. In alopecia universalis, however, loss of eyelashes and eyebrows and hair in the nose and ears can make the person more vulnerable to dust, germs, and foreign particles entering the nose, eyes, and ears. male or female pattern baldness often occurs in people whose relatives have other autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, pernicious anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid disease, Addison's disease or rheumatoid arthritis or even hair dandruff. People who have alopecia areata do not typically have other autoimmune ailments, but they do tend to have a higher occurrence of atopic eczema, nasal allergies, thyroid disease and asthma, hair dandruff. Can I Pass It on to My Children? It is possible, but not likely, for pattern baldness to be inherited. Most children with male or female pattern baldness do not have a parent with the affliction, and the vast majority of parents with alopecia areata do not pass it along to their children. male or female pattern baldness is not like some genetic conditions in which a child has a 50 50 chance of developing the ailment if one parent has it. Researchers into hair disease believe that there may be a number of genes that predispose certain persons to the disease. It is highly unlikely that a child would inherit all of the genes needed to predispose him or her to the disease. Even with the right (or wrong) combination of genes, pattern baldness is not a certainty. In identical twins, who share all of the same genes, the concordance rate is only fifty five percent. In other words, if one twin has the affliction, there is only a 55 percent chance that the other twin will have it as well. This shows that other factors besides genetics are neccessary to trigger the ailment. To learn more with regard to the genes and other considerations involved in alopecia areata risk, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is funding an pattern baldness registry hair dandruff. The registry is a methodical network of five centers throughout the USA that will identify and register patients that are affected by the condition and collect data and blood samples (which contain genes). Data, including genetic information, will be made available to researchers investigating the genetic origin and other effects of disease and disease risk. (For more information about the registry, see "How Can I Take Part In Research?") Will My Hair Ever Grow Back? The chances that your hair will grow back are very good, but it may also fall out again. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict whether it could regrow or fall out. The course of the disease varies from person to person. Some citizens lose just a few patches of hair, hair dandruff after which the hair grows again and the condition never comes back. Other individuals continue to lose and regrow hair for many years. Some lose all the hair on their head, face and body; a few lose all the hair on their head. Even for those individuals who lose all their hair, the possibility for full re-growth remains. In some, the initial hair regrowth is white, with a gradual return of the original hair color. In most, the re-grown hair is ultimately the same color and texture as the original hair. What Can I Expect Next? The course of male or female pattern baldness is highly unpredictable, and the uncertainty of what will happen next is probably the most difficult and frustrating effect of the affliction. You may continue to lose hair, or your loss of hair may stop, hair dandruff. Your lost hair could grow back but it may not and it is possible that you may not continue to develop new bare patches. How Is It Treated? [While there is neither a cure for alopecia areata nor drugs approved for its treatment], some folks find that medications approved for other purposes like alopecia areata can help hair grow back, hair dandruff at least in the short term. The following are some methods of treatment for pattern baldness. Keep in mind that while these treatments may promote hair growth, none of them prevent new patches or in fact cure the underlying ailment. Consult your health care professional with reference to the best choice for you. Corticosteroids - Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, hair dandruff, similar to a hormone known as cortisol produced in the body. Because these drugs suppress the immune system if given orally, they are often used in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including hair dandruff. Corticosteroids may be administered in three ways for male or female pattern baldness:
Local injections - Injections of steroids directly into hairless patches on the scalp and sometimes the brow and beard areas are effective in hair growth in most people. It normally takes about 4 weeks for new hair growth to become visible. Injections deliver tiny amounts of cortisone to problem areas, avoiding the more serious side effects encountered with long-term oral use. The main side effects of innoculations are transient pain, mild swelling, and occasionally changes in pigmentation, as well as small indentations in the skin that go away when innoculations are halted. Because injections can be painful, they may not be the preferred treatment for children. After 1 or 2 months, new hair growth generally becomes visible, and the innoculations ordinarily have to be repeated monthly. The cortisone removes the confused immune cells and allows the hair to grow. Large areas cannot be treated, however, because the discomfort and the quantity of medicine become too great and can result in side effects similar to those of the oral regimen. Oral corticosteroids - Corticosteroids taken orally are a mainstay of treatment for many autoimmune diseases and may be used in more extensive male or female pattern baldness. But because of the risk of side effects of oral corticosteroids, such as hypertension, hair dandruff and cataracts, they are used only occasionally for pattern baldness and for shorter periods of time. Topical ointments - ointments or creams containing steroids rubbed directly onto the affected area are less traumatic than injections and, therefore, are occasionally preferred for children. However, corticosteroid ointments and creams in isolation are less effective than innoculations; they work best when combined with other topical methods of treatment, such as minoxidil or anthralin.
Minoxidil (5%) (Rogaine) - Topical minoxidil mixture promotes hair growth in several conditions in which the hair follicle is small and not growing to its full potential. Minoxidil is FDA-approved for treating male and female pattern alopecia. It may also be useful in promoting hair growth in alopecia areata. The tincture, applied twice daily, has been shown to promote hair growth in both adults and children, and may be used on the scalp, brow, and beard areas. With constant and proper use of the solution, new hair growth occurs in with reference to three months. Brand names included in this article are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that these products are endorsed by the National Institutes of Health or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular brand name is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that the product is not satisfactory. Anthralin (Psoriatec) - Anthralin, a synthetic tar-like substance that alters immune function in the problem skin, is an approved treatment for psoriasis. Anthralin is also commonly used to treat male or female pattern baldness. Anthralin is applied for 1 to 3 hours ("short contact therapy") to avoid skin irritation, hair dandruff which is not appropriate for the drug to work. When it works, new hair growth is customarily evident in 8 to 12 weeks. Anthralin is often used in combination with other treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or minoxidil, for improved results. Sulfasalazine - A sulfa drug, sulfasalazine has been used as a treatment for different autoimmune disorders, including psoriasis. It acts on the immune system and has been used to some effect in patients with very bad alopecia areata. Topical sensitizers - Topical sensitizers are medicines that, when applied to the scalp, provoke an allergic reaction that leads to itching, scaling, and eventually hair growth. If the medication works, new hair growth is commonly established in three to twelve months. Two topical sensitizers are used in pattern baldness: squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) and diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). Their safety and consistency of formula are currently under review. Oral cyclosporine - Originally developed to keep people's immune systems from rejecting transplanted organs, oral cyclosporine is sometimes used to suppress the immune system response in psoriasis and other immune-mediated skin conditions. But suppressing the immune system can also instigates problems, including an increased risk of serious infection and possibly skin cancer. Although oral cyclosporine may regrow hair in male or female pattern baldness, it does not turn the condition off. Most family doctors feel the dangers of the drug outweigh its benefits for alopecia areata and hair dandruff. Photochemotherapy - In photochemotherapy, a treatment used most commonly for psoriasis, a person is given a light-sensitive drug known as a psoralen either orally or topically given and then exposed to an ultraviolet light source. This combined treatment is called PUVA. In clinical trials, about 55 percent of folks achieve cosmetically acceptable hair growth using photochemotherapy. However, the relapse rate is high, and patients must go to a treatment center where the equipment is available at least two to three times per week. Furthermore, the treatment brings the risk of developing skin cancer. Alternative therapies - When drug methods of treatment fail to bring sufficient hair regrowth, some persons turn to other types of therapies - hair dandruff. Alternatives purported to help pattern baldness include Chinese herbs, aroma therapy, acupuncture, evening primrose oil, and zinc and vitamin supplements. Because many alternative therapies are not backed by clinical trials, they may or may not be effective for re-growing hair. In fact, some may actually make alopecia worse. Furthermore, just because these therapies are natural does not mean that they are safe. As with any therapy, it is best to discuss these treatments with your family doctor before you employ them.
In addition to treatments to help hair grow, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the physical dangers or downsides of losing one's hair. Sunscreens are important for the scalp, face, and all exposed areas. Eyeglasses (or sunglasses) protect the eyes from excessive sun rays, and from dust particles and debris, when eyebrows or eyelashes are missing. Wigs, caps, or scarves protect the scalp from ultra violet light and keep the head warm. Antibiotic ointment applied inside the nostrils helps to protect against organisms invading the nose when nostril hair is missing.
How Will male or female pattern baldness Affect My Life and Lifestyle? This is a common question, particularly for children, teenagers and young adults who are beginning to formulate lifelong aims and who may live with the effects of pattern baldness for many years, hair dandruff. It is good to know that pattern baldness is not a painful ailment and does not make citizens feel sick physically. It is not contagious, and individuals who have the alopecia areata affliction are generally healthy otherwise. It does not shorten life expectancy and it should not interfere with the capability to achieve such life goals as going to school, working, marrying, raising a family, playing sports, and exercising. The emotional and psychological aspects of living with hair loss, however, can be challenging. Many individuals cope by learning as much as they can about the condition; speaking with others who are facing the same problems; and, if necessary, seeking counseling to help construct a positive self-image. To address quality-of-life issues for hair dandruff, male or female pattern baldness and all other skin diseases, the NIAMS sponsored a scientific meeting in September 2002 on the toll of skin conditions. How Can I Deal With With the Effects of This Disease? Living with baldness can be hard, especially in a culture that sees a good head od hair as a sign of youth and good health. Even so, most folks with pattern baldness are well-adjusted, happy citizens living full lives. The key to coping is valuing yourself for who you are, not for how much hair you have or dont have. Many persons learning to deal with male or female pattern baldness find it helpful to talk with other people who are dealing with the same problems. In excess of 4,000,000 persons nationwide have this affliction at some point in their lives, so don't forget that you are not alone. If you would like to be in touch with others with the ailment, the National alopecia areata Foundation (NAAF) can help through its pen pal program, message boards, annual conference, and support groups that meet in several locations across the country. An alternative way to deal with the condition is to minimize its effects on your appearance. If you happen to have total loss of hair, a wig or hairpiece can look natural and contemporary. For tiny patches of alopecia, a hair colored powder, cream or crayon applied to the scalp can make baldness less obvious by getting rid of the contrast between the hair and the scalp. Skilfully applied hair dandruff eyebrow pencil can mask missing eyebrows. Children with male or female pattern baldness may prefer to wear bandanas, scarves or caps. There are many types available to suit a child's interest and mood - a great deal even have ponytails fixed on to them with hair dandruff. For females, attractive scarves can hide patchy hair loss; jewelry and clothing can distract attention from patchy hair; and proper makeup can mask the effects of lost facial hair. If you would like to learn more about covering up the cosmetic aspects of hair dandruff alopecia areata, ask your family physician or members of your local support group to recommend a cosmetic professional who specializes in working with people whose appearance is affected by medical conditions. Is Research Close to Finding Better Treatments or a Cure? While a cure is not imminent, hair research scientists are making headway toward a better understanding of the disease. This increased understanding will likely lead the way to better methods of treatment for alopecia areata and finally a way to prevent or even cure it. Alopecia research ranges from the most basic studies of the mechanisms of hair growth and loss of hair in mice to testing drugs and ways to apply medicines to help regrow hair in folks. Both the National Institutes of Health and the National pattern baldness Foundation support research into the hair dandruff male or female pattern baldness ailment and its treatment. Here are some areas of research that hold promise: Developing an animal model - This is a critical initial step toward understanding the affliction, and much progress has been made. By developing a mouse with a disease similar to human alopecia areata, researchers into hair disease hope to learn more with reference to the mechanism of the condition and eventually develop immune system treatments for the ailment in individuals. Mapping genes - Researchers are studying the possible genetic instigates and mechanism of the affliction both in families that have one or more persons with the ]disease] and in the general population. An understanding of the genetics of the disease will aid in disease prevention, early intervention, and development of specific therapies. Studying hair follicle development - By investigating how hair follicles form in mouse embryos, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of hair cycle biology that may lead to methods of treatment for the underlying condition process. Targeting the immune system - Several new media found to be effective in treating psoriasis may prove to be effective in hair dandruff pattern baldness. These medications work by stopping certain chemical messengers that play a role in the immune response, or by interfering with the activity of white blood cells (known as T-cells) that are involved in the immune system's attack on hair follicles. Newly developed treatments for other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may also benefit patients with hair dandruff male or female pattern baldness. Finding better ways to give out drugs - One limitation of current topical therapies is getting the drug to the source of the difficulties, hair dandruff. Scientists are looking for a material that penetrates the fat under the skin to deliver medication directly to hair follicles. In laboratory animals, topically applied synthetic sacs called liposomes seem to fill the bill. Studies are still required to show whether liposomes work in the same way for citizens. Understanding cytokines - Chemical messengers called cytokines (hair dandruff) play a role in regulating the body's immune response, whether it is the standard response to a foreign invader such a virus or an abnormal response to a part of the body. Scientists believe that by giving certain inflammation suppressing cytokines, it may be possible to impede or stop the body's unusual response to the hair follicles. Because giving the cytokines (hair dandruff) systemically may cause unwanted effects, they believe a topical medication using liposomes to get the agents to the root of the hair inside the follicle may be more desirable. Understanding stem cell biology - Epithelial stem cells are immature cells that are responsible for regenerating and maintaining a variety of tissues, including the hair follicles and the skin. Stem cells in the follicle appear to be spared from injury in pattern baldness, which may explain why the potential for re-growth is always there in folks that are afflicted with the ailment. By studying the biology of these cells, and their immediate children, which seem to be targeted by the immune system, Researchers into hair disease hope to gain a better understanding of factors that trigger the affliction.
To conclude, pattern baldness has millions of suffers all over the globe - you are not alone if you also suffer from it. Remember that many persons adversely affect their lives in a negative way by focussing on the disease when perhaps they should be concentrating on their lives instead. Almost all of the people that you come across will judge you by your general demeanor, your attitude and your personality - not by the quality of hair you have on your head. This has been a long hair dandruff article and we hope that you have found it interesting. We would like to thank the website Hair Loss Problems for kindly allowing us to reproduce it. You searched for information about hair dandruff, alopecia, hair loss, loss of hair or baldness. |