What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is hair loss that occurs in any part of the body for any reason, this applies to the whole body because it is the most difficult hair loss.
The most common type is Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), which is mostly hormone related and although Androgenetic alopecia is called male pattern hair loss, it actually affects 45% of women. Alopecia is divided into two subclasses as scarring alopecia and non-scarring alopecia.
Alopecia that leaves scars on the skin is a rare type, but what are the types of alopecia that do not leave scars on the skin?
Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common type of alopecia. It occurs due to genetics and hormones. Androgenetic alopecia, which is seen in men in their twenties, is more common in women in their forties and can occur in a sudden shock. It is typical for men to lose their hair from the front and sides on the general upper side, while women have thinning and loss of all hair.
Ringworm (Alopecia Areata): Hair loss anywhere on the body and in a specific area. In addition to the scalp, it can also affect other areas such as arms, legs, eyelashes and eyebrows. It is thought to be caused by the body’s defence against its own cells (autoimmune disease). For this reason, it is common to apply local steroids to the areas where hair loss is seen.
Traumatic Alopecia: It occurs when the hair is pulled strongly and exposed to trauma. It is common in children and break dancers. The hair loss seen in trichotillomania, in which people constantly pull their hair, is also considered in this type.
Telogen Effluvium: Our hair continues its life in a cycle. Growth phase is called anagen, stagnation phase is called catagen and resting phase is called telogen.
In a normal person, 80% of hair is in anagen phase, 2% in catagen phase and 18% in telogen phase. Among all these, thyroid dysfunction, i.e. iron-poor nutrition, lack of necessary vitamins and minerals and some medications can cause telogen effluvium.
Traction Alopecia: It occurs when women tie their hair tightly. It is more common in African-American women because their hair is always braided and pulled back. Typically, it is characterised by thinning in the frontal line and on the sides, but sometimes our patients also experience hair loss at the nape of the neck.
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia: It is also called anagen effluvium. In most of the cases, the hair returns to normal after the end of treatment.
What are the types of alopecia that leave scars on the skin?
Tinea Capitis: It is most common in people with low defence system such as children and the elderly. If it is detected in a family member, all family members should be examined. Anti-fungal drugs are used in treatment.
Mucinous Alopecia (Alopecia mucinosa): The cause is not known exactly. It is caused by the accumulation of a substance called mucin in the glands that feed the hair follicles.
Neoplastic Alopecia: It occurs when tumours infiltrate the scalp. Androgenetic Alopecia: It is a form of hair loss due to hormones. Typically, hair follicles thin first and then baldness occurs.
What is hair transplantation and is it dangerous?
Hair transplantation has developed over the years and has become one of the most common medical aesthetic procedures in recent years. Every year, many people travel to other countries and have hair transplantation operations there. A large number of patients from France, Russia or Canada come to our clinic. The biggest advantage of our Turkish patients is that they are close to their homes, which means that you can easily come back for a check-up later. Our job is to offer permanent solutions to people suffering from hair loss, in the easiest way possible. There is no danger in this job, as long as it is kept clean after treatment. The result to be obtained varies according to the person’s suitability for treatment, expectations, the experience of the clinic and surgeon performing the procedure. Hair transplantation, which requires personalised planning and is performed in experienced and real clinics like ours, gives good results.