September marks the month for ‘Hair’ and will involve educating the public about your hair and hair loss.

Your hair 

We are born with hair follicles, some of which are programmed to grow relatively long, thick, pigmented hair, for example scalp, eyebrow and eyelash hair (primary terminal hairs), and other follicles grow short, fine, non-pigmented hair(primary vellus hair), which covers most of the body and is often not visible to the naked eye.

The average head has 100,000 hairs and we between around 40 and 120 hairs from the scalp alone, which is replaced due to the ‘hair cycle’, a method by which nature replaces hair.  The hair grows by approximately 1 centimetre per month and each hair grows for a period lasting from about two to six years; during this time the hair attains its maximum diameter and length.  When the growth phase ends, the hair follicle begins a two to six month period of rest and the hair is shed randomly. Eventually the hair follicle enters a new growth period and a new hair shaft appears.

Hair loss

Some people experience a loss of hair that isn’t replaced in the cycle.  This hair loss is condition called alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a common cause of hair loss caused by the hair being rejected by the affected person’s immune system which regards the hair follicles as "foreign".  Why this happens is not fully understood.  Alopecia areata can occur at any age and usually causes small, coin-sized, round patches of baldness on the scalp, although hair elsewhere can be affected.  Occasionally it can involve the whole scalp (alopecia totalis) or even all the body and scalp (alopecia universalis).  Regrowth of hair in typical alopecia areata is usual over a period of months or, sometimes, years, but cannot be guaranteed.

Alopecia areata is not catching nor is it related to diet or vitamin deficiencies. Stress, particularly events such as bereavement, separation and accidents, can be a trigger for alopecia areata.

Unfortunately, alopecia areata cannot be cured. If the hair loss is patchy, there is a good chance that there will be complete regrowth within 1 year without treatment.  There may, however, be further episodes of hair loss in the future. If there is very extensive hair loss from the start, the chances of it regrowing may not be as good.  Some treatments can induce hair growth, though none is able to alter the overall course of the disease.

Treatments used for alopecia areata include steroid creams and scalp applications, local steroid injections and ultraviolet light treatment.

If you suffer from alopecia areata, you may find that joining a patient support group and meeting other people with alopecia areata will make it easier for you to adjust to your condition.  Remember to protect the scalp from sunlight.

For more information on alopecia areata, click here.

Excess hair

Some women experience excessive hair on their bodies- this condition is called Hirsuitsm

Hirsuitsm

Hursutism is the term used when a woman grows too much body or facial hair similar to men.  Excess thick, often dark, hair may be seen on the face, chest, abdomen and upper back.  The condition can be caused by abnormally high levels of androgens (male hormones) or by the hair follicles being more sensitive than usual to normal androgen levels.  This can be due to an underlying medical condition.  However, most women with hirsutism have no hormone imbalance or underlying medical condition. Many women develop more facial or body hair gradually as they get older, especially after the menopause. It is very common- at least 25% of normal middle-aged women remove unwanted facial hair.

Hirsutism does run in some families and is not associated with an excess of androgens.  It is normal in some families with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern ancestry.

It is important to see your doctor if your hirsutism is severe, developing quickly or before puberty and/or accompanied by menstrual problems and other problems, such as thinning of scalp hair, obeseity and diabetes.
 
Hirsutism can’t be cured, but local areas of excessive hair growth can often be cleared by electrolysis or laser therapy.  Some simple methods (shaving, plucking and waxing, and the use of depilatories and bleaching creams) are easier and more effective than some medication.  Losing weight can sometimes slow hair growth.   Your GP may prescribe anti-androgens, which include oral contraceptives. 

For more information on hirsutism click here.

If there is anything you would like us to cover this month, then please let us know, by emailing indy@bad.org.uk