TLDR Hair loss has many causes and treatments, and losing some hair daily is normal; proper diagnosis is key, and minoxidil can help treat it.
The 1986 document reviews the causes and treatments of hair loss, noting that losing up to 100 hairs daily is normal. It identifies various causes such as congenital conditions, infections like tinea capitis, autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata, and behavioral conditions like trichotillomania in children and adolescents. In adults, causes include hormonal changes, systemic diseases, and genetic predispositions, particularly in androgenic alopecia, which affects both men and women differently. Treatments range from antifungal medications and steroids to hair care modifications and minoxidil. The document also discusses the importance of proper diagnosis, as hair loss can indicate underlying health issues. It highlights that androgenic alopecia does not correlate with high serum androgen levels and that topical minoxidil has shown promise in treating this condition. No study size is mentioned as the document is a general review.
55 citations,
February 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology” Using minoxidil on the scalp can help grow hair for people with hereditary baldness.
122 citations,
November 1984 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” No single treatment is consistently effective for alopecia areata, and more research is needed.
30 citations,
August 1983 in “Pediatric Clinics of North America” Most hair loss in children is caused by a few common conditions, and it's important to diagnose these properly and support the child's mental health.
183 citations,
March 1982 in “JAMA” Spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment for reducing excessive hair growth in women.
74 citations,
November 1975 in “Archives of dermatology” Increased DHT formation in skin can cause hair loss, acne, and excessive hair growth, and antiandrogens might treat these conditions.
12 citations,
January 2014 in “Dermatology online journal” White hair regrowth in alopecia areata may be more common than thought.
43 citations,
August 2013 in “Pediatric Dermatology” Trichoscopy is good for diagnosing and monitoring hair and scalp problems in children but needs more research for certain conditions.
1 citations,
April 1992 in “PubMed” The document describes the signs of different common types of hair loss.
7 citations,
September 1987 in “PubMed” Most hair loss cases are caused by four main conditions, and understanding them is key to treatment.
