Understanding Hair Fall: Causes, Nutrition & the Role of Homoeopathy
HAIR FALL
Hair is a crown that we wear for the lifetime. Strong and healthy hair is always a sign of beauty and health. It is normal to shed a certain amount of hair every day. More the falling of hair, more distress and worry it creates.
Acute hair shedding may indicate Telogen Effluvium, whereas chronic hair thinning may indicate Androgenetic Alopecia.
TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM
One of the common causes of hair loss. Diffuse hair shedding due to disturbance in the hair cycle. Patient may lose up to 1000 hairs a day, triggered by shampooing or brushing.
Causes
- Rapid weight loss, Hypoalbuminemia
- Severe stress
- Iron deficiency
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Postpartum (after delivery)
- Fever
ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
Also known as common balding, characterised by shedding and thinning of certain areas on the scalp. It is the progressive miniaturization of hair, which means a progressive transformation of coarse terminal hair into fine vellus hair.
ANAGEN EFFLUVIUM
Large amount of hair fall occurs during the anagen (growth) phase.
This may cause falling out of hair from the head as well as from other parts of the body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
Causes
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Fungal infection
- Autoimmune diseases
ALOPECIA AREATA
It is an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out suddenly. Hair follicles throughout the body are affected.
TRACTION ALOPECIA
Due to pulling hair into very tight hairstyles, which causes it to break or come loose. It may cause spot baldness or thinning of hair.
MEDICATIONS
Side effects of some medications can cause hair fall. Such medications are:
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Acne treatment
- Antidepressants
- Beta blockers
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY
Extreme dieting that is too low in proteins and certain vitamins and iron can sometimes cause excessive hair loss.
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
People may experience hair loss while using or stopping birth control pills. If using them, choose one that has a low androgen index. It is safer for those who have a genetic tendency for hair loss to opt for a non-hormonal type of birth control.
RING WORM
Fungal infection of the scalp can cause hair loss. It presents as small spots that get bigger, brittle hair that breaks easily, itchy red patches of skin, and oozing blisters on the scalp.
SOLUTIONS
Treatment of the cause only gives a permanent solution.
NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT
- Iron: Non-vegetarian food, green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, dates, beetroot, nuts are good sources of iron. Vegan or vegetarian diets have a high risk of iron deficiency.
- Egg: Good source of protein and biotin. Eating egg white only without yolk will not give biotin.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish like tuna and mackerel. Nuts are the vegetarian source.
- Green leafy vegetables: Source of Vitamin A, B, carotene, folate, and Vitamin C.
- Fruits: Oranges, grapes, berries, cherries are rich in Vitamin C. They help in iron absorption, collagen formation, hair building, and reducing hair fall.
- Carrots and avocado: Help in fast hair growth and sebum production.
- Avoid over-supplementation of certain nutrients like Vitamin A and Vitamin E, as they can cause hair loss.
HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT
Homoeopathy helps in uprooting major causes like thyroid disorders, autoimmune disorders, postpartum stress, dandruff, etc. As it has proven efficiency in psychosomatic disorders, hair fall due to mental stress can easily be managed with homoeopathy.
Dr. Soumya Krishnan BHMS, MD (HOM)
Sandwana Homeopathic Multispeciality Hospital
Attingal
📞 Ph: 6282738973