Question to the expert: When to sound the alarm if the hair falls out
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Hair and scalp care often seems to be a problem-free process — we are used to fix most problems with cosmetic or, at best, pharmaceutical preparations. Indeed, hair loss is rarely a serious cause for concern, and the selection of suitable care can help maintain their healthy appearance and stable functioning of the skin. About when it is really worth to sound the alarm and go to the doctor, we asked a specialist.
Elena Dmitrieva
doctor-dermatovenerologist of the highest category, doctor-trichologist, expert of the brand Eliokap
Most often, people turn to the trichologist with the problem of hair loss. If you see that you lose more than 10-15% of hair per day (meaning - on the whole body), and this process has been going on for several months now - be sure to consult a doctor. Various causes can cause hair loss. For example, it is autumn now, and many people have already experienced seasonal fallout. The fact is that in the process of formation of hair growth, as well as the synthesis of melanin (including in the skin), certain amino acids take part. If throughout the year a hair regularly receives a certain amount of amino acids, then in summer, when tanning appears, almost 80% of these amino acids are spent on the formation of melanin in the skin. Thus, hair, experiencing a shortage of building material, weaken, thin and fall out.
Under the action of ultraviolet light, free radicals are formed in the cells of the skin and hair follicles, which, as they accumulate over the summer period, inhibit the process of cell division and synthesis of the hair matrix. As a result, the weakening of the hair follicles progresses, and, as a result, hair loss occurs. What is damaged and dies in the summer, disappears in the fall - the whole process is two to three months. To prevent and minimize negative effects, regularly nourish and strengthen the hair follicles. Indelible lotions and serums for the scalp with amino acids, natural extracts (nettle, ginger, turmeric, juniper, sage, aloe), essential oils (lemon, orange) and plant stem cells are perfect.
Separately, it is worth mentioning androgenetic hair loss. Hereditary hypersensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (a biologically active form of testosterone, which is formed when interacting with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase) leads to inhibition of hair follicles. About 80% of cases of hair loss in men and 30% of cases in women are of androgenetic origin. In women, temples and the parietal zone (the so-called "hat zone") are affected. In this case, you must first check the work of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and ovaries, as well as undergo a computer examination of the hair and scalp. Unfortunately, it is impossible to eliminate the root cause of this fallout, but you can block it. The doctor will select you an individual course of drugs. Please note that there are menoxidil-based drugs, the main disadvantage of which is a sharp withdrawal syndrome. I recommend products with herbal ingredients, such as verbascoside (lilac stem cells), which effectively blocks the effects of 5-alpha reductase and dihydrotestosterone.
Those hairs that are damaged and die in the summer, fall away in the fall - the whole process is two to three months
Do not delay to visit a doctor if you have oily scalp. Perhaps there is a violation of the sebaceous glands - in this case it is necessary to find and eliminate the cause. Very often this is due to the wrong choice of shampoo. The fact is that products with a high content of surfactants (which wash the hair "before the squeak") and inappropriate pH violate the biobalance of the skin. As a result, the sebaceous glands begin to work more actively and secrete more secretion to protect the hair follicles. To avoid this problem, choose a moisturizing, alkaline-free shampoo with a pH 5.5 ideal for the scalp and hair. For dry scalp and different types of hair structure is also recommended to select a special care.
Refer to the trichologist if you notice that your hair has become thinner, weaker and slower growing. The fact is that a thick layer of keratinized epithelium, remnants of styling agents and greasy traffic jams accumulates on the scalp, which adversely affects the hair follicles: blood circulation deteriorates, the skin does not breathe. Sebaceous plugs can literally seal hair follicles so that the hair simply stops growing. In this case, you can make masks as much as you like, use serums and lotions - it will be very difficult for active ingredients to penetrate through this layer. With the help of computer diagnostics, you can see for yourself all the pollution and clogged pores. For deep cleansing of the scalp, the doctor usually prescribes a course of peels with mild acids. I advise you to pay attention to the funds based on lactic acid, because it does not dry out and does not loosen the sensitive scalp, unlike, for example, salicylic and glycolic.
The appearance of dandruff is also a serious reason for going to the trichologist. Do not forget that dandruff is not just a peeling of the scalp, but a fungal disease. Only a doctor can determine the type of dandruff and prescribe a course of treatment.
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