All posts by miriam

Many people who suffer from compulsive hair-pulling, trichotillomania, do so in secret, embarrassed and feeling like they cannot be helped. The truth is that trichotillomania is not an uncommon condition and there are now recognised forms of treatment that have proven effective.

It is estimated that around one in 50 people is affected by trichotillomania at some point in their life. It is more common in females, becoming around five to ten times more likely in 12- and 13-year-old girls than in boys the same age. In terms of those seeking help, 12 times as many women as men look for treatment, although this may not reflect the exact proportions of sufferers as the feelings of shame and embarrassment may affect men and women differently.

The extent to which trichotillomania affects people varies. It might just be a few minutes compulsively attempting to pluck one particular hair or it might be a period of hours, where the sufferer pulls out almost all of it, despite battling the compulsion.

It is possible that there is a genetic cause for the condition, but research indicates that it is likely to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain as certain anti-depressants can counteract it.

One of the most successful approaches for dealing with trichotillomania is the use of cognitive behavioural therapy. A therapist can teach the sufferer mental tactics to cope with the compulsion and ways to identify the triggers before a bout takes hold.

Alopecia areata
This is quite a well-known cause of female hair loss due to the fact that several well-known women who have suffered have spoken about their experience, highlighting the symptoms and impact of the condition. It is thought that likely that alopecia areata affects those with a genetic predisposition towards it, being triggered either through stress or a certain pathogen.

Trichotillomania
This is a psychological condition where the sufferer has a hair-pulling compulsion. It is ordinarily head hair that is pulled. It is thought that as many as two per cent of people are affected by this at some stage in their life. It is far more likely to affect women than men.

Telogen effluvium
With this condition, hair is lost in the wake of emotional or physical trauma, often in times of extreme stress. Essentially, the hair’s growth cycle is interrupted, causing hair to thin. It can be triggered by any stressful event, by childbirth, because of eating disorders and can also happen after major surgery.

Whatever you suspect may be the cause of your hair loss, it is important to get it properly diagnosed before attempting to get treatment. Consult your GP who may then refer you to a consultant dermatologist.

Alopecia areata, which is sometimes known as ‘spot baldness’ is a common cause of hair loss. It can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly seen to affect head hair. It generally only affects patches, but in around one or two per cent of cases, it will spread further.

Patches affected by alopecia areata are generally round, but can take any shape. Sometimes affected areas may prove a touch painful or can tingle slightly. Hairs in an affected region may be narrower near the scalp, tapering where growth is newest.

Alopecia areata is not a contagious condition, rather it seems likely that some people are genetically predisposed to it, as cases are more likely if family members have also suffered. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system is actually attacking the hair follicles, affecting and even preventing the growth of hair. The actual trigger for the condition is not known, although it is suspected to be related to emotional stress or some sort of germ.

If you start to lose hair, it is important that the first step you take is to see your GP who will most likely refer you to a consultant dermatologist. You can also arrange to see a consultant dermatologist directly. Make sure you see a qualified medical professional who will act in your best interests and will give you the best advice.

Losing hair can be a distressing experience, whether it is gradual or relatively sudden. Unfortunately, there are many unverified miracle cures out there, so it can be hard to know where to turn. The important thing is to turn to your GP first of all.

We all lose hair, but if you notice that you are losing more than you would ordinarily expect, it is perhaps time to speak to your GP. They will investigate and diagnose and will hopefully be able to identify the cause, at which point you can consider what your next step should be.

Quite often, your GP will refer you to a dermatologist. While dermatology is primarily concerned with the skin, this branch of medicine does include hair, because the hair follicles reside in the skin. It is also possible to contact a consultant dermatologist directly without referral from your GP.

By speaking with an NHS consultant dermatologist, you can be sure that you are getting the best and impartial advice. NHS practitioners are governed by the General Medical Council and are therefore duty-bound to act in your best interests.

Before undergoing any sort of treatment for hair loss, it is important to first consult your GP. Hair loss may have any number of different causes and it is vital that you are properly diagnosed as this will give you the best chance of getting the right treatment. Consultant dermatologists are experts in this field and you are likely to be referred to one by your GP.

Minoxidil is a form of medication that is often used to treat hair loss. Originally produced as a a treatment for those with high blood pressure, it was found that it also promoted hair growth.

Minoxidil is not effective in all patients and hair regrowth is only seen in a small percentage of those whose hair has already been lost. However, it does significantly slow the rate of hair loss and this is true in around 80 per cent of cases, with many even reporting that it stopped hair loss altogether.

Application
Supplied in lotion form, Minoxidil should be applied to the scalp twice a day. Very few side effects have been observed beyond occasional skin reactions in those who are allergic. A five per cent solution is recommended for men and a two per cent one for women.

For women suffering from problems with hair loss, the first place you will always need to turn is your GP. It is very important to get a formal and accurate diagnosis, as each condition is likely to have different methods of treatment even if the symptoms are the same.

Many women then consider hair replacement and hair loss treatment options offered at a few specialist clinics. These offer a different service from your doctor, as they focus on helping you manage your condition rather than providing a medical cure.

This said, it is very important to find the right clinic for you. Female hair loss is an extremely sensitive subject, as it can have a debilitating effect on the sufferers’ confidence, self-esteem and even their personal relationships.

Therefore, you ideally need to seek out a clinic specialising in the particulars of female hair loss, one which offers you the sort of realistic hair loss management options you were looking for, but in a reassuring and supportive environment.

In this sort of clinic, you will have the comfort of knowing that other women being treated are experiencing the same emotions, fears and concerns as you. Also important is clinic staff who understand what you are going through and are able to help you find a personally tailored solution.