Hair fall is one of the most common complaints for which people seek medical attention. Hair fall can be distressing as it has an impact on your mental health, affect your social interaction and life. Although hair fall and balding is associated with growing age or ageing, number of younger generations are losing hair. Incidence of hair fall is highest in 21 to 40 years age group. Of the total cases of hair fall of patients visiting Home of Homeo, almost 36% are in the age group of 21 to 40 years in females followed by 12 % in females of age group 41 to 60 years.
Hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases and thyroid disorders, stress is amongst common causes of hair loss along with genetic aetiology and trauma. Diet and sleep strongly influence hair growth patterns. Reduced protein consumption and Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to hair fall. In India nutritional deficiencies are the most common cause of hair fall. Drugs such as those used in chemotherapeutic treatment of cancers, blood thinners and cosmetic procedures such as dyeing or bleaching of hair can also contribute to hair fall.
Types of hair fall
Hair fall can be categorized in to initial two types that is hair loss or alopecia and hair shedding.
Hair Shedding
It is normal to lose around 50 to 100 hairs per day and any more loss is usually called hair shedding. It is usually a self-limiting condition and doesn’t require much treatment. Treatment might be necessary only if the stressor or trigger persists. Some of the common triggers for hair shedding are weight loss of 6-7 kgs, high emotional stress, high grade fever, infections such as typhoid or recent surgery.
What can you do?
1. Diet: consume a diet rich in protein such as eggs, lentils, dals and meat.
2. Consume Vitamin A rich food which are papaya, carrots, tomatoes and beetroot.
3. Fruits like strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries and apples are rich in isoflavones which help reduce hair fall.
4. Managing stress with Yoga and pranayama. Yoga poses like Matsyasana, Halasana and pranayama anulom vilom boost hair growth.
Hair Loss
Hair loss can be further classified as alopecia areata, male pattern baldness, female pattern hair fall, and scarring alopecia depending upon the causative factor.
1. Alopecia areata: alopecia areata or spot baldness is defined as rapid and complete loss of hair in one or more patches usually on the scalp, the beard area and eyebrows. It is an autoimmune disease modified by genetic factors and aggravated by emotional stress.
2. Female Pattern Hair Loss: one of the most common cause of hair fall in females is characterized by thinning of hair on the crown. It usually begins with widening of the parting line, followed by diffuse hair loss. Physical or emotional stress, underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and hormonal changes are some of the causative factors.
3. Male Pattern baldness: it is a genetic condition and can affect males as early as 20 years of age. It is characterized by a receding hairline and gradual thinning of hair from the crown and temples.
4. Scarring Alopecia: it is result of permanent loss of hair. Inflammatory conditions such as Lichen Planus, folliculitis, tinea infections, lupus and burns, injuries can result in permanent damage to hair.
What can you do?
1. A well-balanced diet with ample fluids in the day can do wonders for your hair.
2. Consume foods to promote hair growth such as foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids eg: flax seeds, fish, walnuts, broccoli.
3. Cucurmin which is obtained from turmeric is beneficial in cases of alopecia.
4. Diet rich in proteins such as sprouts, dals, eggs and meat will aid hair growth.
5. Exercise regularly to relieve the emotional and mental stress. Asanas such as Uttanasan, Halasana Matsaysana improve scalp circulation and promote hair growth.
6. Avoid tight hairstyles such as a ponytail as traction can lead to hair fall.
7. Regular oiling of scalp ensures scalp health.
8. Avoid bleaching and perming procedures of hair.
A Homoeopathic View of Hair Fall.
Homoeopathic medicines are one of the best available treatments for different types of hair fall. Hair fall is not just a local disorder and treatment must differ basis the type of hair loss. Homoeopathy treats the patient and not just the disease. Some of the commonly used homoeopathic remedies for hair fall are Acidum Flouricum, Acidum Phosphoricum, Natrum Mur, Arnica, Jaborandi. Specific homeopathic remedies such as Arnica and Jaborandi are popular hair fall treatments yet a constitutional approach yields best results. Homoeopathic physician will carefully access and analyse a patient's case history. Such detailed information helps in prescribing the most accurate and the most effective homoeopathic treatment for the patient.
References
1. Hair Loss by Dr Farokh Master.
2. Textbook of Dermatology by Dr Khopkar.
3. Nutrition and Dietetics by Shubhangini Joshi.