What are the Causes of Alopecia?
Alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss and can develop due to different causes. Here are some reasons that can cause alopecia:
- Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history of hair loss have a higher risk of developing alopecia due to genetic predisposition.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, use of birth control pills or menopause can lead to hair loss.
- Stress: Physical or psychological stress can cause a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium.
- Inadequate Nutrition: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially iron and zinc deficiencies, can trigger hair loss.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as Alopecia areata can cause the immune system to target hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
- Medications: Chemotherapy drugs and some medications used in cancer treatment can cause hair loss.
- Hair Care Products: The use of hair care products with excessive chemical ingredients can accelerate hair loss.
- Environmental Factors: Polluted air, UV rays and environmental toxins can also negatively affect hair health and cause hair loss.
How to Treat Alopecia?
The treatment of alopecia varies depending on the type and severity of hair loss. Initially, the cause of alopecia should be determined; these causes can be different factors such as genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances. Treatment options include medication, topical creams, hair mesotherapy, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy and hair transplantation. In particular, medications such as topical minoxidil or oral finasteride can help stop hair loss. Hair mesotherapy encourages healthy hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles, while PRP treatment can increase hair growth by injecting plasma from one's own blood into the hair follicles. In cases of severe alopecia, hair transplantation may be preferred as a permanent solution. The treatment process should be planned individually in line with the doctor's recommendations.
Which methods are used in the treatment of alopecia?
Alopecia treatment may vary depending on the type of hair loss and the patient's general health. The main methods used in alopecia treatment are:
- Medical treatment: Minoxidil and finasteride are among the drugs used to slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth. Minoxidil can increase hair growth by stimulating hair follicles. Finasteride can help prevent hair loss in men.
- Hair transplantation: In cases where hair loss has reached an advanced level, hair transplantation may be preferred. Methods such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) allow healthy hair follicles taken from the donor area to be transplanted to the areas where hair is lost.
- PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment: Plasma obtained from the person's own blood is injected into the scalp to awaken the hair follicles and strengthen the hair. PRP is a popular method for accelerating hair growth.
- Low-level laser treatment: Laser beams are applied to the scalp to provide more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This treatment can help prevent hair loss.
- Natural treatment methods: Some patients may try to prevent hair loss by using herbal oils and natural solutions. However, the effectiveness of these methods has not been scientifically proven.
- Psychological support: Hair loss can lead to loss of self-confidence in some individuals. In this case, psychological support or therapy may be recommended as part of the treatment process.
Which lifestyle changes are recommended for alopecia?
Lifestyle changes in the treatment of alopecia can help manage hair loss. Firstly, a balanced and healthy diet contributes to the strengthening of hair follicles. Vitamin and mineral-rich foods, especially vitamin B, biotin and zinc, support hair health. Also, stress management is important; stress-reducing activities such as regular exercise can reduce stress factors that can trigger alopecia. Protecting the hair from chemical products or heat treatment also has a positive effect on hair health. Depending on the treatment, improving sleep patterns and general health can also help manage alopecia.
How Effective Are Natural Methods in Alopecia Treatment?
Natural methods of treating alopecia may be beneficial for some individuals, but their effectiveness varies from person to person. Natural treatment options such as herbal oils, vitamin supplements, massages can help reduce hair loss or promote hair regrowth. However, scientific studies are often insufficient to confirm the effectiveness of these methods. In the treatment of alopecia, natural methods are usually used in milder cases of hair loss or as supportive treatment. However, in severe cases of alopecia, professional medical treatment and dermatological approaches may be more effective.
