Hair Loss: Causes, Types of Alopecia, and Modern Dermatological Treatment

What is hair loss, and when is it considered pathological?

Losing a few strands of hair every day is a completely normal part of the hair growth cycle. Normally, a person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day, which are replaced by new hairs that grow from the same hair follicles.

However, when hair loss increases significantly, occurs seasonally or continuously, and the lost hairs are not replaced at the same rate, this is referred to as pathological hair loss. This condition gradually leads to visible thinning of the scalp to varying degrees (stages of alopecia according to the international Hamilton-Norwood scale for men and the Ludwig scale for women).

What factors cause hair loss?

Hair loss is a multifactorial condition and may be caused by a variety of organic, hormonal, or environmental factors:

• Genetic Predisposition & Heredity: This is the main cause of common androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Genetic information is inherited from both parents.
• Severe Psychological or Physical Stress: Stressful experiences, such as surgery, a serious injury, a high fever, or the loss of a loved one, can trigger sudden hair loss (reactive alopecia). If there is no underlying medical condition, hair gradually grows back after a few months.
• Nutrient Deficiencies & Anemia: A deficiency in iron (iron-deficiency anemia), vitamin D, zinc, or folic acid directly affects the nutrition of the hair follicles. Correcting anemia is a key prerequisite for successfully treating hair loss.
• Hormonal Disorders: Although hormonal problems are found in less than 5% of women with hair loss, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause significantly affect hair density.

Myths and Facts About Hair Loss

There are several misconceptions about the factors that cause hair loss:

• Oily Skin and Hair Loss: Very often, increased oiliness of the skin and hair coexists with hair loss. However, these are two distinct conditions. Treating oiliness improves skin health, but it does not, on its own, cure hair loss.
• Hair Dyes, Styling Products & Hair Dryers: Hair treatment techniques and heat can cause damage, hair breakage, or dryness, but they do not destroy the hair follicle to the point of causing permanent hair loss, unless severe chemical or thermal irritation of the skin occurs.

Types of Alopecia

Depending on the pathogenic mechanism, hair loss is classified into different types:

• Androgenetic Alopecia: The most common form of hair thinning. In men, it manifests as a receding hairline at the forehead (temples) and thinning on the crown. In women, it manifests as diffuse thinning on the crown while the hairline at the front remains intact.
• Diffuse Telogen Effluvium: Rapid and generalized hair loss caused by stress, illness, medication, or trace element deficiencies.
• Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition that causes localized, circular hair loss in one or more areas of the scalp.

Diagnosis: Digital Trichoscopy & Laboratory Testing

Proper treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. At our clinic, the evaluation includes:

• Digital Trichoscopy: A non-invasive, high-resolution examination to measure hair density and thickness and assess the health of hair follicles.
• Detailed Medical History & Physical Examination: Assessment of lifestyle, family history, and symptoms.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood and hormone tests (iron, ferritin, vitamin D, and thyroid tests) to identify any underlying organic disorders.

Modern Treatments for Hair Loss

The treatment approach is strictly personalized and may include:

• Topical and Oral Medications: Use of approved substances (such as minoxidil and specific androgen inhibitors) that slow hair loss and stimulate the regrowth of new hair.
• Injectable Scalp Mesotherapy (PRP & Vitamins): Application of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or multivitamin formulations directly into the hair follicles to enhance microcirculation and rejuvenate the hair.
• Dietary Supplements & Deficiency Correction: Targeted administration of vitamins, iron, and trace minerals as needed.

Personalized Care at Dermtherapy

Hair loss can be effectively treated when diagnosed early. At the Dermtherapy dermatology clinic in Galatsi, dermatologist and venereologist Alexandros Soumalevris provides a thorough scientific diagnosis and designs the appropriate treatment plan to restore the health and density of your hair.