Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune condition that can be triggered or exacerbated by stress, but about a fifth of people with this condition have a family history of alopecia already. The condition normally presents as a circular area of hair loss.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Otherwise known as genetic hair loss or male  and female pattern baldness, this type of alopecia is particularly common among men but can also affect women.

In women, it is likely to lead to diffuse hair loss, (a general thinning of the overall hair density) rather than obvious bald patches and treatments to improve this condition are often likely to be more effective on women than on men.

Although there is no cure for this condition, hair loss can be limited or slowed down in some cases when treated early. For more extensive cases the best solution may be a hair transplant. The important thing to understand is that response to treatments are incredibly varied from person to person.

Telogen Effluvium

Temporary hair loss that often follows severe changes to the body’s normal functioning. During this period of change more hairs than normal enter into the shedding phase of their hair growth cycle at the same time, resulting in hair shedding and a loss of hair density. This is most commonly noticed after severe stress, illness, weight loss or post partum  pregnancy, surgery ,fever, nutritional deficiency ,medication.

Psoriasis

Affecting almost 2% of the population, Psoriasis is a common scaling skin disease which can commonly develop in the scalp also. The condition is distressing but generally does not cause permanent hair loss. The precise cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is almost certainly the result of a disorder of the immune system. Correct diagnosis prior to treatment is essential. 

Folliclulitis

This pustular condition, caused by bacterial infection of the follicle. It can be very itchy and can eventually lead to permanent hair loss and scarring. Scratching and shaving the hair short are easy ways to keep the infection spreading therefore prompt treatment and correct advice are essential, but the condition is not always curable.

Contact dermatitis

This condition is caused by allergens that have come into contact with the scalp, such as oils, hair colours and other styling products. This results in a flaky and severely itchy scalp that can also be red and tender. Treatment is almost always successful but diagnosis is key.

Seborrhoeic Eczema

Seborrhoeic eczema (dermatitis) is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast population on the surface of the scalp causing increased skin cell turnover which results in scaling and flaking skin. The scalp can also be very itchy and the condition can be exacerbated by stress or dietary factors. Treatment can control this condition but the those experiencing it may always be prone to symptoms in the future.