What is the difference between hereditary and non-hereditary baldness? What are their symptoms, causes, and effective treatment methods? Baldness is a condition that causes hair loss from the scalp or any other part of the body. Hereditary baldness is more common than non-hereditary baldness. We will learn about the differences between them in terms of symptoms, causes, and effective treatment methods.
What is hereditary baldness
Hereditary baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in women and men. It is a type of baldness passed down from parents to children through genes and usually occurs in young adults.
What is non-hereditary baldness
Non-hereditary baldness is a type of baldness caused by external factors such as medications, stress, chemotherapy, and some diseases. It can occur at any age, suddenly, and irregularly.
Symptoms of hereditary and non-hereditary baldness
Signs of hereditary baldness may appear:
- Baldness on the top of the head.
- Severe hair loss.
- Recession of the front hairline.
- Thinning hair.
The symptoms of non-hereditary baldness include:
- Gradual or sudden hair loss in any area of the scalp.
- Thinning hair, especially at the front of the head.
- Circular bald spots.
What are the causes of hereditary baldness
Hereditary baldness leads to hair thinning and shortening, eventually resulting in hair loss from specific areas of the scalp. The main causes of hereditary baldness include:
- Androgen hormones in the genetically sensitive scalp. Testosterone, after converting to DHT, binds to hair follicle receptors, causing them to shrink and hair growth to stop.
- Genetic predisposition: Genes that cause baldness can be passed down from both parents to their children.
- With age, the risk of developing hereditary baldness increases.
Causes of Non-Hereditary Baldness
Non-hereditary baldness occurs due to many reasons other than genetics, including:
- Severe stress, which can lead to general hair loss that may be temporary.
- Hormonal imbalance, such as changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Health problems such as thyroid disorders or immune diseases such as alopecia areata.
- Taking certain medications that have side effects on the hair.
- Radiation therapy may cause permanent hair loss.
- Tight hairstyles.
What is the difference between hereditary and non-hereditary baldness
Hereditary baldness is caused by genetics and hormones and is characterized by a specific pattern and gradual progression over time. Baldness often begins on the top of the head, with bald spots appearing in the hair. Non-hereditary baldness is caused by temporary factors such as malnutrition, stress, and the use of certain medications. Hair loss may be irregular and non-permanent.
Treatment for Hereditary Baldness
Treatment for hereditary baldness includes several options. The treating physician prescribes medications that stimulate hair regrowth, appropriate for each case, including:
- Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. It is available in liquid or spray form and ceases to be effective after discontinuation of use.
- Finasteride, an oral medication, reduces the hormone DHT responsible for attacking hair follicles, slowing hair loss.
Advanced Treatments for Hereditary Baldness
Other treatments that people with hereditary baldness resort to include:
- A derma roller, a tool that creates tiny holes in the scalp to stimulate collagen production and improve blood flow to hair follicles.
- Hair transplantation procedures, in which hair follicles are extracted from a donor area and implanted in bald areas.
- Plasma injections, in which plasma containing platelets is extracted from the patient's blood and injected into the scalp to stimulate follicle growth.
- Stem cell treatments, in which stem cells are injected with plasma to stimulate follicle regeneration.
Is there a cure for non-hereditary baldness
Yes, treating non-hereditary baldness is easy and simple. It depends on identifying and treating the cause, such as thyroid problems, iron deficiency, or a scalp infection.
Treatment is determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition. Prescribed medications may include topical minoxidil, aloe vera, vitamin A, and laser techniques.
Natural Baldness Treatment
Some natural methods for treating hair loss and baldness include the use of essential oils that improve hair growth and strengthen it. It is important to consult a doctor before starting any natural treatment to determine the primary cause of baldness. Some natural oils include:
- Castor oil stimulates hair growth and strengthens it.
- Peppermint oil promotes hair growth and improves blood circulation in the scalp.
- Rosemary oil improves scalp health and promotes blood circulation.
- Coconut oil with castor oil increases hair density and strengthens hair follicles.
- Jojoba oil moisturizes the scalp and promotes hair growth.
- It is important to avoid using hair dyes, as they increase hair loss.
Hereditary Baldness in Women
Hereditary baldness in women, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a type of hereditary hair loss that leads to gradual thinning of hair, particularly on the top and front of the scalp.
It is caused by genetic factors and hormonal changes often associated with aging. It typically begins between the ages of 20 and 30 and becomes more noticeable with age. It can also be affected by other factors such as poor nutrition, stress, or the use of certain medications.
Summary of the Difference Between Hereditary and Non-Hereditary Baldness
Hereditary baldness is caused by both genetic and hormonal factors and appears as gradual hair loss from the front or top of the scalp. Testosterone causes hair follicles to become short and weak, leading to hair loss.
Non-hereditary baldness is caused by temporary external factors such as stress, anxiety, the use of certain medications, or immune deficiency It is characterized by irregular and sudden hair loss, but hair may regrow after treatment.