What is the difference between normal and pathological hair loss, What are their symptoms, causes, and effective treatments, Normal and pathological hair loss depend on the amount.
Normal hair loss is considered to be between 50 and 100 hairs lost per day, while anything more than that is considered pathological. We will learn about the difference between the two, their symptoms, and treatment methods in the rest of the article.
What is normal hair loss
Normal hair loss is defined as the loss of between 50 and 100 hairs per day as part of the normal hair life cycle. Normal hair loss is not noticeable because it occurs gradually.
In this case, the lost hair is replaced by new hair, and hair follicles continually grow to replace the lost hair.
What is pathological hair loss
Pathological (abnormal) hair loss is excessive hair loss, i.e., more than 100 hairs lost per day. It may be the result of psychological stress, health problems, or diseases such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms of Natural and Pathological Hair Loss
Signs that indicate normal hair loss include:
- Daily hair loss of 50-100 hairs per day.
- The number of hairs lost may increase to 150-200 hairs per day while showering.
- Noticeable hair loss in long hair, as it is more noticeable.
- Lack of bald spots or large gaps on the scalp.
Signs that indicate abnormal hair loss and require medical advice:
- Amount of hair falling out in the drain while showering.
- Excessive hair falling out on the pillow upon waking.
- A noticeable decrease in hair density.
- Symptoms such as dandruff, itching, and redness on the scalp.
- The appearance of gaps or bald spots on the scalp.
- The hairline becomes wider apart.
- Noticeable hair loss in the eyebrows or eyelashes.
Causes of Natural Hair Loss
One of the natural causes of hair loss is the hair growth cycle, as hair goes through three phases: the growth phase, the transition phase, and the resting phase. At the end of the resting phase, hair falls out.
There are some seasonal factors, as hair loss increases during certain seasons due to seasonal changes, such as autumn.
There are also some hormonal factors, as natural hair loss affects women after pregnancy or menopause due to hormonal changes.
What are the causes of pathological hair loss
There are many causes of pathological hair loss, including:
- Hereditary baldness, which is the most common cause of gradual hair loss.
- Hormonal changes in women that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopause.
- Autoimmune diseases, such as alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles.
- Hypothyroidism or an overactive thyroid.
- Taking certain medications, such as contraceptives and antidepressants.
- Folliculitis or tinea capitis.
What is the difference between natural and pathological hair loss
The main difference between normal and abnormal hair loss lies in the amount. Normal hair loss is between 50 and 100 hairs per day, while abnormal hair loss is more than that, with noticeable gaps.
Methods for Treating Pathological Hair Loss
There are several treatments doctors prescribe to treat pathological hair loss, including:
- Minoxidil, which stimulates hair growth and requires consistent use.
- PRP injections, where platelets rich in growth factors are injected directly into the follicles.
- Finasteride, which is an oral tablet taken by mouth and helps reduce hair loss.
- Mesotherapy injections, which contain a mixture of vitamins and minerals, are administered directly into the scalp.
- Hair transplantation, which is a surgical procedure that moves hair follicles from a dense area to bald areas.
- Low-level laser therapy to dilate blood vessels in the scalp.
- Treatment of diseases that affect hair loss, such as thyroid disorders or alopecia areata.
How can hair loss be stopped
Hair loss can be stopped through improved care, including:
- Avoid pulling hair and violent styling.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins.
- Use a topical treatment such as minoxidil under medical supervision.
- Avoid smoking.
Home Remedies to Reduce Hair Loss
Hair loss can be reduced at home through hair care methods, including:
- Regular scalp massage to improve blood circulation and stimulate follicles.
- The importance of trimming the ends of your hair regularly to eliminate split ends and stimulate hair growth.
- Use natural oils to massage your scalp, such as coconut oil or peppermint oil.
- Use green tea as a rinse after washing your hair to improve scalp health.
- Avoid heat, chemicals, and permanent hair dye products.
What is the best nutritional supplement for hair loss
Important vitamins and nutritional supplements for hair loss include:
- Biotin, which is vitamin B7, is important for keratin production.
- Vitamin A, which is important for sebum production, which keeps the scalp moisturized.
- Vitamin D, which regulates the hair growth cycle and activates stem cells.
- B-complex vitamins, which help red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.
- Iron, which plays an important role in transporting oxygen to hair follicles.
- Zinc, which repairs follicles and produces sebum.
Summary of the difference between normal and abnormal hair loss
The main difference between normal and abnormal hair loss lies in the amount. Losing between 50 and 100 hairs per day is considered normal.
Pathological hair loss, on the other hand, involves losing more than 100 hairs per day, with noticeable gaps in the scalp. This requires medical advice.