Natural Treatment Of Alopecia (Hair Loss)
About Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in small patches, which can be unnoticeable. It produces one or more patches of balding without any obvious change in the texture of the affected skin, a non-scarring alopecia. In the majority of cases, hair falls out in small patches around the size of a quarter. Sudden hair loss may occur on the scalp, and in some cases the eyebrows, eyelashes, and face, as well as other parts of the body. It can also develop slowly and recur after years between instances.
Alopecia areata is rare before 3 years of age. It mostly affects both males and females at the age of thirty.
Types Of Alopecia (Hair Loss)
There are different types of hair loss and below are the most common:
- Androgenic Alopecia: It is common type of hair loss that affects both men and women. A U-shaped hair pattern around the back and sides of the head normally stays or hair may keep on falling out, leading to complete baldness as time passes.
- Alopecia Areata: A condition generated when the immune system of the body targets the hair follicles and disturbs the natural hair growth and formation. Alopecia areata is oftentimes linked to other autoimmune conditions like ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vitiligo, thyroid disease and allergic disorders. Alopecia areata in some cases happens in several members of the family, indicating a role of heredity and genes.
- Alopecia Universalis: Alopecia universalis is more advanced than alopecia totalis. This type results in hair loss across the entire scalp and face (including eyebrows and eyelashes), plus the rest of the body (including pubic hair).
- Alopecia Totalis: Alopecia totalis results in hair loss across the entire scalp.
Causes Of Alopecia (Hair Loss)
THE COMMON CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS ARE LISTED BELOW:
- Family history (heredity).
- Hormonal changes and medical conditions.
- Medications and supplements.
- Radiation therapy to the head.
- A very stressful event.
- Certain hairstyles and treatments.
- Symptoms Of Alopecia (Hair Loss)
The main symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss. Hair usually falls out in many different ways, depending on what’s causing it. It can come on suddenly or gradually and affect just your scalp or your whole body. Some types of hair loss are temporary, and others are permanent.
Some symptoms of hair loss may include:
- Circular or patchy bald spots
- Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp
- Gradual thinning on top of head
- Sudden loosening of hair
- Full-body hair loss
- Diagnosis of Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Doctors are usually able to diagnose alopecia areata fairly easily by examining symptoms. They might look at the degree of hair loss and examine hairs from affected areas under a microscope.
If, after an initial clinical examination, the doctor is not able to make a diagnosis, they can perform a skin biopsy. If they need to rule out other autoimmune diseases, they might perform a blood test.
As the symptoms of alopecia areata are so distinctive, making a diagnosis is usually quick and straightforward.
Alopecia and Hair Loss in Ayurvedic View
Ayurveda believes hair to originate from the “Asthi” or bone tissue, and therefore, to treat hair loss, medicines to strengthen bone are given orally on a long-term basis. This is the rationale of application of Vasthis or enemas with medicated milk in conditions of extensive hair loss.
Baldness or Alopecia is termed as “Khalitya” in Ayurveda. Alopecia areata is similar to “Indralupta” explained in Ayurvedic classics.
Alopecia treatment in ayurveda is aimed to treat local and systemic conditions resulting in hair loss, by achieving immuno modulation, correction of the local scalp conditions and reducing stress.
Dietary Regimen :
- Should take light, easily digestible foods, Amlaki, Bitter items, milk, ghee.
- Should avoid salty, high in fat content, heavy food items, curd, preserved and fast food.
Yogic Regimen:
Meditation, Pranayama.
Lifestyle:
Should avoid day sleep, night awakening, acohol, smoking.
