Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Hair loss may occur naturally, or it may be related to a disease or the use of certain medications. Symptoms of alopecia vary depending on the cause of the condition and range from a small bald patch to a complete loss of all body hair.
The Norwood scale (or Hamilton-Norwood scale) is a commonly used classification system used to measure the extent of male pattern baldness and ranges from stages 1 to 7. It provides easy-to-reference images that indicate different stages of balding.
Norwood-Hamilton Scale of Male Pattern Baldness
The Ludwig scale is a method of classifying female pattern baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) and ranges from stages 1 to 3.
Ludwig Scale of Female Pattern Baldness
This is a prevalent disorder that affects approximately 50% of men and many women (mostly older than 40 years). As many as 13% of premenopausal women reportedly have some evidence of Androgenetic Alopecia. This type of alopecia is commonly known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. Thinning of hair occurs on the crown area, or hairline starts receding from the temples.
In most cases, hair continues to fall, leading to complete baldness with time. This progressive hair loss is believed to be due to genetic and hereditary factors.
Hair loss due to scarring of the scalp is called scarring alopecia. Scarring can be due to a variety of causes. Traction alopecia over a period of time may lead to scarring and permanent hair loss. Similarly, trichotillomania (compulsive hair-plucking) can cause permanent scalp scarring over time. Injury to the scalp caused by physical trauma or burns may leave permanent scars and permanent hair loss. Diseases that may cause permanent hair loss due to scalp scarring include:
A form of scarring alopecia may also occur in post-menopausal women, associated with hair follicles’ inflammation and subsequent scarring.
The progression of Scarring Alopecia. Results are case-specific and are not guaranteed.
This type of alopecia occurs as round or oval hair loss patches, most obvious on the scalp or in the eyebrows. Those who develop these round or oval hair loss areas can progress to total scalp hair loss (Alopecia Totalis). The cause of Alopecia Areata is unknown but commonly believed to be an auto-immune disorder. The most common treatment is steroids (cortisone is one form), either topically or by injection.
This refers to cases in which the scalp incurs complete hair loss. In an estimated 30% of patients, total hair loss occurs within six months after the disease’s onset.
It is an auto-immune disorder resulting in total hair loss, but on the scalp only. It is a condition intermediary between Alopecia Areata and Alopecia Universalis. Alopecia Totalis generally shows up in two types, the first being a relatively quick and complete hair loss in the head and the second being a slower type, which starts as a patchy loss (Alopecia Areata) and progresses to total hair loss in the scalp.
This is the most advanced and rare type of alopecia in which there is a complete loss of hair all over the body.
Diffused alopecia – also known as Alopecia Areata Incognita, is a rare form of alopecia and affects primarily young males, and the hair loss on the head is radical and sudden.
When hair follicles are pushed prematurely in the hair growth cycle’s resting stage, the resulting hair loss is categorized as Telogen Effluvium.
This alopecia is usually caused due to excessive pulling or tension on hair shafts as a result of certain hairstyles
Loss of hair occurs in the temporal areas that sometimes begins in childhood. Hair loss may be complete, or a few fine, thin diameter hairs may remain. The cause of Triangular Alopecia is not known, but the condition can be treated medically or surgically.