Hair Loss: Help for the Dis-Tressed
There have been some great developments in the world of hair-loss prevention and treatment, but quack remedies and sales pitches disguised as information are still as abundant online as they are on late-night television. We’ve sifted through it all to find the most reliable Web sites; in this guide you’ll find credible information about the different ways to prevent, treat, or even just to feel comfortable embracing your hair loss. Whether you are just curious about what’s out there or you want some personal advice from a physician about your hair loss, you’ll find what you need on the Web.
Expand All Guide SectionsHair Loss Causes
We all lose a little hair each day (actually, according to Medline Plus, we lose about 100 hairs each day), but if you feel that you're losing more than the normal amount, or if some of the hair that has been lost isn't coming back, you’re likely experiencing some kind of hair loss, or alopecia. A few minutes online can help you determine if your hair loss is the result of a genetic predisposition or if it’s something more serious that you should discuss with your doctor.
Dulcinea's Insight
- These sites will help you debunk myths about baldness, such as the idea that men inherit it from their mother’s side of the family. (Hair loss can be inherited from either side of the family.)
- The reasons for hair loss can vary widely, and include fungal infections, stress, and even childbirth. It’s also a common side effect of cancer treatment. In many cases, hair loss is temporary and grows back on its own.
- Hair loss can be a symptom of a more serious health problem, and these sites will give you some warning signs. If after reading these you still aren’t sure, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview …
WebMD
provides an “Understanding Hair Loss—the Basics” page that describes the normal hair-growth cycle along with different types of alopecia and other causes of hair loss, including trichotillomania (pulling out your own hair).
MedlinePlus
is a joint service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Here, you'll find an overview of hair loss that includes pictures of the different types of hair loss, information on common causes of hair loss, a description of male- and female-pattern baldness, home care for hair loss, and what symptoms indicate whether you should see your doctor.
The American Academy of Dermatology
has a hair-loss pamphlet that covers the common causes of excessive hair loss as well as treatment and hair restoration options. In the “Public Resource Center” under the letter "H" you can find a variety of other hair-loss information articles and resources.
For hair loss in women …
WebMD
has this article, titled "Women and Hair Loss: The Causes," that explains the difference between male- and female-pattern hair loss, the physiological process that can cause hair to stop growing back regularly, the change that has occurred in the medical community in regard to the perceived causes of female hair loss, and some of the possible medical conditions (such as polycystic ovary syndrome) that may cause female hair loss.
iVillage
has a section called "Female Hair Loss: Why It Happens and What To Do About It" that offers expert advice about how much hair loss is normal for a woman, what might be causing excessive hair loss, and how to eat a healthy diet so that you won’t lose more hair due to poor nutrition.
For help determining if your hair loss requires medical attention …
FamilyDoctor.org
, put together by the American Academy of Family Physicians, has a great, easy-to-read diagram that helps you to determine whether your hair loss might be a symptom of a more serious problem.
For information about alopecia areata …
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
provides a very easy-to-understand guide to alopecia areata (a condition that causes hair to fall out in small patches). This guide answers questions such as, "Will my hair ever grow back?" and "How can I cope with the effects of this disease?" Also, read about the different ways alopecia areata is treated.
Treating Hair Loss
Even if your hair loss is not connected to an underlying medical condition, there are quite a few ... read more »
Hair Loss Support
Hair loss is by no means an uncommon condition. On the Web you’ll find plenty of places to ... read more »
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