Is alopecia the same as hair loss? Know the difference

Hair loss is a widespread issue that can be caused by genetics, hormones, stress, and health conditions. It can lead to sudden bald patches or gradual hair thinning. Normally, humans shed between 50 and 100 strands per day, but when new hair does not replace the hair that may have fallen out, it results in noticeable hair loss on the scalp. There are several factors that can result in hair loss. Alopecia is one of the most common causes. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to bald patches. To find the right treatment, understanding the cause of your hair loss problem is important. So, find out the difference between alopecia and hair loss.

Alopecia vs hair loss: Know the difference

Alopecia is a medical term for various types of hair loss, ranging from autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, where hair falls out in patches due to immune system attacks, to scarring alopecia, where hair follicles are permanently damaged by inflammation. Hair loss, on the other hand, is a general term referring to a reduction in hair volume or density. It can be caused by multiple factors, such as genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or certain medical treatments like chemotherapy. While alopecia can result in hair loss, hair loss itself can be a temporary or permanent problem, affecting people differently based on underlying causes.

Also read: 5 simple yet effective ways to stop hair loss

What causes alopecia?

Alopecia refers to hair loss, primarily caused by autoimmune factors where the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in baldness or hair thinning. Alopecia areata, characterised by patchy bald spots on the scalp or other body areas such as eyebrows and eyelashes, is the most common type and often has a genetic link. Additionally, alopecia can be hereditary and associated with hormonal changes, stress, and autoimmune disorders like thyroid issues, as well as medical conditions such as cancer treatments and fungal infections of the scalp, which can also trigger hair loss.

Types of alopecia

Alopecia refers to a severe hair loss condition that can be seen on the scalp or other parts of the body. It can occur gradually or suddenly and may affect people of all ages and genders. Here are several types of alopecia:

1. Alopecia areata (Patchy): This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body. It can progress to alopecia totalis (complete scalp hair loss) or alopecia universalis (loss of all body hair).

2. Androgenetic alopecia: This is the most common form of hair loss, affecting both men and women. Often referred to as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss, it is influenced by genetic and hormonal factors. In men, it causes a receding hairline and a thinning crown, whereas in women, it causes overall thinning of the hair.

3. Telogen effluvium: This type of hair loss occurs when there is a significant stressor to the body, such as surgery, childbirth, extreme stress, or illness. It causes a sudden shift of hair follicles from the growth phase (anagen) to the resting phase (telogen), resulting in noticeable hair shedding.

4. Anagen effluvium: It results in sudden and severe hair loss that is caused by medical treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This condition may also stop hair follicle production in the scalp and other parts of the body. After stopping these treatments, hair usually grows back on its own.

5. Scarring alopecia: Also known as cicatricial alopecia, this type involves inflammation that destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue. Hair loss is permanent and can occur gradually or rapidly, depending on the underlying condition causing the inflammation.

Also read: Fighting alopecia? Here’s your guide to eyebrow and eyelash hair loss treatments

Causes of hair loss

Alopecia is just one of the several causes of hair loss. Here are some other common causes of hair loss you should know:

1. Hereditary: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss and affects both men and women. While primarily a genetic condition, it can also be a hormone-related problem. In men, it causes a receding hairline and a thinning crown, whereas in women, it causes overall hair thinning.

2. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders can lead to hair loss.

3. Medical conditions: Conditions like alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder), scalp infections, scalp psoriasis, and certain skin disorders can cause hair loss.

4. Medications: Some drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, etc., can lead to hair shedding as a side effect of the medication.

5. Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamins A and D in your body can weaken hair follicles, resulting in hair fall or hair loss.

6. Stress: Physical stress caused by surgery, illness, sudden weight loss, or high fever can trigger temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium). Emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, causing temporary hair shedding.

7. Hairstyling habits: Excessive use of heat styling tools, harsh chemicals such as dyes, and tight hairstyles can damage hair and cause breakage. While this may not alone lead to hair loss, it can be one of the causes of hair loss.

Apart from these causes, exposure to pollutants, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, extreme weather, and advancing age can take a toll on your hair health.

Treatment for alopecia

There is currently no cure for alopecia. However, there are some forms of treatment that aim to manage symptoms and promote hair regrowth.

1. Corticosteroid creams: It is commonly used to treat the most common form of alopecia, alopecia areata. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that suppresses immune responses. These can be administered through local injections, topical ointment applications, or orally.
2. Minoxidil (Rogaine): Minoxidil is a topical drug that treats both male and female pattern baldness. It usually takes about 12 weeks of use before noticeable hair growth begins. Some side effects include headaches, scalp irritation and unusual hair growth.

Note: While this drug is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for alopecia areata treatment, it can have adverse side effects. So, always consult a healthcare professional before using it.

3. Phototherapy: It uses light to stimulate hair follicles, resulting in hair re-growth.
4. Topical immunotherapy: It involves applying chemicals like diphencyprone (DPCP) to the scalp to provoke an allergic reaction and stimulate hair regrowth.
5. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): This therapy involves injecting a patient’s own plasma into the scalp to encourage hair follicle activity.

Diet for alopecia

As per a study published by Cureus, consuming a diet packed with essential nutrients that help promote hair growth can help in the treatment of alopecia. Include these foods in your diet:

• Vitamin A: Fish oil, liver, oily fish (herring, sardines, salmon, cod), eggs, chicken. You can also add pumpkin, carrots, mangos, apricots, broccoli, full-fat yoghurt, and milk.
• Vitamin D: Cod liver oil, liver, fatty fish, full-fat milk, and yoghurt.
• Zinc: Oysters, beef, pork, chicken, pumpkin seeds, full-fat yogurt, almonds, fish

Note: Avoid excessive intake of cereal grains, as it might inhibit some zinc absorption.

Treatment for hair loss

If hair loss is not caused by alopecia, finding the cause behind the problem is the first step to finding a suitable treatment.

• Hair loss due to hormonal changes, such as in cases of thyroid disorders or menopause, may require hormone replacement therapy to balance hormone levels and mitigate hair thinning.
• Nutritional deficiencies, like iron or vitamin deficiencies, can be addressed through dietary changes or supplements to support healthy hair growth.
• For hair loss resulting from medical conditions or medications, adjusting the treatment plan or switching medications (as per doctor) may help reduce hair shedding.
• Scalp infections or disorders may require specific treatments, such as antifungal medications or topical steroids, to resolve inflammation and promote hair regrowth.
• In cases of hair loss due to physical trauma or stress, managing stress levels through relaxation techniques or counseling can aid in minimizing further hair loss.

Other tips to control hair loss

Healthy hair care routine: Following a good hair care routine and avoiding damaging treatments or styling methods can help maintain existing hair health and prevent further loss.

Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health, reducing stress, and avoiding harsh hair treatments can help manage hair loss.

Stress management: High-stress levels can disrupt hair growth cycles, leading to increased shedding and thinning. However, regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and adequate sleep can significantly lower stress levels.