TYPES OF HAIR DISORDERS

1. PITYRIASIS CAPITIS: (DANDRUFF)

Pityriasis capitis or Dandruff is an abnormal shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. As the epidermal layer continually replaces itself, cells are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off. There are a variety of causes for dandruff. Dandruff may be caused due to environmental factors, microbiological factors or physiological factors. The success of the treatment lies in identifying the real cause and applying the suitable treatment methodology.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF

The secondary causes of dandruff are:

• Dirty Scalp
• Pollution
• Exposure to heat and humidity
• Usage of harsh cosmetics
• Low immunity
• Hormonal disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies
• And few other reasons

2. SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on the sebaceous-gland-rich areas of skin. In adolescents and adults, seborrhoeic dermatitis usually presents as scalp scaling similar to dandruff or as mild to marked erythema of the nasolabial fold. It can occur with or without reddened skin. Cradle cap is the term used when Seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is caused by seborrhea, a pathologic overproduction of sebum, and subsequent infection and inflammation.

CAUSES OF SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

• Skin lesions
• Plaques over large area
• Greasy, oily areas of skin
• Skin scales - white and flaking, or yellowish, oily, and adherent - "dandruff"
• Itching - may become more itchy if infected
• Mild redness
• Hair loss

3. CONTACT DERMATITIS

Contact dermatitis is a condition in which there is an aggravated skin reaction characterized by redness, soreness, or inflammation after direct contact with a substance, more specifically, an allergen. Allergic dermatitis is usually confined to the area where the trigger actually touches the skin, whereas irritant dermatitis may be more widespread on the skin.

• Red rashes
• Blisters or wheals
• Itchy, burning skin

All forms of scalp dermatitis will lead to hair loss because of inflammatory response.

4. ECZEMA

Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin more predominantly found in the scalp. The scalp is vulnerable because the skin of the scalp is different than skin elsewhere on the body. The scalp has a very rich supply of grease from the sebaceous glands as well as carrying follicles creating long hairs.

Seborrheic eczema causes itchy and flaky patches on the scalp. This tends to be more severe than simple dandruff because the skin and glands become inflammed. The flakes are often greasier and more yellow in colour and can also affect the eyebrows, ears, face and upper body. Eczema on the scalp is also called as Seborrheic Eczema.

5. RINGWORM

Ringworm, also known as "Tinea", is a contagious fungal infection of the skin, and can exist anywhere on the body. Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm, but generally is reddish to brownish raised or bumpy patch of skin that may be lighter in the center, giving the appearance of a 'ring'.

Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to- skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hair brushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease. Ringworm is mildly contagious.

ALOPECIA AREATA

• It might be a semi permanent or a permanent form of hair loss.
• It starts as a patchy hair loss, which is semi permanent.
• If left uncared, it progresses to the entire head.
• The follicles might be completely destroyed and there may be formation of scar.
• If left untreated, can lead to permanent hairfall.

ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA (AGA)

• A semi permanent form of hair loss.
• Can proceed to permanent hair loss, if left uncared.
• Very common in males.
• It can also occur in female.
• Hair loss occur in a particular pattern.
• The pattern of loss is different in male and female.

MAJOR CAUSES

Primary cause for grey hair is the failure of melanocytes to produce melanin

• Protein deficiency
• Mineral deficiency
• Vitamin deficiency
• Pollution
• Smoking
• Consumption of alcohol
• Use of harsh products on hair
• Poor blood circulation