Baldness in Men: Causes and Treatments
Alopecia, or baldness, is a condition most commonly seen in men. Unfortunately, many people hesitate to seek medical help and instead attempt to treat it on their own, often without success. This is because alopecia is a multifactorial condition with several underlying causes.
Main Causes of Baldness
Alopecia can occur due to a variety of reasons. What are the most common factors contributing to hair loss?
- Stress: Prolonged stress is a leading factor.
- Chronic intoxication or prolonged use of certain medications.
- Improper scalp care.
- Excessive hair tension (e.g., wearing tight hats).
Types of Baldness
- Androgenic Alopecia:
This progressive hair loss is caused by the impact of sex hormones (androgens) on hair follicles in those with a hereditary predisposition. Genetically, the hair follicles in the frontal-temporal area are highly sensitive to testosterone.- Symptoms: Localized hair loss in specific areas of the scalp, which gradually expands into circular or oval patches. Hair near the affected area becomes thinner and weaker over time.
- If left untreated, it can even lead to the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes.
- Endocrine-related Alopecia:
If baldness doesn’t begin in the frontal region, the cause is often endocrine system issues, such as hypothyroidism or adrenal insufficiency. In such cases, consulting an endocrinologist or dermatologist-trichologist is essential. - Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia:
This occurs in areas with scars, often due to bacterial infections causing inflammation around hair follicles. These infections include fungal conditions and deep scalp abscesses. It may also result from scalp injuries or burns. - Congenital Alopecia:
This rare condition is often accompanied by defects such as brittle nails or dental dystrophy. It arises due to the partial or complete absence of hair follicles, often linked to amino acid synthesis disorders.
Baldness Treatment Methods
The treatment approach depends on the type of alopecia and individual characteristics of the body. A trichogram (microscopic hair analysis) is conducted to determine the ratio of hair quantity and growth phases. Afterward, patients are prescribed procedures and medications tailored to halt hair loss and stabilize hair growth.
Useful Procedures:
- Scalp therapeutic massage.
- Multivitamin intake.
- Vitamin injections.
- Mesotherapy.
- Plasma therapy.
- Medications promoting hair growth.
- Electro-stimulation therapy.
Helpful Tips
- Noticed Hair Loss? Use scalp care products containing white lupin protein, which boosts skin metabolism by 18%.
- When buying shampoos, sprays, balms, masks, or other hair products, ensure they are natural and free from parabens, silicones, and propylene glycol.
- Diet for Alopecia: Maintain a balanced diet. Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, and gelatin-rich foods (found in animal skin, cartilage, and fish). Add iodine-rich foods like seaweed, caviar, cod, mackerel, tuna, shrimp, squid, dates, and blackcurrants to your diet. Avoid sweets, flour, fats, and smoked foods.
By addressing the underlying causes and adhering to proper care and nutrition, it is possible to slow or even reverse the progression of baldness.
