Other Types of Hair Loss
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is characterised by acute diffuse hair shedding. The excessive shedding is of telogen or resting hair after a form of environmental stress such as hormonal, nutritional, metabolic or medication changes.
Common triggers include major surgeries (such as the gastric sleeve), severe infections or trauma, acute febrile illness, child birth, thyroid disorders, changes in medication including hormonal contraceptives, severe diets & nutritional deficiencies. Medications linked to TE include but are not limited to retinoids, anti coagulants, beta blockers, thyroid medication and immunisations.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia can be secondary to trauma (burn or serious infection) or an inflammatory process (lichen Planus or frontal fibrosing alopecia) that permanently destroy hair follicles, causing scarring and irreversible hair loss. In terms of inflammatory scarring alopecias, diagnosis and timely management is important to prevent further progression.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is due to continual pulling & tension force on the hair follicles usually secondary to tight hair styles.
Fungal Alopecia
Fungal infections can affect the hair & scalp and cause significant hair loss. A common scalp fungal infection is called Tinea Capitis or Ring Worm, which can often be treated by topical or oral anti fungals.
