Q4 requirement: Research or interview a dermatologist
regarding the causes and solutions of hair and scalp problems (aside from those
in the textbook). Make a two-page report.
Does Bad Hair mean Bad Health? Is your hair trying
to tell you something about your health? Maybe. Some conditions and medications
affect your body as well as your hair. In other cases, you may just need to
take better care of your hair or scalp.
Dandruff
White Flakes Pose No Health Risk. Dandruff isn't contagious. So how do you get it? Doctors aren't sure, but
one theory is that it may be due to an overgrowth of a fungus. Other possible
risk factors include oily skin, stress, obesity, cold, dry weather, and having
eczema or psoriasis. Although it's embarrassing – and the itching can be
bothersome – dandruff isn't harmful.
Tips for Dandruff Treatment: To decrease the buildup of dandruff's dead skin cells, try using an
antidandruff shampoo daily. Leave shampoo on for 5 minutes, then rinse
well. You may need to try several dandruff shampoos to find one that works best
for you. If one stops working, try another. If that doesn't help, call your
doctor.
Yellow Dandruff? If the dandruff
flakes you see are greasy and yellow, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. It's
an inflammatory skin condition that can occur where there are lots of oil
glands, like the scalp and face. Though seborrheic dermatitis is related to
hormones, fungus, and even some neurological problems, it's treated the same as
dandruff: with antidandruff shampoos. Severe cases may need a prescription
steroid or antifungal medicine.
Hair Loss or Baldness
It's not a perfect measure, but some experts estimate
that we may shed up to 100 or more hairs a day. That's not cause for alarm, nor
does it mean you're going bald. About 90% of your 100,000 hair follicles are
producing hair at any given time. The other 10% are in a resting (telogen)
phase, and the hair falls out after about 2-3 months. It's replaced by new
hair, and the growth cycle starts over again.
An Attack on Hair Follicles: In alopecia areata, your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles,
causing hair to fall out – often suddenly. Most people will have one or two
bald patches, but in some cases all body hair falls out. Alopecia areata isn't
harmful or contagious, but it can be tough psychologically. Hair may grow back
on its own, and treatment may help it grow back more quickly. Unfortunately,
some people may experience alopecia areata repeatedly.
Genes Cause 90% of Male Hair Loss. Though hereditary, the trait may be more influenced by your mother's
family than your father's. So a look at your maternal grandfather's locks may
give you a better clue about the future of yours. Male pattern baldness often
starts with receding hair at the temples, then on the crown, leaving a
horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the sides of the
head. Medications to slow hair loss include Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia
(finasteride).
Female-Pattern Baldness. Hair loss in women
may mean hair thinning all over the head, but is usually most common on top of
the head. Unlike men, women rarely go bald, and they tend to lose hair more
slowly than men do. Contrary to popular belief, longer hair won't put a strain
on the roots, causing more to fall out. Nor will shampooing pull hair out – it
just gets the ones that were falling out already. Minoxidil may help hair
growth and prevent thinning.
Hair Tips
Avoid Sun Damage to Hair. Too much sun can
turn your hair into a brittle, dry mop that breaks and splits easily. And if
you already have thinning hair, you risk a sunburn on your scalp. Choosing hair
care products with sunscreen provides some protection, although it can be hard
to coat your hair evenly. That's why it's a good idea to wear a hat when you're
out in the sun, especially if your scalp is exposed.
Luscious Locks Need Nutrients. Could a crash diet
cost you your hair? In extreme cases, it could. Your hair needs protein and
iron to stay healthy, along with omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A, but
not too much, which can promote hair loss. Very low-cal diets are often lacking
in sufficient nutrients and can stunt hair growth or leave hair dull and limp.
If the nutritional deficiency is big enough – like for someone with an eating
disorder – hair can fall out.
A Hair- and Heart-Healthy Diet. Help keep hair
shiny by eating salmon and walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids; spinach and carrots
for vitamin A; brazil nuts for selenium; and oysters and cashews for zinc. All
help maintain scalp and hair health, as do low-fat dairy, whole grains, and vegetables.
Double the results: foods good for your hair are also good for your heart.
Premature Gray Hair is Genetic. Going gray isn't always related to aging. If you're not yet 40 and see
more than a few gray hairs, chances are it runs in your family. Gray usually
isn't a sign of poor health, though anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin B-12
deficiency, and vitiligo can cause premature graying. You can highlight or
color hair to cover the gray, but beware: some people are sensitive to the
dye's chemicals. The result could be an itchy, burning scalp.
Traction Alopecia Damages Follicles. Pulling hair too
tight – as can happen with ponytails, braids, and cornrows – can damage hair
follicles and cause hair to break or fall out. Hair extensions and hairpieces
can sometimes cause traction alopecia, too, because their extra weight pulls on
existing hair. Changing your hairstyle usually lets hair grow back. Pulling
hair back tightly for a long time, though, can lead to permanent hair loss.
Overstyling Weakens Your Hair. Blow drying, using a flat iron, coloring, bleaching, even over-brushing –all can damage the outer layer (cuticle) of your hair. When the inner core of hair is exposed, your locks become dry and dull. Although it doesn't cause any permanent health damage, you can overstyle to the point that your only option for healthy hair is to cut it off and start over. When it comes to your hair, doing less leads to healthier tresses.
Overstyling Weakens Your Hair. Blow drying, using a flat iron, coloring, bleaching, even over-brushing –all can damage the outer layer (cuticle) of your hair. When the inner core of hair is exposed, your locks become dry and dull. Although it doesn't cause any permanent health damage, you can overstyle to the point that your only option for healthy hair is to cut it off and start over. When it comes to your hair, doing less leads to healthier tresses.
A Surprising Side Effect. Among the
medications that list hair loss as a side effect are anticlotting drugs,
cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, and drugs for menopause, birth control, and antibiotics. Usually, hair
grows back when the medication is stopped, but may not in some cases.
Scalp Massage Feels So Good. There's no evidence
that massaging your scalp will slow hair loss or improve any scalp conditions –
but it can do wonders to relieve stress. Your scalp is covered with nerve
endings that make it super-sensitive to touch. Rubbing your scalp may help
release tension. Massage may also trigger the release of feel-good hormones
like dopamine and serotonin.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-hair-conditions
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