Losing one's hair can be a rather traumatic experience, and only certain types of hair loss can nowadays be treated successfully.There are various types of hair loss. Hairs can fall out from the entire scalp, from the region of the forehead or in patches from the crown of the head.

Types of hair loss

The diffuse effluvium/alopecia     The androgenetic alopecia     The alopecia areata

With hair loss we distinguish between effluvium, the process of losing hair, or alopecia, a condition which ranges from thinning of hair, i.e. reduction in hair density, to complete baldness.
Alopecia is divided into two types: the scarring and non-scarring alopecia. In the scarring form the follicles are irreversibly destroyed and hairs can no longer be produced. In non-scarring alopecia hair follicles do function fully.
Diffuse and androgenetic alopecia as well as alopecia areata belong to this group.

-Alopecia areata or circular hair loss
Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring hair loss disease that can affect men, women and children. The factors that activate the onset of alopecia areata and the mechanisms of its development are not yet fully enlighted.

-Androgenetic hair loss
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia is an extremely common disorder affecting both men and women. The incidence is generally considered to be greater in males than females.
Although androgenetic alopecia is a hormonal determined condition, latest information in research have shown, that in women, also other reasons may cause this type of hair loss.
An average of 47% of men under 30 years of age have androgenetic hair loss, the incidence rising with age. About 19% of women aged over 20 years are affected.

Male hair loss pattern in androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a genetic disposition under the influence of androgens. The catabolic product of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, initially causes a shortening of the anagen phase, ultimately leading to advanced miniaturisation and resulting exhaustion of the hair follicle.
According to Norwood-Hamilton, androgenetic alopecia expresses itself in seven different stages, from balding at the temples to "monk's tonsure".

Female hair loss pattern in androgenetic alopecia

Female hair loss pattern starts in the parting area and spreads from there into all directions.

- Diffuse hair loss
Diffuse alopecia is a type of hair loss that is seen in both men and women. With men it is difficult to determine with respect to the androgenetic alopecia. Diffuse hair loss tends to affect the whole scalp, rather than specific areas of it. It can occur at any age. The first signs are of increased hair loss which is followed after a while by recognizable thinning of the hair.
Nearly 40% of all women, but also 20% of men aged over 20, develop diffuse hair loss at least once in their lifetime.
Causes of diffuse alopecia
There are numerous causes of diffuse alopecia which can be of psychological as well as of physical nature:
- States of exhaustion, stress
- Somatic and psychosomatic states
- Fever, infections, rheumatism
- Metabolic disorders e.g. thyropathy
- Anemia
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Malnutrition, diet regiments, alcohol abuse
- Ingestions of drugs e.g. cytostatics, lipid lowering agents
- Intoxications
- Radiation

Symptoms of diffuse hair loss can be treated by supplying the body with essential nutrients and active ingredients as contained in Newcare.

Female hair loss pattern in diffuse alopecia

In contrast to androgenetic alopecia, the hair loss pattern in female diffuse alopecia is characterised by an even loss of hair, mainly all over the head.