Baldness is hair loss, or absence of hair. Baldness is usually most noticeable in the scalp and more common in man.
Symptoms
- Hair loss: is the only symptoms but it can occur in various pattern:
- Female pattern: generalized thinning all over head
- Male pattern: this is usually inherited. Hair loss usually starts from front or sides or crown
- Alopecia areata: sudden loss of hair in one particular area
- Scarring alopecia: scarred area may prevent regrowth of hair.
- Toxic alopecia: may occur after high fever
Causes
Genetic predisposition and male hormone contributes. Injury leading to scar also cause hair loss over scarred area.
Diagnosis
by medical history and clinical examination
Risk Factors
- Aging
- Change in hormones
- Family history of baldness
- Illness
- Burns
- Injury
- Iron or protein deficiency
Treatment
- Medication to promote hair growth(eg. Minoxidil, finasteride etc.)
- Corticosteroid injection (for alopecia areata)
- Hair transplant