Baldness Research
Alopecia, which is baldness, is one of many factors that involve the lack of hair in the most important part of the body, which is the head. Baldness affects men much more than women and is a progressive loss of hair that occurs in most men beginning with a receding hairline that continues until with some men the only hair they have left is on the sides. This affects women but to a much lesser degree. The hair loss can start early in life, and usually the earlier it starts the greater the hair loss. Some men have only a receding hairline, whereas others go completely bald. Sometimes the cause of hair loss is genetic which runs in some families. Other causes that are systemic could be from a severe shortage in the system of a necessary vitamin or nutrient, from a severe illness with high fever, from taking heavy doses of certain drugs, and chemotherapy. Sometimes it happens to a woman in pregnancy. However, most of these causes only develop temporary hair loss and clear up with no treatment.
Alopecia areata is a sudden loss of hair for no apparent cause. It can be in a small area or in extreme cases, a loss of all body hair. When the hair loss is minor it is usually a temporary condition but if widespread it may not come back. Other causes of hair loss are shampoos, excessive use of hair dryers, an allergic reaction, and creams or oils used on the hair but most of these will clear up when the cause is removed. To get a diagnosis may require a biopsy, but most types of baldness have no cure, however a person with the usual pattern of male or female baldness may transplant hair from another part of the body to the bald spots. Some men regain hair from Finasteride or Saw Palmetto. There are many natural treatments that have had varying degrees of success. Combing hair over the bald spots will cover much hair for a cosmetic affect.
