When we hear about hair loss, it’s normally associated with adults and elderlies going through a phase. However, that’s not always the case since teenagers sometimes lose hair too, which could be a sign of a serious health problem. There are many causes of hair loss in teenagers such as diet, genetics, medications, and hormonal imbalances. Knowing the cause will determine the right course of treatment. Hair loss can be a difficult situation to deal with, especially if you’re only a teenager. Thus, once you notice the signs of hair loss, it’s best to seek treatment right away.
Get To Know Hair Basics
To fully understand how the causes of hair loss in teenagers occur, let’s learn about some simple hair basics. Our hair is 95% made of a tough protein known as keratin. A single strand of hair comprises a hair shaft, follicle, and hair bulb. The hair follicle is where the hair root grows, while the hair bulb is responsible for colour and melanin. Did you know? – a person loses about 100 head hairs in a day. So if you think you are losing more than that, then there might be a problem. When we lose hair, it is replaced and hair grows back in the same follicle. For those experiencing hair loss, talk to your doctor to discuss the causes of hair loss in teenagers and the possible treatments needed. The causes of hair loss in teenagers are treatable and most of the time can be stopped, but not all hair losses can be reversible.
Signs Of Hair Loss
Hair loss has many signs and symptoms that vary according to the underlying cause. Some of the most common signs of teenage hair loss are patchy and pattern hair loss, hair thinning, hairline recession, and even complete hair loss. If hair loss is caused by alopecia areata, you may experience patchy hair loss or complete hair loss. If malnutrition is the cause, you’ll only notice hair thinning. For those taking medications, expect to see patchy or complete hair loss and hair thinning.
Causes Of Hair Loss In Teenagers: Malnutrition
Hair loss malnutrition is a common cause mainly because of a lack of healthy foods, especially when you are not getting sufficient vitamins, minerals, and protein. Poor nutrition can’t support healthy hair growth. Being deficient in some nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and folic acid may cause hair loss in teens as well. Moreover, eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia always lead to hair loss.
Causes Of Hair Loss In Teenagers: Genetics
Genetics is one of the causes of hair loss in teenagers. It is referred to as female or male-pattern baldness which is a common occurrence in one’s life. People reaching adulthood normally experience a recession or thinning of hair. However, in some cases, some may experience it as early as in their teenage years. Men usually have a recession of the hairline, making a U, V or M shape that is accompanied by a gradual hair loss at the crown. As for women, gradual thinning is more common than baldness. If genetic baldness runs in the family, it can be one of the causes of hair loss in teenagers.
Causes Of Hair Loss In Teenagers: Alopecia Areata
Is teenage hair loss reversible? With Alopecia areata, it can or can’t be reversed. Alopecia areata happens in 1/1,000 children. Thus, making it one of the most common causes of hair loss in teenagers. It is an autoimmune disorder that damages the hair follicles, causing hair loss in the entire body.
Hormonal Problems
Teenagers experience a change in hormone levels. And when this happens, teenage boys and girls may experience hair loss and hair thinning. Hormone levels change due to varying reasons including growth, puberty, physical and emotional changes of adolescence, and stress. Stress at school can be caused by school pressure and deadlines; thus, leading to possible hair loss. Moreover, an underlying health condition that causes hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovary syndrome in teenage girls is a contributing factor to causes of hair loss in teenagers. It’s important to know the root cause to determine the best treatment, whether medications are needed or drastic measures like DHI hair transplant.
Medications And Treatments
Certain medications may cause teenage hair loss as a side effect. For instance, medicines for treating acne and depression can cause hair loss in teenagers. Almost 90% of young adults suffer from acne and 20% suffer from depression; thus, making it one of the top causes of hair loss. Medications for chemotherapy and diet pills also cause hair loss. Other medical treatments including anti-clotting drugs, immunosuppressants, antifungal treatments, anticonvulsants, and gout medications can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Other Causes Of Hair Loss In Teenagers
Aside from the mentioned causes above, you may also experience hair loss in some medical conditions like thyroid conditions, lupus, traction alopecia, uncontrolled diabetes, ringworm, and telogen effluvium. Not only body illnesses cause hair loss, but physical factors like hair colouring and styling. Hair colouring treatment contains harsh chemicals that potentially damage your scalp and hair. Heating hair with blow drying and ironing causes hair breakage that can lead to hair loss and hair thinning.
How To Treat Hair Loss
Your doctor is the only person that can determine the best treatment for your hair loss. A physical examination of your scalp and certain tests are done to diagnose the underlying cause. If the doctor suspects hair loss malnutrition or hormone problems, it is possible to do a blood test to check. You will be asked about your health history, diet, and family health as well.
