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SELAMAT DATANG KE PORTAL RASMI
MYHEALTH KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN MALAYSIA

Hair Loss

Everyday some of the hair is being shed as part of the cycle. Up to a hundred strands of hair can be shed in one day.

What is normal hair growth?

The scalp hair grows about one centimeter per month. It’s growth cycle is divided into 3 phases.

  • Growing phase (Anagen) lasts for 2 to 6 years
  • Stage of partial degeneration (Catagen) lasts for 10 to 14 days
  • Resting phase (Telogen) lasts for 2 to 3 months whereby the hair drops subsequently

About 90% of the hair on the scalp is in the growing phase. About 10% is in the resting phase. The average life span of a hair is about five years.  

How many hairs are normally shed every day?

Everyday some of the hair is being shed as part of the cycle. Up to a hundred strands of hair can be shed in one day.

What can cause excessive or abnormal hair loss?

Excessive hair loss or baldness (Alopecia) may occur:

  • After a stressful condition such as :
    • Serious illness
    • Major surgery
    • After giving birth

Hair stops growing and goes into a resting phase (Telogen effluvium) about 3 to 4 months following the above stressful episodes.

  • As a result of hormonal problems
    • Thyroid diseases
  • Due to underlying diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematoses (SLE)
  • As a side-effect of certain medicines e.g.:
    • Anticoagulants (Warfarin)
    • Medicine used to treat cancer (Chemotherapy)
    • Birth control pills (Oral contraception)
    • Antidepressants
  • In Androgenic Alopecia
    • Male-pattern baldness:
      • Is an inherited condition common in men
      • Can occur as early as in the 20’s
      • Starts with receding of the hair line in front and on top of the head
    • Female-pattern baldness:
      • Occurs in genetically predisposed women
      • Generalized thinning over the entire scalp, more marked on the top of the head
  • Other causes of excessive hair loss are:
    • Infections – fungal infections, commonly seen in childrenk
      • Patchy hair loss occurs
  • Alopecia aerate – auto immune disease where the hair follicles are destroyed by the patient’s own cells
    • It can occur as patches of bald areas
    • It can cause baldness of the entire scalp (Alopecia totalize)
    • It can affect the entire scalp, eyebrows, underarms and pubic hair (Alopecia universalis)
  • Psychological disorder with impulsive pulling of hairs (Trichotillomania)
    • It usually affects girls more than boys
    • It is associated with depression

What should I do if I have excessive or abnormal hair loss?

You should consult a doctor for advice and treatment.

  • If the hair loss is due to stress, do not worry because it is temporary and the hair will re-grow
  • Investigations to rule out other diseases such as thyroid diseases and SLE may be required and would need to be treated accordingly
  • Fungal infection is treated with antifungal medicines
  • Medications may be helpful in some instances
    • Topical minoxidil 2% and 5% may help slow or prevent male and female pattern baldness
    • Finasteride tablets can be used for male-pattern baldness
  • Psychological therapy is required for treatment of Trichotillomania
Last Reviewed : 28 August 2020
Writer : Dr. Sorya A. Aziz
Reviewer : Dr. Nazhatussima bt. Suhaili

Artikel Berkaitan

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Hair care differs according to hair types, hair style and daily activities.
The type of shampoo we use and the frequency of hair wash depends on how greasy or damaged the hair is.

Dandruff

Dandruff is a condition where there is excessive shedding of dead scalp skin

ALAMAT

Bahagian Pendidikan Kesihatan,
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia,
Aras 1-3, Blok E10, Kompleks E,
Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62590 Putrajaya, Malaysia.

TALIAN AM :   +603 8000 8000

FAKS :   +603 8888 6200

EMEL :   myhealth@moh.gov.my

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TARIKH AKHIR KEMASINI :
2024-07-16 15:32:21

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