In diffuse hair loss, medically called alopecia diffusa or diffuse alopecia, hair falls out over a wide area on the entire head. Diffuse hair loss is not itself a disease, but a sign or consequence of an existing disease or disorder. With treatment tailored to the triggers or after the causes have been eliminated, hair will begin to grow back in most cases.
What is diffuse hair loss?
Outlook and prognosis
In diffuse hair loss, there is usually no change in the current condition without treatment. In the worst case, hair loss increases and the affected person gradually becomes bald. In addition, secondary diseases may occur, further worsening the general state of health. With treatment, there is a prospect of improvement of the conditions. If the measures taken are effective, the patient can regain a full head of hair within a year. The prognosis for hair regrowth is therefore generally good if medical care is sought, since in most cases the cause of hair loss is treatable. Often there are deficiency symptoms that can be diagnosed in a blood test. An existing imbalance is then treated with medication or a change in diet. This leads to an alleviation of the symptoms and a regrowth of the fallen hair begins. If diffuse hair loss recurs after discontinuation of the medication, further measures must be taken. Often it is necessary to permanently change the previous lifestyle habits and food intake. In this way, a relapse of the symptoms can be avoided. If the underlying disease is inflammation, this is also treated with medication. The immune system is supported so that sufficient defenses are available and freedom from symptoms can occur.
Prevention
For healthy hair growth, a balanced diet is helpful. Thus, diffuse hair loss due to nutrient deficiency can be safely prevented. If other diseases are present, their rapid and comprehensive treatment is recommended so that diffuse hair loss does not occur in the first place.
Aftercare
In this disease, the possibilities and measures of aftercare are in most cases severely limited, in some cases not possible at all. In this case, the hair loss cannot always be treated causally, so that in many cases only a purely symptomatic therapy is available to the affected person. In this case, the patient is also dependent on a diagnosis as early as possible in order to prevent and limit further complications or complaints. The earlier the hair loss is detected and treated, the better the course of the disease usually is. A self-healing can usually not occur with hair loss, so that a medical treatment is always necessary. The treatment itself is usually done by using creams or ointments that are applied directly to the scalp. However, a cure cannot be guaranteed, so that in some cases there is no improvement in hair loss. The affected person should use the medication regularly and take care of the scalp. It should be examined regularly by a doctor. It is not uncommon for hair loss to be caused by another underlying disease, so this should be detected and treated as soon as possible. As a rule, hair loss does not reduce the life expectancy of the patient.
What you can do yourself
Diffuse hair loss is usually only a temporary phenomenon. If the causes are eliminated, the hair usually grows back. Affected people can do a few things themselves to counteract this complaint. First of all, all aggressive care products and any styling products should be discontinued. Also the supply of strong heat by hair dryer or straightener has a negative effect. The hair also does not need to be washed every day. Those affected should choose a mild shampoo for cleansing. Birch water available in pharmacies or drugstores can be used as a hair conditioner. It cares for hair and scalp in a mild way. Also available are preparations that promise increased hair growth. They strengthen the hair roots and stimulate them. Such products are available as tinctures or also in tablet form.When applying a care product, the scalp should be massaged intensively. This has also been proven to promote hair growth, as it stimulates blood circulation. Often, patients with diffuse hair loss also have a vital substance deficiency. This can be determined with the help of a blood count. A change in diet and occasional intake of dietary supplements can counteract this deficiency. This change should be supported by a nutritionist, the attending physician or an alternative practitioner. Mental health should also be checked. If depression or stress is present, this should be countered by therapy or relaxation methods.
