If, as they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul, then your scalp and hair can be a mirror reflecting your health. Your hair follicles and the skin on your scalp change as you age, as do many other aspects of your health. What you see going on up top may be the result of changes or other issues going on inside your body. So, what does your hair and scalp say about you?
Often, changes in your hair such as hair loss say very little beyond the fact that your genes or other factors are causing you to lose your hair. Other times, it may be an indication that you have other medical concerns which you should investigate and address.
- Is dandruff annoying or embarrassing? Yes. Is it a cause for worry or a sign of something more serious? Probably not. Dandruff is simply a visible sign that the skin cells of the scalp are producing new cells faster than normal. This results in excessive shedding of dead skin cells, which fall from the scalp as dandruff flakes. Dandruff can be related to treatable conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, stress, seborrheic dermatitis, or vitamin B deficiency. However, to date, there is no clinical evidence that dandruff is a symptom or cause of hair loss or any other serious conditions.
- Shedding hair. Even folks with full, robust heads of hair shed hair regularly. Our scalps shed anywhere from 50 to 100 strands per day. As such, noticing hair in your drain isn’t inherently a cause for alarm. You can perform a “hair-pull” test to get an indication (though not conclusive) about whether the amount of hair you are shedding is a sign of a hair loss problem.
- Graying hair. While anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin B12 deficiency, and vitiligo can cause premature graying, your salt-and-pepper hair is more likely the result of genetics rather than a poor reflection of your health.
- Balding individuals or those with thinning hair are particularly vulnerable to sunburn on the scalp. The consequences of sunburn and overexposure to UV rays include not only short-term pain but long-term skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. Too much sun can also turn your hair brittle, dry, and more prone to breaks and splits. Additionally, sunburn on the scalp can not only be the result of having areas of thinning or absent hair, it can also cause hair loss, at least temporarily. A deep or severe enough sunburn can lead to inflammation which in turn can lead to a short-term hair loss condition called telogen effluvium.
Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today
If you are concerned about your hair loss and are ready to do something about it, we invite you to schedule a hair loss evaluation at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Drs. Nusbaum and Rose are internationally acclaimed hair restoration surgeons with more than 40 years combined experience. Both Drs. Nusbaum and Rose are actively engaged in hair loss research and lecture widely. To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call or office directly at 305-925-0222.