Temporal Alopecia

1. Traction alopecia – Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs when the hair is pulled tightly for an extended period. This can be caused by hairstyles such as braids, weaves, and cornrows that are tightly pulled back. Over time, the constant pulling can cause the hair to weaken and fall out, resulting in patches of hair loss. Traction alopecia is common in people who frequently wear tight hairstyles and is typically reversible if the hair is not pulled tightly for an extended period.
2. Androgenetic alopecia – Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness, is a genetic condition that causes hair loss in a specific pattern. In men, hair loss typically begins at the temples and crown of the head and progresses to form an “M” shape. In women, hair loss typically begins at the crown of the head and progresses to thinning all over the scalp. Androgenetic alopecia is more common in men than women and is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones.
3. Alopecia areata – Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, and other areas of the body. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and stop producing hair. Alopecia areata can occur at any age and affects both men and women equally. It is not contagious, and the cause is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
4. Telogen effluvium – Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss that occurs when the hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely. This can be caused by stress, illness, hormonal changes, or other factors that disrupt the hair growth cycle. Telogen effluvium typically results in diffuse hair loss on the scalp, and the hair usually regrows within six to nine months once the underlying cause is addressed.
5. Tinea capitis – Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that can cause hair loss in patches. This condition is most common in children but can occur in adults as well. The fungus infects the hair shaft, causing it to break off at the scalp, resulting in bald patches. Tinea capitis can be treated with antifungal medication, and the hair usually regrows once the infection is cleared.
6. Trichotillomania – Trichotillomania is a compulsive disorder that causes people to pull out their hair, resulting in patchy hair loss. This condition is often triggered by stress or anxiety, and people with trichotillomania may not even realize that they are pulling out their hair. Trichotillomania can be treated with therapy and medication, and the hair usually regrows once the pulling behavior is stopped.

Causes

It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, medications, and lifestyle factors. In this article, we will explore 20 common causes of temporal alopecia and explain each one in detail.

1. Androgenetic alopecia: Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common cause of temporal alopecia. This condition is hereditary and is caused by a combination of genetics and hormonal imbalances. Men and women with androgenetic alopecia have a sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.
2. Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches all over the scalp. This condition occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing them to shrink and stop producing hair. In some cases, alopecia areata can lead to total baldness.
3. Telogen effluvium: Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition that causes excessive hair shedding. It occurs when hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, illness, medications, and hormonal imbalances.
4. Trichotillomania: Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder characterized by the compulsive pulling out of hair. This condition can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss, depending on the severity of the pulling.
5. Traction alopecia: Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by constant pulling or tension on the hair follicles. This can occur from tight hairstyles such as braids, weaves, or ponytails, as well as from habits such as hair twirling or pulling.
6. Scalp infections: Certain scalp infections, such as ringworm or folliculitis, can cause temporary hair loss. These infections can damage hair follicles and prevent hair growth.
7. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of certain nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and biotin, can lead to hair loss. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth and can be found in foods such as leafy greens, eggs, and nuts.
8. Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can cause temporary hair loss. This occurs because these drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which include hair follicle cells.
9. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can lead to hair loss. These imbalances can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and cause hair to enter the telogen phase prematurely.
10. Thyroid disorders: Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can cause hair loss. These conditions can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and lead to excessive shedding or thinning.
11. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause excessive hair growth on the face and body, as well as hair loss on the scalp. This condition is caused by an overproduction of androgens, which can lead to a sensitivity to DHT.
12. Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. This occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing them to shrink and stop producing hair.
13. Androgenetic alopecia: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is a genetic condition that is inherited from one’s parents. In men, it is commonly referred to as male-pattern baldness, while in women, it is called female-pattern baldness.
14. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal imbalances can cause temporary hair loss.
15. Thyroid disorders: Thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can cause hair loss.
16. Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, alopecia areata, and thyroiditis can cause hair loss.
17. Scalp infections: Scalp infections such as ringworm or folliculitis can cause hair loss.
18. Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and antidepressants, can cause hair loss.
19. Nutritional deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and biotin can cause hair loss.
20. Trauma: Trauma to the scalp, such as burns or injuries, can cause hair loss.
21. Tight hairstyles: Tight hairstyles such as braids or ponytails can cause hair loss due to constant tension on the scalp.
22. Chemical hair treatments: Chemical hair treatments such as hair dyes and relaxers can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss.
23. Stress: Extreme stress or shock can cause hair loss.
24. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy for cancer can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
25. Anemia: Anemia, a condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells, can cause hair loss.
26. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause hair loss.
27. Cushing’s syndrome: Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder that can cause hair loss.
28. Age: As we age, our hair naturally becomes thinner and may fall out.
29. Genetics: Genetics plays a significant role in hair loss, and certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing temporal alopecia.
30. Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as pollution and exposure to UV rays can cause hair loss.
31. Skin conditions: Skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can cause hair loss.
32. Trichotillomania: Trichotillomania is a disorder that causes individuals to pull out their hair, resulting in bald patches.

Symptoms

This condition is more commonly seen in women, especially post-menopausal women, but can also occur in men. The cause of temporal alopecia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder.

Here are the 20 symptoms of temporal alopecia:

1. Hairline recession: The hairline at the front of the scalp recedes, and the hair becomes thinner and sparser.
2. Temple hair loss: The hair loss affects the temples, which are the areas of the scalp located on either side of the forehead.
3. Eyebrow hair loss: The eyebrows may become thinner or completely fall out.
4. Scalp itchiness: The scalp may become itchy, especially in the affected areas.
5. Scalp tenderness: The scalp may be tender or painful to the touch in the areas where hair loss has occurred.
6. Scalp inflammation: The affected areas of the scalp may become inflamed, red, and irritated.
7. Burning or stinging sensation: The affected areas of the scalp may feel like they are burning or stinging.
8. Pimples or bumps: Small pimples or bumps may appear on the affected areas of the scalp.
9. Scaly patches: The affected areas of the scalp may become scaly, and flakes of skin may be visible.
10. Hair follicle damage: The hair follicles in the affected areas of the scalp may become damaged, leading to hair loss.
11. Hair breakage: The remaining hair may become brittle and prone to breakage.
12. Changes in hair texture: The remaining hair may become finer and less dense.
13. Thinning of body hair: The hair on other parts of the body may also become thinner.
14. Loss of eyelashes: The eyelashes may become thinner or fall out completely.
15. Loss of pubic hair: The hair in the pubic area may become thinner or fall out completely.
16. Skin discoloration: The skin in the affected areas may become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
17. Facial redness: The skin on the face may become red or flushed.
18. Dry eyes: Some people with temporal alopecia may experience dry eyes.
19. Dry mouth: Some people with temporal alopecia may experience a dry mouth.
20. Changes in the sense of taste: Some people with temporal alopecia may experience changes in their sense of taste.

The symptoms of temporal alopecia can vary from person to person, and not all people with the condition will experience all of the symptoms listed above. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dermatologist or other healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis and tests for temporal alopecia, along with an explanation of their details.

1. Physical examination: The first step in diagnosing temporal alopecia is a physical examination of the scalp and hairline. The dermatologist will look for signs of hair loss and scarring, as well as any inflammation or redness in the affected area.
2. Medical history: The dermatologist will also ask the patient about their medical history, including any medications they are taking and any previous hair loss treatments they have tried.
3. Trichoscopy: Trichoscopy is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows dermatologists to examine the hair and scalp in high detail. It can help identify signs of inflammation or scarring that may be indicative of temporal alopecia.
4. Blood tests: Blood tests can help rule out underlying medical conditions that may be causing hair loss. These tests may include a complete blood count, thyroid function tests, and tests for autoimmune disorders.
5. Hormone testing: Hormone testing can help identify hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to hair loss. This may include tests for estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
6. Scalp biopsy: A scalp biopsy involves taking a small sample of skin from the affected area of the scalp and examining it under a microscope. This can help identify signs of inflammation or scarring that may be indicative of temporal alopecia.
7. Patch testing: Patch testing involves applying small amounts of potential allergens to the skin to see if an allergic reaction occurs. This can help identify any underlying allergic reactions that may be contributing to hair loss.
8. Immunofluorescence: Immunofluorescence is a laboratory technique that involves using antibodies labeled with fluorescent dye to detect specific molecules in tissue samples. It can help identify signs of inflammation or scarring in scalp biopsy samples.
9. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that can help identify any structural abnormalities in the scalp or underlying tissues that may be contributing to hair loss.
10. Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scan is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It can help identify any structural abnormalities in the scalp or underlying tissues that may be contributing to hair loss.
11. Ultrasonography: Ultrasonography is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It can help identify any structural abnormalities in the scalp or underlying tissues that may be contributing to hair loss.
12. Skin prick test: A skin prick test involves pricking the skin with a small amount of a potential allergen to see if an allergic reaction occurs. This can help identify any underlying allergic reactions that may be contributing to hair loss.
13. Allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing: Allergen-specific IgE testing involves measuring the levels of IgE antibodies in the blood in response to specific allergens. This can help identify any underlying allergic reactions that may be contributing to hair loss.
14. C-reactive protein (CRP) testing: CRP testing involves measuring the levels of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, in the blood. Elevated CRP levels may be indicative of inflammation in the scalp or underlying tissues.

Treatment

Fortunately, there are many treatments available for temporal alopecia, ranging from topical medications to hair transplant surgery.

In this article, we will explore different treatments for temporal alopecia in detail.

1. Topical Minoxidil: This medication is a topical solution that is applied to the affected areas of the scalp. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.
2. Topical Finasteride: This medication is also a topical solution that is applied to the scalp. It works by inhibiting the production of DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss.
3. Oral Finasteride: This medication is taken orally and works in a similar way to topical finasteride, by inhibiting the production of DHT.
4. Hair Transplant Surgery: This surgical procedure involves removing hair from a donor site and transplanting it to the affected areas of the scalp.
5. Scalp Micropigmentation: This cosmetic procedure involves tattooing the scalp to create the appearance of hair follicles, making the hair loss less noticeable.
6. Low-Level Laser Therapy: This treatment involves using low-level lasers to stimulate hair growth.
7. Hairpieces and Wigs: These cosmetic solutions can cover up hair loss, providing a more natural-looking appearance.
8. Scalp Reduction Surgery: This surgical procedure involves removing balding scalp and stretching the remaining scalp to cover the affected areas.
9. Hair Flap Surgery: This surgical procedure involves removing a flap of scalp from a donor site and transplanting it to the affected areas of the scalp.
10. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: This type of hair transplant surgery involves removing individual hair follicles from a donor site and transplanting them to the affected areas of the scalp.
11. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Hair Transplant: This type of hair transplant surgery involves removing a strip of scalp from a donor site and transplanting it to the affected areas of the scalp.
12. Corticosteroid Injections: This treatment involves injecting corticosteroids directly into the affected areas of the scalp, reducing inflammation and promoting hair growth.
13. Anti-Inflammatory Medications: These medications can help reduce inflammation in the scalp, promoting hair growth.
14. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses the patient’s blood to promote hair growth. A medical professional will draw a small amount of blood and use a centrifuge to isolate platelets, which contain growth factors. The platelets are then injected into the scalp, where they can promote hair growth by stimulating cell activity.
15. Low-level laser therapy: Low-level laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate hair growth. Patients can use a handheld device or visit a medical professional for treatment. The therapy works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and promoting cell activity.
16. Hair transplant surgery: Hair transplant surgery is a surgical treatment that involves removing hair follicles from a donor site and implanting them into the affected area. The procedure can be done using different techniques, including follicular unit extraction (FUE) or strip harvesting. The surgery requires local anesthesia and can take several hours to complete.
17. Hairpieces and wigs: Hairpieces and wigs can be a temporary solution for hair loss. Patients can choose from different types of hairpieces and wigs, including synthetic or natural hair. They can also be customized to fit the patient’s head and match their hair color and texture.
18. Hair fibers: Hair fibers are a cosmetic treatment that uses keratin fibers to cling to existing hair strands, making them look thicker and fuller. The fibers are available in different colors and can be applied directly to the scalp.
19. Nutritional supplements: Nutritional supplements can help promote hair growth by providing the body with essential vitamins and minerals. Patients can take supplements like biotin, iron, or vitamin D to support healthy hair growth.
20. Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss. The medications can be applied topically or taken orally.
21. Essential oils: Essential oils like lavender, rosemary, or peppermint can promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating cell activity. Patients can apply the oils directly to the scalp or mix them with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil.
22. Topical Anthralin: This medication is a topical solution that is applied to the affected areas of the scalp, promoting hair growth.
23. Topical Tretinoin: This medication is a topical solution that is applied to the scalp, promoting hair growth.
24. Topical Calcipotriene: This medication is a topical solution that is applied to the scalp, promoting hair growth.
25. Topical Corticosteroids: These medications are topical solutions that are applied to the affected areas of the scalp, reducing inflammation and promoting hair growth.
26. Zinc Supplements: Zinc is an essential mineral that is important for hair growth. Taking zinc supplements can help promote hair growth.
27. Biotin Supplements: Biotin is a B-vitamin that is important for hair growth. Taking biotin supplements can help promote hair growth.