Causes of Hair Loss

Normally, hair loss is caused by heredity, hormones and age. Genetic makeup determines if hair follicles are sensitive to the DHT hormone (dihydrotestosterone), causing them to shrink.

This “shrinkage” results in overall thinning hair with time. In addition, the aging process can weaken the hair follicle and consequently the hair shaft. This causes thinning hair and balding - permanent hair loss.

In addition, Hair loss is believed to be primarily caused by a combination of the following:

• Aging
• Change in Hormones
• Illness
• Family History of Baldness
• Burns
• Trauma

Source 1 , Source 2

Tips for Common Symptoms

Sprains or Strains
For minor symptoms:

Apply ice Rest and elevate injured area Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen See your health care clinician if: Problem lasts more than three days or pain is severe. There is dislocation or misalignment. You have difficulty moving the affected area. There is black and blue discoloration. Sunburn For minor symptoms: Avoid further exposure to the sun Apply cool compresses to the area or take a cool bath Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (note warning for children under 16) Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids Apply aloe gel to soothe area To avoid sunburn, wear protective clothing and sunscreen See your health care clinician if: Burn is accompanied by fever, vomiting, drowsiness or confusion. Blisters form on large areas of the skin. Blisters break and appear infected.

Tips for Common Symptoms

Headaches
For minor symptoms:

Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16) Apply hot or cold packs Avoid bright lights Take sinus medication if head/nose is congested, but do not use Sudafed if you have high blood pressure See your health care clinician if: Headache persists or recurs. Headache follows injury or trauma. You experience fever, vomiting, drowsiness, or confusion. The headache is severe or associated with neck stiffness. Heartburn/Indigestion For minor symptoms: Avoid spicy, acidic or other aggravating foods, and alcohol Stop smoking Eat smaller amounts of food at one time, especially if near bedtime Take antacids, such as Maalox, or acid-suppressants such as Pepcid-AC Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen products See your health care clinician if: Problem recurs or pain is severe. Pain occurs with shortness of breath or other symptoms that suggest heart problems. Sore Throat For minor symptoms: Gargle with warm salt water to soothe throat Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16) Use throat lozenges Increase fluids See your health care clinician if: Sore throat lasts more than a week. Fever accompanies the sore throat. You have difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking. There are white patches on back of throat or tonsils. You have been exposed to someone diagnosed with strep throat. You have tender neck lymph nodes.