La pérdida de cabello es una condición que afecta a millones de personas en todo el mundo, tanto a hombres como a mujeres. En este artículo, aprenderá alopecia que es, cuáles son sus principales tipos, qué la causa y cómo puede tratarse de forma efectiva. En BH Trasplante de Cabello, entendemos que la salud capilar es una parte esencial del bienestar y autoestima de cada persona. Por eso, ofrecemos soluciones personalizadas y efectivas para quienes sufren de esta condición.
¿Qué es la alopecia?
La alopecia es una enfermedad que provoca la pérdida de cabello en diferentes partes del cuerpo, principalmente en el cuero cabelludo. Esta pérdida puede presentarse de manera gradual o repentina, y puede variar en gravedad, desde pequeñas zonas despobladas hasta una calvicie total. Aunque comúnmente se asocia con el envejecimiento, la alopecia puede afectar a personas de todas las edades.
Existen diferentes tipos de alopecia, cada una con características y causas particulares. Reconocer el tipo de alopecia es el primer paso para determinar el tratamiento más adecuado y eficaz.
Tipos de alopecia más comunes
Alopecia androgénica
También conocida como calvicie común, es el tipo más frecuente de alopecia y está relacionada con factores genéticos y hormonales. Suele comenzar con una pérdida progresiva del cabello en las sienes y la coronilla en los hombres, y con un adelgazamiento difuso en la parte superior de la cabeza en las mujeres.
Alopecia areata
This type of alopecia manifests as sudden hair loss in localized areas, forming round, bald patches. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. It can affect anyone at any stage of life.
Diffuse alopecia
It is characterized by widespread, uniform hair loss across the entire scalp. It is common in women and can be associated with factors such as stress, hormonal changes, strict diets, or systemic diseases.
Alopecia cicatricial
This type of alopecia occurs when hair follicles are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue. It can be caused by infections, inflammatory diseases, or physical injuries. Hair loss is irreversible in these cases, and treatment should focus on halting the process and restoring the area, if possible.
Causes of Alopecia
Hair loss can be caused by multiple factors. Below, we detail the most common causes:
- Genetic factors: Family inheritance is a key cause, especially in androgenetic alopecia.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid problems can trigger hair loss.
- Physical or emotional stress: Intense stress situations can cause temporary hair loss known as telogen effluvium.
- Unbalanced diets: A lack of essential nutrients, such as iron, zinc, protein, and B vitamins, directly affects hair health.
- Medications and medical treatments: Some medications used to treat chronic conditions such as cancer, depression, or hypertension can have side effects that cause hair loss.
- Autoimmune diseases: Such as alopecia areata, where the body itself attacks the hair follicles.
- Excessive use of hair products: Overuse of dyes, flat irons, hair dryers, and chemical products can weaken hair and promote hair loss.
Diagnosis of alopecia
At BH Hair Transplant, we perform a detailed evaluation of the patient’s scalp and overall health to determine the cause and type of alopecia. The diagnosis includes:
- Patient’s medical history
- Physical examination of the scalp
- Trichogram (study of the hair root)
- Blood tests to assess hormone levels and nutritional deficiencies
- Scalp biopsy in special cases
An accurate diagnosis is essential to provide the right treatment and achieve satisfactory results.
Treatments for alopecia
The good news is that alopecia can be treated, and in many cases, reversed. At BH Hair Transplant, we offer a wide variety of treatments, from medical therapies to advanced surgical techniques. Below, we explain the main available options.
Medical treatments
- Minoxidil: This topical medication stimulates hair growth and improves circulation in the scalp. It is widely used in both men and women.
- Finasteride: This is an oral treatment used primarily in men. It works by blocking the action of the hormone DHT, which contributes to hair loss.
- Nutritional supplements: In cases of deficiencies, iron, biotin, zinc, and other essential nutrient supplements are recommended to strengthen hair from within.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
PRP is an innovative technique that uses growth factors present in the patient’s own blood to regenerate and strengthen hair follicles. Blood is extracted from the patient, centrifuged to obtain platelet-rich plasma, and then administered through microinjections into the scalp. This technique improves hair density and quality, stops hair loss, and stimulates hair growth.
Hair transplant
When alopecia has progressed to the point where other treatments fail, hair transplantation is an excellent option. At BH Hair Transplant, we use advanced techniques such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) to achieve natural and long-lasting results.
- FUE technique: Follicular units are extracted one by one from the donor area and implanted in the affected areas. It is minimally invasive and leaves no visible scars.
- FUT technique: A strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, the follicles are separated, and implanted. It is ideal for patients with more extensive alopecia.
Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia and with a relatively short recovery time.
Prevention of alopecia
While not all types of alopecia can be prevented, there are certain practices that can help maintain healthy hair and minimize the risk of loss:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins
- Avoid excessive use of heat and chemicals
- Treat hair gently when combing or washing
- Control stress through relaxation techniques
- Conduct regular medical checkups to detect hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies
Alopecia in women
In women, alopecia often presents differently than in men. Hair thinning can be diffuse, with no completely bald areas. The most common cause is female androgenetic alopecia, although cases of alopecia areata, diffuse alopecia, or scarring alopecia areata are also observed.
Women are particularly sensitive to hair loss due to its impact on self-esteem and self-image. That’s why, at BH Hair Transplant, we provide an empathetic and specialized approach for each female patient.
Alopecia in men
In men, alopecia usually begins in their 20s or 30s and can progress rapidly. Treatments should be applied early to preserve as much hair as possible. Hair transplantation is a common solution for men who want to regain a defined, natural hairline.
Emotional and psychological support
Alopecia not only affects aesthetics, it can also have emotional consequences. Many people experience anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Therefore, it is important to have a medical team that understands the psychological impact of hair loss and can support the patient throughout the entire process.
At BH Hair Transplant, our specialists focus not only on restoring hair, but also on helping patients regain self-confidence and self-esteem.
Success stories and results
We have numerous success stories at our clinic, with satisfied patients who have regained their hair and self-esteem thanks to our personalized treatments. Whether through regenerative therapies, medications, or hair transplants, each treatment plan is tailored to each individual’s needs.
Conclusion
Alopecia is a complex but treatable condition. Understanding what alopecia is, its causes, and treatment options is the first step to successfully combating it. At BH Hair Transplant, we offer effective, modern, and safe solutions to treat any type of hair loss, always with a personalized and humane approach.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, don’t wait for the problem to progress. Contact us today and let us help you regain your image and well-being. Our team of specialists is prepared to provide a comprehensive evaluation and support you through every stage of treatment.
