Hirsutism: Hirsutism is a condition of unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women. Hirsutism results in excessive amounts of stiff and pigmented hair on body areas where men typically grow hair - face, chest and back. It's often caused by genes(familial), hormones(excess androgens in Polycystic ovarian disease ,cushing’s syndrome or adrenal/ovarian tumors), or medication(anabolic steroids).Management includes finding the cause of hirsutism with appropriate examination and investigations followed by correction of underlying causes. Treatment may include oral contraceptive pills, antiandrogens, topical hair removal creams, electrolysis or permanent LASER reduction. Weight loss and a healthy lifestyle are essential as well.
Hair loss/alopecia/baldness: It is a common concerning problem in both males as well as females.
Common causes include Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern and female pattern baldness), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, medications and stress. Scarring alopecia can be seen in certain conditions like DLE, lichen planus, mechanical trauma, burns, radiation etc. Treatment options are topical lotions, serums to prevent hair loss and improve hair growth, Oral medications and vitamin supplements, Platelet rich plasma therapy, LASER therapy, hair transplantation and use of wigs.
Dandruff: Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff can have several causes, including dry skin, seborrhoeic dermatitis, not cleaning/scrubbing often enough, shampooing too often, psoriasis, eczema, sensitivity to hair care products, or a yeast-like fungus. Dry skin is the most common cause of flaking dandruff. The signs and symptoms of dandruff are an itchy scalp and flakiness. Red and greasy patches of skin and tingling sensation on the skin are also symptoms. Treatment includes use of keratolytic and antifungal shampoos, leave-on lotions and regular hair wash.
Premature graying of hair/canites: Hair is said to gray prematurely only if graying occurs before the age of 25 years. Common causes are familial, nutritional deficiencies, drugs, stress. Correction of underlying causes, use of oral supplements, topical darkening agents and use of natural organic dyes are some of the treatment options.