- It typically presents as sudden hair loss, resulting in bald patches on the scalp. These patches are usually round or oval in shape and may be smooth or exhibit some redness. Hair loss can occur rapidly, causing noticeable thinning of hair.
- In some cases, there may be an itching or burning sensation on the scalp. Hair regrowth can happen spontaneously.
- Patchy or incomplete Hair regrowth.
- Alopecia Areata can also affect hair on other areas of the body, such as the eyebrows, beard, or eyelashes. Recognizing these symptoms helps in early diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition.
WHAT IS ALOPECIA AREATA?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition characterized by sudden hair loss in round or oval patches on the scalp, face, or body. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors.
The condition can affect individuals of all ages and genders, and the severity and extent of hair loss can vary from person to person. While there is no cure for alopecia areata, treatments such as corticosteroid injections, topical medications, and immunotherapy can help stimulate hair regrowth in some cases.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Alopecia Areata is characterized by various signs and symptoms.
CAUSES
- The causes of alopecia areata are multifactorial. Genetic predisposition is believed to play a role, as individuals with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it.
- Environmental triggers, such as viral or bacterial infections, may activate the immune system and contribute to hair loss.
- Stress, hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, and allergies can also be associated with alopecia areata.
- Certain medications, underlying medical conditions, scalp injuries, and hair styling practices may trigger or exacerbate the condition.
- Chemical hair treatments, overuse of hair products, nutritional deficiencies, abnormal immune responses, imbalance of cytokines, and hereditary factors can further contribute to the development of alopecia areata.
TREATMENT AT SANJEEVANAM
- Ayurveda treatment: Various therapies such as shirodhara (pouring herbal oil on the forehead), nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils), and shirolepa (application of herbal pastes on the scalp) can help stimulate hair growth and nourish the scalp. Panchakarma, a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy, can help eliminate toxins and restore the body’s natural balance. It may include procedures like virechana , Snehapanam(therapeutic purgation) snehapanam and basti (medicated enema) to cleanse and strengthen the body. use of parasurgical techniques like Prachannam.
- The Pitta Pacifying Diet: Alopecia Areata is related with an aggravated pitta dosha, which can be balanced by eating a pitta-pacifying diet that contains cooling and calming foods. This might entail consuming more fresh fruits,veggies, whole grains, and cooling herbs while avoiding fried, spicy, and acidic meals.
- Herbs Used in Ayurveda: Ayurveda frequently uses herbs like bhringaraj, amla, brahmi, jatamansi, ashwagandha, guduchi, triphala, neem, guggulu, and turmeric to balance doshas, encourage hair growth, and enhance general health.
- Techniques for Stress Reduction and Scalp Massage: Stress can be decreased and blood circulation enhanced with regular scalp massages with Ayurvedic oils. The emotional aspects of Alopecia Areata can also be managed with the use of stress-reduction practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
- Ayurvedic Supplements and Immunity-Boosting Treatments: Immune-boosting herbs included in Ayurvedic formulations and supplements help fortify the body's defenses and promote hair growth.
- Modifications in Lifestyle: Hair health may be supported by following a balanced routine, practicing good cleanliness, and avoiding harsh chemicals or excessive heat.
WHAT IS DANDRUFF?
A common scalp condition called dandruff is characterized by the shedding of dead skin cells. Many factors, including dry or oily skin, psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infections (especially those caused by the Malassezia yeast), stress, inadequate hygiene, and specific hair care products, can cause it. Typical symptoms include itching, discomfort, and the appearance of white or yellow flakes on the scalp. Dandruff can be a chronic problem that makes people feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Dandruff may be controlled by practicing good scalp cleanliness, using gentle shampoos, avoiding harsh hair care products, controlling stress, and eating a balanced diet. According to Ayurveda, dandruff may be managed and a healthy scalp can be encouraged by treating the underlying dosha imbalance and utilizing remedies like herbal oils and scalp treatments.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Itching and discomfort are present together with white or yellow flakes.
- Hair loss may occur temporarily as a result of excessive scratching.
- The qualities of the scalp vary; some people struggle with a dry scalp and flakiness, while others have an oily scalp with oily areas.
- Burning and pain can be caused by inflammation and sensitivity
- Beyond typical symptoms, dandruff can influence one's self-esteem by making it difficult to manage and style hair that has less volume.
- Correct evaluation and successful treatment depend on being able to recognize these symptoms.
- In addition to managing symptoms, early intervention enhances scalp health and revitalizes hair.
- Dry Skin: Lack of moisture can cause the scalp to become dry and prone to flaking.
- Oily skin: Dandruff can result from the buildup of oil and dead skin cells caused by excessive oil production on the scalp.
- Stress: Dandruff flare-ups can result from mental and emotional stress that upsets the scalp's equilibrium.
- Changes in Hormones: Dandruff may be caused by hormonal abnormalities that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Unhealthy Diet: The health of the scalp can be impacted by nutritional deficits, especially those involving zinc, vitamin B, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Hair care product: Dandruff can be caused by harsh chemicals included in some hair products that irritate the scalp.
- Hard and Hot Water: Dandruff can be made worse by excessive heat and mineral accumulation from hard water.
- Climate: Dandruff can result from dry, chilly weather that depletes the scalp of moisture.
- Age: Although it can happen at any age, dandruff is most prevalent in middle age and adolescents.
- Health Issues: Dandruff can be caused by a number of medical disorders, including HIV, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Immune System Weakness A weakened immune system might increase the risk of dandruff and fungal infections on the scalp.
- Side Effects of Medication: Dandruff-like symptoms may result from dryness or changes in the skin brought on by some drugs.
- Inadequate Hair Care: Dandruff can be caused by excessive or infrequent hair washing, as well as by not rinsing your hair enough. Dandruff can result from the overgrowth and irritation of the Malassezia fungus, which is a naturally occurring fungus on the scalp.
TYPES
- Dry Dandruff: Characterized by small, white flakes that typically result from dry scalp conditions.
- Oily Dandruff: Often accompanied by larger, yellowish or greasy flakes due to excessive oil production on the scalp.
- Fungal Dandruff: Caused by the overgrowth of the Malassezia fungus on the scalp, leading to inflammation and flaking.
- Seasonal Dandruff: Some individuals experience dandruff flare-ups during specific seasons due to changes in humidity, temperature, or exposure to allergens
- Stress-related Dandruff: Stress can disrupt the balance of the scalp, leading to increased oil production and dandruff symptoms.
- Product Buildup: Accumulation of styling products, conditioners, or dry shampoo on the scalp, resulting in flakes and itchiness.
- Contact Dermatitis: Dandruff-like symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to certain hair care products or irritants coming into contact with the scalp
- Atopic Dermatitis: A chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect the scalp and cause dandruff-like flakes
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: A common form of dandruff that causes red, inflamed, and oily skin covered with yellow or white flakes.
- Pityriasis Capitis: Also known as classic dandruff, it is characterized by white or yellow flakes that may be accompanied by scalp itching.
- Pityriasis Simplex: Similar to pityriasis capitis, this type of dandruff involves the shedding of small, dry, and white flakes.
- Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid turnover of skin cells, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the scalp.
TREATMENT AT SANJEEVANAM
In order to promote general scalp health and balance the body’s doshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vata), Ayurveda provides a number of natural remedies for dandruff. Panchakarma therapies like Snehapanam, Virechanam, Basti karma along with internal medications are indicated in the condition. Shirolepanam, Shirodhara,Nasyam, Shiro abhyanagam etc are also beneficial for the same.
- Scalp Massage: Regular scalp massages with Ayurvedic oils can improve blood circulation, nourish the scalp, and reduce dandruff.
- Balanced Diet: A balanced diet featuring fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and hydration supports scalp health, aiding in the management of dandruff
- Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices: Yoga, meditation, and sufficient sleep contribute to scalp and hair health by managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
- Ayurvedic Herbs: Neem, amla, and fenugreek, renowned in Ayurveda for anti-dandruff properties, are applied as powders, oils, or supplements for effectiveness
- Herbal Oils: Neem, amla, and tea tree oils with antimicrobial properties combat dandruff, moisturizing and soothing the scalp when applied directly.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice can be mixed with water and applied to the scalp to reduce dandruff due to its astringent and antimicrobial properties.
- Apple Cider Vinegar : Diluted apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural rinse to balance the pH of the scalp and reduce dandruff-causing fungi.
WHAT IS HAIR FALL?
Common reasons of hair loss include stress, baldness, early greying, and genetic hair loss. Physical or mental stress can cause stress-induced hair loss, which can result in telogen effluvium. Malnutrition or hair damage may also be indicated by early graying of the hair. Androgenetic alopecia, another name for baldness, is a genetic disorder that can affect both men and women. It is brought on by the hormone DHT, which causes hair follicles to shrink and shortens the hair growth cycle. Hereditary hair loss can begin in one’s twenties and develop progressively over time.
CAUSES
- Genetics (Hereditary Factors): Family history plays a significant role in hair fall. If there’s a history of hair loss in your family, you may be genetically predisposed to it.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid imbalances can lead to hormonal changes that contribute to hair fall.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, especially vitamins (such as B vitamins), minerals (like iron and zinc), and proteins, can result in hair loss.
- Stress and Trauma: Physical and emotional stress, surgery, illness, or trauma can trigger a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium.
- Poor Hair Care Practices: Excessive use of styling tools, harsh chemical treatments, tight hairstyles, and inadequate hair care can lead to hair damage and loss.
- Medical Conditions and Medications: Underlying medical conditions like autoimmune diseases (e.g., alopecia areata) and certain medications (such as those used for cancer, arthritis, and depression) can contribute to hair fall.
TREATMENT AT SANJEEVANAM
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, offers several natural remedies for hair regrowth. Ayurvedic treatments focus on restoring the balance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and promoting overall health, including healthy hair growth. Pancha karma therapies and internal medications also give support to enhance the growth of new hair follicles. In addition we offers exclusive hair and face department which offers varities of hair growth treatments with herbal and organic products.
- Shirodhara: Good for nourishing the hair roots by improving the blood flow and active nerve functions.
- Shiro Abhyanga: Massage over the scalp with customized oils will help to reduce the dryness and also improves the blood circulation to the scalp for nourishment.
- Shirolepa: Application of suitable herbal pastes over the head will nourish the scalp as well as gives strength to the hair roots.
- Nasya: Instillation of drops of suitable fresh herbal juices or oils into the nostrils is the best therapy for stimulating the nervous system and blood supply, thereby correcting the imbalance of doshas.
- Hair Cleansers: Some of the natural hair cleansers like Shikkakai, Aloe vera, Hibiscus, Amla (Indian gooseberry), Besan (gram flour), Reetha (soap nut), Thriphala, Methi (fenugreek), Neem etc are very effective when it is used as per the condition after proper assessment.
- Balanced Diet: A wholesome diet, rich in essential vitamins and minerals plays a crucial role in hair growth.
- Balanced Regimen: Follow proper sleep timings and cope up stressful situations by regular practice of Yoga, Pranayama and meditation.
- Herbs: Like Brahmi, Bhrungraj, Kumari, Aswagandha, Japa, and Lavender are highly effective in various forms/combinations.
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