Loss of scalp hair is known as alopecia.
There are about 1 lac hair on the scalp.Loosing about 100 hair per day is a normal phenomena Hair follicles continuously pass through 3 phases

• anagen or growth phase
• catagen or decay phase
• telogen or resting phase

Type & condition of hair usually points towards the level of health an individual possesses
Types of Alopecia

1. Permanent–caused due to
   1. infections
   2. scalp inflammation
   3. wound or trauma
      In this type hair follicles are lost & so the chances of regrowth are minimal
2. Temporary–it is of two types
   1. Localised or Alopecia Areata
   2. Generalised or Androgenetic Alopecia

Alopecia Areata

• known as patchy hair loss
• is an autoimmune disorder
• spontaneous regrowth occurs in most of the cases

Androgenetic Alopecia

• known as common baldness or male pattern baldness
• commonest cause of alopecia
• at first temporal hair are lost followed by frontal then vertex & at last occipital

Other Causes

• nutritional deficiencies
• post fever
• post delivery
• severe illnesses
• stress
• hereditary
• anti–cancer drugs
• hair dyes

Measures To Reduce Hair Loss

• Diet rich in vitamins,minerals esp fruits & green leafy vegetables should be included in maximum
• regular exercise,yoga
• avoid hair dyes
• avoid washing hair frequently
• avoid vigorous scalp massage/brushing
• identifying causes related to stress

Effects of Alopecia on Individual

• psychological impact on personality development or job performance
• hair–fall may lead to depression

Homoeopathic Aspect of Alopecia
Homoeopathy has a lot to offer in alopecia but it requires some time Identifying the causes related to alopecia like maintaining cause or precipitating cause would prove to be beneficial

Constitutional medicine approach as well as anti–miasmatic cause is required for better results Following medicines are useful in treating alopecia

• Lycopodium
• Graphites
• Thuja
• Phosphoric–acid
• Selenium
• Mancinella
• Fluoric–acid
• Cantharis
• Phosphorus
• China
• Sepia

Caution–avoid self medication as detailed history is required in each & every case Thus Homoeopathy alongwith proper diet & regimen,regular exercises would prove to be a great ray of hope for the patients of alopecia or hair–fall

Dr Vishal A Nahar
Homoeopathic Consultant