Traction alopecia
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This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2009) |
| Traction alopecia | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
 Traction alopecia in a Yorkshire terrier caused by hair barrette |
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| ICD-10 | L65.8 (ILDS L65.852) |
| DiseasesDB | 32586 |
| eMedicine | derm/895 |
Traction alopecia is a form of alopecia, or gradual hair loss, caused primarily by pulling force being applied to the hair.[1]:761[2]:645 This commonly results from the sufferer frequently wearing his/her hair in a particularly tight ponytail, pigtails, or braids. It is also seen occasionally in long-haired people who use barrettes to keep hair out of their faces.
Traction alopecia is a substantial risk in hair weaves, which can be worn either to conceal hair loss, or purely for cosmetic purposes. The former involves creating a braid around the head below the existing hairline, to which an extended-wear hairpiece, or wig, is attached. Since the hair of the braid is still growing, it requires frequent maintenance, which involves the hairpiece being removed, the natural hair braided again, and the piece snugly reattached. The tight braiding and snug hairpiece cause tension on the hair that is already at risk for falling out. Traction Alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss in African American women. Although the aforementioned style is one of the culprits, hairstyles such as dreadlocks and single (extension) braids can also have the same effect.[3] Men and women who have suffered from traction alopecia have found that the hair loss occurs most at the hair line - primarily around the temples and the sides of their heads.[4]
Helmets, hats and headgear [edit]
Compressive safety helmets worn tightly and closely to the scalp are a cause of traction alopecia. The lining of tightly fitted safety helmets like those worn for activities such as motorcycling, cycling, skiing and snowboarding are responsible for the constant rubbing and tugging of localised areas of the hair and scalp. Frequent wearers or those who use such helmets for prolonged periods seem more likely to suffer traction alopecia. Remedies which contain vasodilators for the scalp such as Menthogen may help by the frequent encouragement and promotion of 'healthy' blood supply to the localised balding area/s. By eating nutritious foods like spinach, eggs, beans, nuts, salmon, carrots and sweet potatoes person affected by traction alopecia can stop the process of hair loss.[5]
See also [edit]
- Croydon facelift - hairstyle that can cause this
- Cicatricial alopecia
- List of cutaneous conditions
References [edit]
- ^ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
- ^ Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-138076-0.
- ^ "Traction Alopecia. Natural Hair Restoration for African Americans".
- ^ "Common Causes of Hair Loss in African American Women".
- ^ home remedies for hair loss
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