.Alopecia Areata is the loss of hair in patches. This can vary from the size of a pea to total loss of scalp hair. The causes of Alopecia Areata are unclear, but certain factors are thought to influence the condition are genetic, auto-immune mechanisms, or excessive emotional stress or trauma. Alopecia is the generic term for hair loss.

• Alopecia totalis: Total hair loss of the scalp, (an advanced form of alopecia areata).

• Alopecia universalis: Hair loss of the entire body, (also an advanced form of alopecia areata).

• Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by physical stress and tension on the hair such as prolonged use of hair weaving, corn rows etc. Done too tightly on weak hair these can cause permanent hair loss.

• Telogen effiuvium: (usually temporary hair loss) Caused by Physical stress, emotional stress, thyroid abnormalities, medications and hormonal causes normally associated with females.

.Genetic Alopecia/Androgenic (common baldness)  affects males and nowadays increasing number of females. The hair recedes from the hairline and/or begins to thin at the crown. The common causes can be inherited, however, bad diet, drugs, stress, and hormones can also influence this condition.

.Scarring Alopecia: While there are many forms of scarring alopecia, the common theme is a potentially permanent and irreversible destruction of hair follicles and their replacement with scar tissue. Most forms of scarring alopecia first occur as small patches of hair loss that may expand with time. In some cases the hair loss is gradual, without noticeable symptoms, and may go unnoticed for a long time. In other instances, the hair loss is associated with severe itching, burning, and pain, and is rapidly progressive.

                   Causes of hair loss

·         Damage to the hair from hair care products, such dyes and permanents, and from hot rollers, curling irons, or hair dryers.

·         Hair-pulling or hair-twisting habits. Trichotillomania is a mental health problem in which a person pulls out his or her own hair, usually from the head, eyelashes, and eyebrows.

·         Side effects of medicines or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

·         Recent surgery, high fever, or emotional stress. You may have a lot of hair loss 4 weeks to 3 months after severe physical or emotional stress. This type of hair loss usually stops within a few months.

·         Diseases, such as lupus and hyperthyroidism.

·         Heavy metal poisoning, such as thallium or arsenic poisoning.

·         Poor nutrition, especially lack of protein or iron in the diet.

·         Damage to the hair shafts from burns or other injuries.

·         Hereditary

Itching, flaking, or crusting of the scalp

Itching, flaking, or crusting of the scalp may be caused by:

·         Cradle cap, an oily, yellow crusting on a baby's scalp. It is common in babies and is not caused by an illness. It does not mean that a baby is not being well cared for. See a picture of cradle cap.

·         Dandruff, a shedding of the skin on the scalp that leaves white flakes on the head, neck, and shoulders. It may be a form of a skin condition called eczema, which causes increased shedding of normal scalp skin cells. Dandruff can also be caused by a fungal infection. Hormonal or seasonal changes can make dandruff worse.

Head lice, tiny wingless insects that cause itching and raw patches on the scalp. Head lice are most common in school-age children

 Dandruff

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Scalp Psoriasis

Alopecia areata

Alopecia Totalis

Female Pattern Thinning

Folliculitis Decalvans

Trichorrhexis nodosa

Trichotillomania