I frequently stay up late, have a lot of work pressure, and have tried dieting to lose weight. Doctor, is this condition dangerous and what could be the cause?
Nguyen Thu Ha (27 years old, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi )
Addressing this issue, Dr. Nguyen Thi Ha Vinh - Clinic for alopecia areata and hair diseases, Central Dermatology Hospital, said that hair loss is becoming increasingly common among younger people, no longer only seen in middle-aged individuals but also appearing frequently in young people due to the influence of modern lifestyles.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Ha Vinh - Clinic for alopecia areata and hair disorders, National Dermatology Hospital.
Stress , staying up late, and extreme dieting can cause more hair loss.
According to Dr. Ha Vinh, prolonged stress and lack of sleep are among the leading causes of hair loss in young people. When the body is stressed or frequently stays up late, high cortisol levels disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, pushing hair into a "resting" phase earlier than normal, thus causing massive hair loss.
In addition, many young people today adopt strict diets to lose weight quickly. This leads to deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, vitamins, and other micronutrients essential for hair follicles.
"Hair is an organ with a very fast metabolic rate. When there is a lack of nutrients, the body will prioritize nourishing vital organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs first, while the hair will have its nutrient supply 'reduced'. After about 3-4 months of improper dieting, hair can become dry, brittle, and fall out excessively," Dr. Ha Vinh explained.
Besides lifestyle factors, some cases of hair loss are related to genetics, especially androgenic alopecia. The condition can appear from puberty if there is a family history of it.
Excessive hair loss is a nightmare for many women. (Illustrative image.)
According to Dr. Ha Vinh, a normal person can lose about 50-100 strands of hair per day. However, if hair loss exceeds this level or any unusual symptoms appear, it is necessary to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Warning signs include:
- Losing more than 100 strands of hair per day, or hair falling out in clumps when washing or brushing.
- Hair becomes noticeably thinner, with the scalp more visible on the crown or parting line becoming wider.
- Patches of complete hair loss appear, leaving the scalp smooth and bald.
- The scalp may be itchy, red, scaly, painful, or have pustules.
"Patchy hair loss can be related to autoimmune disorders. If treatment is delayed, it can significantly affect mental health and quality of life," Dr. Ha Vinh noted.
Are there any products that promise "miracle hair growth"?
Amidst numerous advertisements promoting "super-fast hair growth" on social media, Dr. Ha Vinh asserts that no product can help hair grow thicker in just a few days as advertised.
According to doctors, the average human hair only grows about 0.3-0.5 mm per day, equivalent to about 1 cm per month. For hair loss conditions, treatment usually requires at least 3-6 months to see noticeable results.
"Many counterfeit products with unknown ingredients exploit the impatience of patients. Self-medication is not only ineffective but can also cause contact dermatitis, scalp irritation, and worsen hair loss," said Dr. Ha Vinh.
Experts advise that when experiencing prolonged or unusual hair loss, people should seek examination at a dermatology clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment, and avoid believing in "miracle cure" advertisements on social media.
Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/toc-rung-nhieu-do-dau-bac-si-canh-bao-ve-quang-cao-moc-toc-than-toc-169260522110029376.htm
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