Can hair loss be inherited?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Hair loss generally has two common types: alopecia areata and seborrheic alopecia. Seborrheic alopecia has a certain hereditary nature, whereas alopecia areata does not have a hereditary aspect. Most cases are related to deficiencies in vitamins, trace elements, or low immunity. Seborrheic alopecia has some hereditary factors and is a genetic disease carried by males in the family. Once this disease occurs, it is not easy to completely eradicate and tends to worsen with age. Generally, one can take oral medications to reduce oil secretion, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and avoid staying up late and stress. It is advisable to wash hair with lukewarm or cold water, and avoid using very hot water. After recovery, it is important to exercise more, consume more vegetables and fruits, and supplement vitamins and trace elements.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat seborrheic hair loss?

Seborrheic alopecia, also medically known as androgenetic alopecia, is associated with excessive secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands, consumption of spicy and stimulating foods, or frequent staying up late. Most patients have a certain genetic predisposition, with parents also displaying similar hair loss. Upon encountering this condition, it is necessary to treat it with medication. The most commonly used medications include Vitamin B6 tablets, finasteride tablets, and anti-grease hair growth tablets. These medications require long-term usage, and the treatment period is relatively long, lasting at least one to three months or more, to potentially control the condition. Topical medications can include the use of minoxidil solution. It is important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, strengthened exercise, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods, and persisting long-term to possibly prevent the recurrence of the condition.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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How to deal with seborrheic hair loss and itchy scalp?

Scalp itching associated with seborrheic hair loss can arise from two possible scenarios. One is that the itching is due to seborrheic dermatitis accompanying the hair loss. The other possibility is that the scalp, being greasy, provides a conducive environment for the proliferation of microbes, leading to a fungal infection of the scalp, which then results in itching and increased dandruff. In cases of seborrheic dermatitis, the affected area may show erythema and papules with oily scales or crusts, and there may even be exudation, crusting, and erosion, resembling eczema. The local treatment should primarily focus on degreasing, anti-inflammation, and itch relief. When fungal infection is also present, antifungal treatment becomes the priority. Ketoconazole shampoo can be used in such cases, applied three times a week for a period of 6-8 weeks.

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Written by Huo Ze Jun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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The difference between kidney deficiency type hair loss and kidney insufficiency type hair loss.

Kidney deficiency-related hair loss and kidney insufficiency-type hair loss are essentially the same thing; they basically mean the same thing. Kidney deficiency can be divided into several types: one is kidney yin deficiency, typically characterized by heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth, and dry tongue; another is kidney yang deficiency, where the most typical symptom is feeling cold; there is also kidney qi deficiency, which mainly manifests as lack of strength and dislike for movement; another one is kidney essence deficiency, which includes symptoms such as dizziness and blurry vision, and can cause hair loss, among other things; there is also unstable kidney qi, where symptoms include various involuntary losses, inability to control urination, and stool that is prone to diarrhea. These symptoms belong to either unstable kidney qi or some organs prolapsing. These are various manifestations of kidney deficiency. The main clinical manifestations of hair loss due to kidney deficiency are thinning hair, accompanied by a lack of vigor, fatigue, and weakness in the lower back and legs. Its treatment should primarily focus on nourishing the kidneys. On the other hand, the type of hair loss often referred to in men, caused by an excess secretion of androgens, which leads to early balding in men, is generally not caused by kidney deficiency and should not be treated by nourishing the kidneys.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to effectively treat seborrheic hair loss?

Medically, seborrheic hair loss is also called androgenic alopecia, which is primarily caused by the hyperactivity of sebaceous glands leading to the gradual shrinkage of hair follicles, or rather, the weakening of hair roots, causing hair loss. Generally, it is somewhat related to heredity, with a higher clinical incidence in males than in females. Once this condition appears, it must be treated with medications. Oral treatments can include Vitamin B6 tablets, lipid-reducing hair regrowth tablets, and finasteride tablets. Minoxidil solution can also be used topically. This disease can gradually improve with treatment, but it is mostly not easy to fully recover, and some people may find that the condition worsens with age. During treatment, it is also essential to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, engage in more physical exercise, and enhance the immune system, all of which can aid in treatment.

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Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
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Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can cause us many troubles, not only affecting our life and work, but also bringing us significant mental stress. So, what are the general causes of hair loss? 1. Endocrine disorders: Hair growth is affected by various hormonal influences. The pressure from routine work, life, and studies can cause disruptions in physical functions, as well as conditions like postpartum and menopause, leading to endocrine disorders. 2. Nutritional deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies and abnormal metabolism can lead to hair loss, with severe malnutrition even causing diffuse hair loss. 3. Genetic factors: Typically, males are more prone to hair loss due to genetic traits that manifest under the influence of androgens. 4. Physical illness: Some medications taken for diseases can cause side effects, including hair loss. 5. Physical and chemical hair loss: Frequent perming and hair dyeing, long hours in front of computers, and frequent use of mobile phones can all lead to hair loss.