Hair Disorders can range from common to something quite complex. Among the most common hair disorder is Hair Loss which is seen in both males and females even though it is quite prominent in males. Other than this, infections are also quite common in the scalp that cause and itching and scaling of the scalp and come under hair disorders. Hair Loss which in medical terms is termed as Alopecia is a significant cause of worry for both males and females due to the increasing number of cases of this disorder.

This is despite of the fact that shedding some hairs every day is quite normal for people. In most cases, hair loss or baldness occurs gradually. However, in some cases due to stress, medications, or an underlying illness, people experience sudden hair loss. These types of hair disorder are generally reversible and the hair grows back once the illness is addressed or the medication is stopped or substituted. Some of the infections that can occur in the hairs include bacterial infection in the form of folliculitis in which the hair follicles get affected

Head Lice are also quite a common hair disorder and are mostly found in children. Fungal infections can also affect the hairs and the most common is Tinea Capitis. Additionally, dandruff and psoriasis is also quite common hair disorders that cause itching and scaling of the skin of the scalp. Read below for more details about the common Hair Disorders.

Some Of The Common Hair Disorders

Head Lice: This is medically termed as Pediculosis Capitis is an extremely contagious condition. The primary symptom of head lice is persistent an intense itching of the scalp. Head Lice is a small insect that feeds on human blood and is mostly found in the hair shafts. The female lays eggs on the hair shaft that stick tightly to the hair shaft. The eggs hatch about a week later and start feeding on the blood.

These eggs have the capacity to stay active for long periods of time without being in touch with the body such as in the comb, hair brushes, and towels. Head Lice is mostly found in the scalp close to the hairline, right behind the ears, and the neck.

Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and stopping hair growth. This results in the individual suffering hair loss. Why this happens is still a matter of ongoing research. Hair Loss seen in Alopecia Areata is patchy and at times also includes other areas of the body aside from the scalp.

In majority of the cases Alopecia Areata the hair regrows although there is a high chance of recurrence of this condition. There is also a genetic component to this condition as well. Hair Loss seen in Alopecia Areata is usually in the scalp but the eyebrows, eyelashes, and other area of the body can also get affected.

The severity of the hair loss ranges from mild to severe. It should also be noted that the hairs that grow back in Alopecia Areata often lack the same color and thickness an in most cases are white or grey in color.

Dandruff:The most common hair disorder which is medically termed as Seborrhea is a common condition that affects the oil glands in the face and scalp. An individual with Dandruff will have flaking of the scalp. There may also be redness and severe itching of the scalp. The severity of the symptoms is variable and range from mild to severe in intensity.

Yeast named Pityrosporum Ovale is believed to play an important role in an individual having dandruff. This yeast thrives in the oil rich areas of the skin. Dandruff tends to get worse if the affected individual is stressed and when the temperatures are low such as during the winter season. As of now, there is no cure for this condition but there are certain hair care lotions and shampoos available that help clear away the dandruff albeit temporarily.

Aside from the scalp being itchy and flaky, there may be patches in the scalp where it becomes erythematous. The hairline, forehead, eyelids, and eyebrows may also be involved. In dark skinned people, these areas may look light in color.

Folliculitis: This is a common bacterial infection in which there is inflammation of the hair follicles in a specific area. This usually occurs in areas where there is irritation such as after shaving, or when there is friction of the skin or rubbing of the clothes such as the genital areas. Folliculitis is mainly caused by the Streptococcus bacteria that are naturally present on the skin.

Additionally, people with underlying eczema, acne, or other forms of skin infection are more prone to having Folliculitis than others. Cuts and abrasions also are believed to be one of the causes of Folliculitis. This condition mostly occurs in the groin, scalp, area where the beard grows in males, underarms, and thighs. An individual with folliculitis will have a pus filled bump through which a hair may grow. In rare cases, a scab may also be formed at the area of the inflammation.

In severe cases, folliculitis may cause severe pain at the affected area. Mild and moderate cases of folliculitis can be treated with medications without any complications. However, severe cases if left untreated may lead to a variety of complications to include cellulitis, scarring, or even hair loss that is more or less permanent.