Is hair fall normal?

Yes. Losing 50-100 hairs per day is normal and part of the hair growth. cycle. Concern arises when hair loss is excessive, persistent, or causes visible thinning.

What is the most common cause of hair loss in adults?

The most common cause is androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), seen in both men and women. It is genetic and hormone-related, not due to poor hair care.

What medicines are used for alopecia areata (patchy hair loss)?

Treatment may include:

Topical or injected steroids

Immunomodulating medicines in severe cases

Early treatment improves outcomes.

What are the main causes of hair loss?

Common causes include:

Genetic hair loss (male and female pattern baldness)

Stress, illness, surgery, COVID (telogen effluvium)

Nutritional deficiencies (iron, protein, vitamin B12, zinc)

Hormonal disorders (thyroid disease, PCOS)

Post-pregnancy hair loss

Autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata)

Scalp diseases (fungal infection, psoriasis)

Medications (chemotherapy, some BP or psychiatric drugs)

Which medicines are proven to treat hair loss?

Scientifically proven medicines include:

Topical minoxidil

Oral finasteride (mainly for men)

Oral minoxidil (low dose) – in selected cases

Anti-androgens in women (selected cases)

Steroids (for alopecia areata) Not all medicines suit everyone.

What is minoxidil and how does it work?

Minoxidil improves blood supply to hair follicles and prolongs the growth phase of hair. It is:

Available as solution or foam

Used by men and women

Effective in early to moderate hair loss

Required long-term and continuous use

Author: Dr Jay Deshmukh

Dr Jay Deshmukh is Chief Physician and Director, Sunflower Hospital, Nagpur Honorary Physician to Honorable Governor of Maharashtra and PondicherryCentral. Dr Jay Deshmukh is an M.B.B.S., M.C.P.S., F.C.P.S., M.N.A.M.S., MD From Internal Medicine – Bombay and New Delhi.