Alopecia areata is an autoimmune, non-scarring type of hair loss, commonly known as “spot baldness.” Why is it called “spot baldness”? Because the hair falls out silently, without the patient’s knowledge, often discovered accidentally or by others. The main cause of alopecia areata is emotional factors; anxiety and fright can also trigger it. Staying up late can cause endocrine disorders, which can also lead to alopecia areata. If alopecia areata is caused by staying up late, pay attention to getting more rest and avoiding staying up late. Generally, the hair can grow back within three months. If a patch of hair falls out and doesn’t grow back, and then another patch falls out, this could be due to various reasons such as blood and qi deficiency. It is necessary to seek medical diagnosis and treatment promptly.
Does prolonged use of these electronic products lead to hair loss?
Prolonged use of computers and mobile phones requires sustained concentration, keeping the brain in a state of continuous excitement. Consequently, the central nervous system remains in a state of high tension for an extended period, leading to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, impaired skin capillary contraction, and reduced blood supply to the scalp due to local vasoconstriction. This results in insufficient nutrient supply to hair follicles, causing hair loss.
Furthermore, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that “hair is the surplus of blood,” meaning that deficiency of Qi and blood can lead to hair loss. Many white-collar workers have a habit of staying up late, resulting in poor sleep quality. This unhealthy lifestyle can damage the kidneys, impairing the liver’s function of regulating Qi and blood, thus causing hair loss. Frequently staying up late can also affect the function of organs such as the lungs, leading to Qi deficiency. Thus, blood deficiency and Qi deficiency, coupled with dampness from the spleen and stomach obstructing the flow of Qi and blood to the scalp, result in insufficient nutrient supply to the hair follicles, ultimately leading to various hair problems such as hair loss, oily hair, and dandruff.
The following are some other causes of hair loss:
1. Excessive use of inferior hair dyes and styling products. Inferior hair dyes and styling products contain a large number of chemicals, which can weaken hair and lead to hair loss with long-term use. However, this damage is reversible and can be improved with proper hair care.
2. Tight hairstyles: Recently, tightly braided hairstyles have become popular again. However, styling hair too tightly can damage the hair roots, leading to breakage or hair loss. Hair loss caused by this reason mainly occurs around the temples and the sides of the head.
3. Menopause: Many studies have found that hair loss is a common symptom of menopause. This is mainly due to hormonal imbalances, mood swings, and stress during this period. Maintaining hormonal balance is crucial to avoid this.
4. Immune system disorders: Immune system disorders, such as vitiligo and lupus erythematosus, can cause alopecia areata, which is patchy hair loss on the scalp. This condition can occur in men, women, and children of all ages.
5. Rapid weight loss: Losing weight too quickly can also lead to hair loss. However, this type of hair loss usually resolves itself, so there’s no need to panic. But if this weight loss is caused by eating disorders such as anorexia, it requires attention, because eating disorders prevent the body from obtaining essential nutrients and vitamins, making it difficult to maintain healthy hair.
6. Thyroid disease: Abnormal thyroid function is also a common cause of hair loss. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to significant hair loss. In such cases, the underlying medical condition must be treated first.
