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Hairfall is a condition, which is also known as Alopecia and is known to include the aspect of thinning of hair as well. Genetics and hormones play a vital role in hairfall in both women and men. Few other factors are also responsible for hairfall. The hair growth consists of 3 phases.

1. The anagen phase-active phase in hair growth. This phase lasts for 2-7 yrs.
2. The second phase - catagen phase. This phase immediately follows the anagen phase. It lasts for around 10- 14 days and the hair stops getting blood supply and this leads the hair to become dead.
3. The last phase is telogen phase. It is a resting phase.

The entire cycle is repeated after the last stage and it continues. Every single hair undergoes this process.

Causes/ factors to hair loss

1. Genetic factors
2. Skin diseases such as fungal infection, seborrhea (dandruff), tinea capitis ,eczema of scalp and lichen planus etc.
3. Nutritional deficiencies like iron (leading to anemia) and protein
4. Hormonal changes after childbirth, during menopause
5. Drug in treating high blood pressure, cancer, joint pains or depression. Hair loss due to chemotherapy in a cancer patient is called as Anagen effluvium
6. General diseases like Tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, AIDS, Hypothyroidism
7. Auto-immune hair loss
8. Hairstyles and frequent usage of hair straighteners and hair colors
9. Recovery from erysipelas and typhoid leads to diffuse hair loss
10. Physical trauma or injury to head
11. Emotional trauma - loss of a family member / close friend
12. Trichotillomania, -a mental disorder of the affected person voluntarily pulls out his / her scalp hair

Homeopathy remedies
The treatment for the disease could be based on the cause of the disease. Understanding the cause and treating it accordingly will increase the effectiveness of the medicine.

1. Psorinum is the medicine useful to treat the hair fall that is caused due to skin diseases in scalp.
2. Mezereum is also another medicine that is good in treating hair fall due to dandruff and other skin disease.
3. Mercurius Solubilis is another homeopathic medicine that plays a wonderful role in treating the hair loss due to eruptions on scalp.
4. Kali sulphuricum and Thuja occidentalis are best medicines to treat hair fall due to dandruff exclusively.
5. Pulsatilla pratensis, Natrum muriaticum, Pulsatilla pratensis and Sepia officinalis are medicines used to control hair fall in women after childbirth.
6. Cinchona officinalis , Calcarea phosphorica and Borax are medicines that helps in treating hair fall problem for anemic patients.

,eczema

Hair loss, as the name itself implies, refers to the loss of hair from scalp / head; another term used to describe this is alopecia. It is a broad term that also includes thinning of hair. While genetics plays a vital role in this condition that afflicts both men and women, there are several other factors that are involved in bringing on this problem in people. In order to understand the reasons for hair fall better, it is essential that you learn about the various growth stages of hair.

The hair growth cycle consists of three phases:

1. The first phase is the anagen phase, which is an active phase in which the hair grows. This phase lasts for around 2-7 yrs.
2. The second phase is the catagen phase. The catagen phase immediately follows the anagen phase and lasts for around 10- 14 days during which the hair stops getting blood supply and becomes dead.
3. The third and the last phase is telogen phase, which is a resting phase. In this phase, the dead hair falls out and the hair follicles remain in rest or inactive stage for about 2-3 months.

After completion of last stage, the entire cycle is repeated. Each single hair undergoes these three phases of growth independent of the other hair on the scalp. Normally, at a given point of time about 90% of hair is in the anagen phase and only 10% is in the telogen phase. When this ratio is altered, it leads to increased rate of hair loss. Hair loss can occur at any age, and can be prevalent in both males and females. Hair loss in itself is not a disease, but a sign that often indicates various other diseases. Hair loss occurs as a result of various diseases or factors and in different patterns.

The various causes / factors leading to hair loss include:
Skin diseases affecting the scalp like fungal infection of scalp known as tinea capitis, seborrhoea (dandruff), eczema of scalp, or lichen planus.

1. Genetic factors
2. Hormonal changes including those that occur after childbirth and during menopause
3. Nutritional deficiencies due to a diet that lacks iron (leading to anemia), and also lack of protein intake
4. Recovery from acute fever like typhoid and erysipelas leads to diffuse hair loss
5. Drug use like the ones that are used in treating high blood pressure, joint pains, cancer, or depression. Anagen effluvium refers to the condition of hair loss due to chemotherapy in a cancer patient
6. Physical trauma / injury to head
7. Emotional trauma like constant stress or grief due to loss of a family member / close friend
8. General diseases like diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, Hypothyroidism, or AIDS
9. Auto-immune related hair loss in which the hair cells are mistaken for a foreign body and are destroyed by the immune cells of the body
10. Hairstyles like tight braids or ponytails where the hair is tightly pulled backwards leading to traction alopecia; indiscriminate use of hair colors and hair straighteners
11. Trichotillomania, which is a mental disorder in which the affected person voluntarily pulls out his / her scalp hair

Homeopathy for hair growth
Although hair loss is not a life threatening condition, but it can be a source of constant stress and worry in the people affected by it. A person suffering from hair loss possesses lower self esteem and self confidence level, and also feels embarrassed when in company of other people. Homeopathy can very efficiently deal with cases of hair loss, and produce excellent results. In Homeopathy, a huge number of wonderful medicines are present that are used to tackle hair loss cases. 

Every kind of hair loss (ranging from hair loss due to anemia / nutritional deficiencies, due to skin disorders, due to mental / physical trauma, due to childbirth or menopause, after acute diseases, to alopecia areata, alopecia totalis or androgenetic alopecia) can be treated with the help of well selected homeopathic medicines. To treat hair loss through homeopathy, detail case history of the patient needs to be studied. The cause and site of hair loss are to be noted down along with the constitutional symptoms of the patient which are given prime importance in any kind of case of hair loss. The constitutional symptoms include the eating habits, level of thirst, thermals, mental symptom etc. and these are to be given top position in forming the totality of symptoms while case taking. After the case has been properly evaluated, the case homeopathic medicine is administered to the patient. Following is the list of homeopathic medicines for hair loss treatment that can be used.

Pityriasis amiantacea is a disorder of the scalp. Some of the visible signs of this condition include adherent, silver, thick scales. The scales resemble the color of the asbestos and often surrounds the tufts of hair. While the condition is manageable, care should be taken to manage this condition right from its inception. Here is a brief overview of this scalp condition.

Origin of Pityriasis Amiantacea:
Pityriasis Amiantacea is inflammatory in nature. It comes from the seborrheic and psoriasis dermatitis spectrum. Experts are of the view that this condition is a result of the exaggerated response of the body to a primary condition of the scalp. Earlier studies have suggested that there is a possibility that Pityriasis Amiantacea may have originated from lichen planus, pyogenic infection and superficial fungal. In most of the cases, it has been witnessed that fungus has a close relation to this condition.

Exposure of Pityriasis Amiantacea and its diagnosis:
This condition has low exposure among females. It is mostly observed among, young adults, children, and adolescents. The diagnosis is done clinically. A specialist might prescribe dermoscopy to rule out other conditions of the scalp. If the result is positive, the scaling will reveal a diffused yellowish or whitish pattern. While the condition is local, it has all the possibilities to spread to other hairy parts of the body. Some experts are of the view that Pityriasis Amiantacea has a close association with temporary alopecia. While histopathology is not prescribed by most doctors, however, biopsy of the scalp is suggested in many cases.

Does Pityriasis Amiantacea result in hair loss?
The answer is yes. As a result of the scaly crust, the encased hair tends to fall. This being said, it is entirely a reversible condition. The hair comes back in 9 out of 10 cases. Medical ointments and antibiotic shampoo can help to grow back the lost hair. Apart from this, home-made protein solutions can help in the regeneration of the hair and get back the original color of the hair.

Treatment options:
This is a treatable condition that might take some time for a complete cure. It involves the keratolytic and tropical anti-inflammatory treatment. This is accompanied with salicylic ointment and topical corticosteroids. A tropical mineral oil is often prescribed by doctors to ensure that the adherent scales are removed. Some doctors might also suggest a clobetasol propionate shampoo. Even ketoconazole and silver sulfadiazine is helpful to get rid of the scales. If in case the infection is accompanied with Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotics are prescribed to ensure that the condition does not turn from bad to worse. Systematic therapies are suggested if this condition is accompanied by an underlying condition such as psoriasis.

Sunscreens help shield you from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays in two ways. Some work by scattering the light, reflecting it away from your body. Others absorb the UV rays before they reach your skin.

A few years ago, choosing a good sunscreen meant you just looked for a high sun protection factor (SPF) -- which rates how well the sunscreen protects against one type of cancer-causing UV ray, ultraviolet B (UVB). SPF refers to blockage of UVB rays only.

Research soon showed that ultraviolet A rays (UVA) also increase skin cancer risk. While UVA rays don't cause sunburn, they penetrate deeply into skin and cause wrinkles. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 90% of skin changes associated with aging are really caused by a lifetime's exposure to UVA rays.

Whether you are heading out to the beach for relaxing day of swimming, or traveling out on the nature trail for a fun day of hiking, sunscreen should be an important part of your day. Follow the instructions contained in this guide to learn how to choose a sunscreen that is right for you.

Clearly, you will want a sunscreen with broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum protection for both UVB and UVA.

Tips for choosing the right sunscreen:

1. Broad Spectrum: It means the sunscreen protects against UVB and UVA rays and helps prevent skin cancer and sunburn.
2. High UVA protection: Sun's UV rays can be easily prevented, and thus severe kinds of skin troubles can be eliminated. In this case, the product label needs to be checked so that you can get 100% assurance that your skin will be protected against UV rays for sure.
3. Water resistance: Pick a sunscreen which is Water Resistant (effective for up to 40 minutes in water) or Very Water Resistant (effective for up to 80 minutes in water). This means the sunscreen provides protection while swimming or sweating up to the time listed on the label. Even when using a water-resistant sunscreen, you should reapply after getting out of the water or after sweating.
4. Medicated Products: Do not go by the local brands rather you must choose only medicated products.
5. Daily usage: Using sunscreen on a daily basis is a great necessity. In fact, this is one of the most important steps for getting most productive effects. You can apply the cream, especially before going under direct sun.
6. Skin-friendliness: The sunscreen should not contain any toxic elements or chemicals, otherwise your skin will get adversely affected. Different kinds of skin damages can occur such as spots, patches skin allergies or infections if you do not choose the right sunscreen apt for your skin.
7. Correct application of sunscreen: Apply on exposed areas: You should apply sunscreen, especially on those body parts that usually remain exposed towards sun all the time. If you frequently wear bikinis, then you should include legs, thighs, arms, back, face and other areas.
8. Enriched with moisturizers: If the sunscreen is equipped with moisturizers, then your skin will become smoother and soothing effects will be found. Some of the moisturizers consist of organic ingredients that can improve skin quality and texture to a great extent. These moisturizers also provide sufficient nutrients to your skin.
9. Frequent application: If you are willing to get best results and utmost protection from UV rays, then nothing can be the right way-out other the applying the sunscreen on a frequent basis. After every two-hours, you are advised to apply the sunscreen.
10. Wearing sun-protection accessories: Apart from applying the sunscreen lotion, you are advised wearing different kinds of useful sun-protection accessories for getting greater protection. Some of the most prominent accessories are sunglasses, long sleeves, umbrella and others.

It is an inflammatory reaction to the hair shaft entering the skin, most common in blacks who shave regularly.

Who gets razor bumps?

About 50% of black males are said to be affected. Other races can also be affected. Though the condition is most commonly reported in men, women who remove unwanted hair also suffer from this condition.

Causes of Razor Bumps-

The condition is caused by both genetic factors and various hair removal methods.

Genetic factors:

1. Curved hair follicles and curly hair
2. A defect in the gene for the hair protein keratin 6hf

Hair removal methods may cause razor bumps by either creating a sharp hair tip that re-enters the skin away from the hair pore (extrafollicular penetration) or by the hair shaft breaking off at different lengths and piercing the follicle from within the skin (transfollicular penetration). An inflammatory reaction is then set up in response to the hair fragments lying in the skin. The following methods may cause razor bumps:

1. Shaving
2. Tweezing
3. Waxing
4. Electrolysis

Symptoms-

• Ingrown hairs
• Red, skin coloured or dark bumps
• Bumps containing pus

What are the complications of razor bumps?

• Pigmentary problems (darkening of the area most common)
• Scarring
• Abscess formation
• Psychological problems

Razor bumps are most common on the beard, however they have been reported to occur on the pubic area, legs and scalp.

The Treatment-

There are several treatment options to deal with razor bumps already present. They include:

• Moisturizers
• Retinoids
• Steroids
• Antibiotics
• Alpha-hydroxy acids
• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion

Prevention of Razor Bumps:

It is true to say that 'prevention is better than cure'. Here are the preventions-

• Laser hair removal is the best method of removing unwanted hair in individuals affected with this condition. The laser device is programmed to selectively target the pigment in the hair follicle, destroying it, while leaving the skin intact.
• Electrical clippers are found by many to cause less bumps than razors. If one must shave it is important to avoid a close shave to help prevent razor bumps. The following is a guide to safer shaving methods:
  • Brush hairs with polyester sponge before shaving.
  • Wash beard, use pre-shave cream or gel.
  • Avoid double and triple blade razors.
  • Shave in the direction of hair growth.
  • Do not pull the skin taut.
  • Use a sharp blade, rinse after each stroke.
  • Apply a cold compress after shaving, then a soothing aftershave preparation.
• Clipping hairs with a small pair of facial scissors is an option for women with few unwanted hairs.
• Chemical depilatories (hair removal creams) are another option for hair removal.
• Electrolysis is a permanent method of hair removal but requires several sessions. It is operator dependent and can cause bumps and scarring. Waxing and tweezing also have the potential to cause bumps.
• Eflornithine hydrochloride is a cream that slows the growth of hair and therefore can be used in combination with a hair removal method. It is marketed for women with unwanted facial hair.
• Anti-androgen drugs can be used in females who have hirsutism (male pattern hair growth e.g. beard hairs)