by Abdulsalam Yunusa | Mar 30, 2022 | Health & Wellness
Apart from the aesthetic value of hair, it has other important functions as well. This includes protection of the skin from direct harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, and together with the skin, serves the function of sensitivity, temperature regulation as well as other functions. Due to the many benefits of hair, losing it partially or completely can affect not just one’s physical appearance but the psychological state as well. Hair loss is more common in women than in men. This is perhaps why women tend to spend more money, time, and energy on hair care.
Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, is of several types. These can be generalised as total or partial, permanent or temporary, hereditary or hormonal, etc.
1. Patchy Hair Loss (Spot Baldness)
It is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to consider the hair as a foreign body, therefore destroying it.
This can be temporary or it can result in total hair loss on the scalp or universal hair loss in all parts of the body.
2. Androgenic Hair Loss
It is named so because it is caused by excess androgens (male hormones also present in the body of females) and heredity. Males can begin to experience this type of hair loss from their early 20s while women, in their 40s or even 60s.
When it affects the upper and frontal part of the head of males, it is known in Arewa as “saiko” (also pronounced as “sanko“). For women who experience it, it occurs mostly on the crown (top) of the head as opposed to males.
3. Temporary Hair Thinning
This occurs due to changes in the growing circle of hair. These changes can be caused by some diseases and even pregnancy; this is why some pregnant women experience temporary hair loss after giving birth.
4. Involutional Hair Loss
As other organs of the body weaken in function, the hair also undergoes natural thinning with age. The hair becomes shorter and fewer as well.
5. Scarring Hair Loss
The use of hot combs, plaiting, or weaving the hair into very tight braids usually results in hair loss. This permanent loss of hair can also be caused by diseases that destroy the hair’s ability to regenerate (e.g. Acne, Lupus)
6. Trichotillomania
The psychological disorder that makes people pull out their own hair is known as Trichotillomania. This is most commonly seen in children.
Now that you know the types of hair loss, how will you know that you’re losing your hair?
Signs and Symptoms of Hair Loss
The signs that let you know you’re losing your hair include:
Gradual thinning of hair.
Circular (or patchy) bald spots.
Full loss of hair in all parts of the body.
Patches of scaling on the scalp (this is a sign of ringworm).
Sudden loosening of hair.
Now that you know the signs and symptoms, I am sure you are eager to know the cause(s) of those symptoms.
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be caused by several factors. These include the following:
Heredity.
Physical and emotional stress.
Anaemia.
Pregnancy.
Deficiency of Vit-B12.
Low protein consumption.
Chemotherapy.
Ageing.
Over styling.
Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anabolic steroids.
Treatment of Hair Loss
As mentioned earlier, some types of hair loss are irreversible (permanent) while some are reversible (temporary).
Some of the victims of irreversible hair loss simply chose to accept it and move on with their life, while others result in the use of wigs or tattooing the affected area. However, those affected with reversible hair loss can regrow the lost hair. The treatment method used depends on the cause of hair loss. Some of the available options are;
- Use of Topical Creams and Lotions: These creams help to partially or completely restore the growth of hair. There are many creams available but it is best to meet qualified medical personnel for a prescription.
- Surgery: It is mostly men that undergo this method of treatment. It involves the removal of some hairs from unaffected areas to affected areas and also the removal of bald skin which is replaced by stretching of the hairy skin over the area of the scalp.
- Immunotherapy is Used for Those Affected by Total Hair Loss: This has not proven to be very effective yet but there’s hope that it will improve in the nearest future.
Prevention of Loss of Hair
Prevention is always easier and cheaper than cure. One should put considerable effort to avoid hair loss and the consequences that come with it. This can be done by;
Avoiding perming, bleaching, dying, heating, and excess pulling of hair. All these are causes of hair loss, therefore by not doing them, one stands a high chance of not experiencing hair loss.
Washing the hair is very important too. This should be done regularly with a good brush and mild shampoo or soap. This helps to keep the hair clean and protects it from infections that might likely lead to hair loss.
As mentioned above, consumption of food containing excess Vit-A, deficient Vit-B12, and low protein, causes hair loss. This can be avoided by regularly consuming a balanced diet rich in the nutrients needed for hair growth. Some of the required nutrients are Iron, Vit-B12, Biotin, and Vit-C.
Conclusion
Now that you know, I hope you’ll do as much as possible to protect your precious hair from balding and thinning.
Do you have questions? Kindly write them below in the comment box. Thanks for reading.
by Abdulsalam Yunusa | Mar 16, 2022 | Health & Wellness
It’s the eve of your job interview, your first meeting with your in-laws, or that important event that you have been looking forward to, then you feel some mild pain on your forehead or the tip of your nose, and on checking the mirror, a huge red pimple is staring right at you! Now, it’s too late to visit a dermatologist, and you wouldn’t want people staring at the blemish on your face. If this is you, worry less, because in this article, I will be sharing with you tips on how to get rid of pimples fast. But first, what is a pimple?
Pimple is among the symptoms of acne, so it is sometimes wrongly used to refer to it. It is an inflamed area of the skin with hair pores clogged with sebum (oil from sebaceous glands) and dead cells due to blockage of the pores. It is a very common skin condition, so it is expected that there will be several claims of DIY (Do it yourself) treatments that can be used to treat it.
While research is still ongoing on the treatment options currently available, several have proven to be helpful in taking out these unwanted bumps out of your face. Get ready, as I share these methods with you.
READ ALSO: 15 Foods That Will Boost Your Immune System
6 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples Fast
Before you go ahead and read on several ways on how to get rid of pimples fast that I’ll be sharing with you, it is important to know that there are different treatments for different skin types, so once you notice unwanted side effects, it is advisable that you discontinue use of that method.
Now, let’s look at the methods!
1. Apply Some Ice to the Pimple
This is useful, especially when the pimple is painful, red and swollen, these are signs of inflammation. By wrapping some ice in a clean cloth and applying it on the inflamed pimple(s), for a few minutes, the inflammation is reduced. However, this is usually a temporary measure of alleviating the discomfort. For better results, ice is used alongside other treatment methods.
2. A Paste of Crushed Aspirin Can Remove Excess Oil from Pimples
The active ingredient in aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. It is similar to salicylic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient used in making many skin care products. While this removes excess oil and dries the skin around the pimple, there’s yet to be strong evidence of how it actually treats acne.
To do this, form a thick paste by crushing a tablet or two of aspirin then mix with water. Apply the paste on the pimple, leave it to stay for some minutes, and then wash with lukewarm water.
3. Cortisone Injection Gives Quick Results
Some home remedies might not give you the quick results you need, especially when the pimples are very painful and large. Injection into the pimples with cortisone helps to reduce the inflammation and also the size of the pimples. Cortisone is a steroid, and thus inappropriate use can result in unwanted side effects. Therefore, your dermatologist is in the best position to do this for you.
4. Use an Over-the-Counter Pimple Treatment
There are many over-the-counter pimple treatments available as gels, ointments, creams and even soaps. It is not unexpected that there will be fake products too, so to get the best out of it, it is wise to buy only the ones prescribed by your dermatologist.
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the active anti-pimple ingredients in those products so you might want to check whether the product you want to buy contains them.
The result obtained from the usage of such products is usually a reduction of excess skin oil and dead skin removal. A mixture containing benzoyl peroxide can also kill the bacteria responsible for causing acne.
A common side effect of over-the-counter treatment for acne is skin irritation, and sometimes, skin dryness. If you notice any, please discontinue usage of the product and consult your dermatologist.
5. Apply Some Toothpaste on the Pimple Overnight
While toothpaste was not made for treating pimples, its use for this purpose isn’t new to most of us. Apply some toothpaste on your pimples and allow it to stay overnight. Continue as necessary, but discontinue use if it causes skin irritation. However, toothpaste that contain gel, are not recommended to be applied to the face
6. Spot-Treat with Tea Tree Oil
An advantage of tea tree oil is that it does not cause unwanted side effects like skin irritation and drying, as seen with most over-the-counter pimple removers containing salicylic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide. It reduces inflammation as well as fights pimple-causing bacteria.
Mix tree oil with water, and apply directly on the pimples, using a cotton swab. Repeat it as necessary.
Other Fast ways to Get Rid of Pimples
- Use non-comedogenic makeup with salicylic acid to conceal pimples
- Apply exfoliating and antiinflammatory face mask for acne
- Use aloe vera gel etc.
When to See a Dermatologist
Sudden eruptions of a few pimples can be treated at home with the basic tips provided in this article, but when the pimples are recurring or not responding to treatment, it is best to see a dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment.
How Not to Get Rid of Pimples?
Knowing how to get rid of pimples fast is important, but knowing how not to do it is relevant as well.
I know how tempting it is to pop a pimple, I have been there before. You should always resist the urge to do that, because it can worsen the condition by making the pimples redder and bigger. Not just that, it can also leave ugly scars on your face.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to get rid of pimples fast, you should also be mindful of the several causes of pimples, so that you will be able to maintain a smooth face.
Have you tried any of these methods or others not mentioned here? We would love to hear about your experience in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading.
FAQ
How to get rid of pimples overnight?
Applying tea tree oil, over-the-counter anti pimple creams, toothpaste or benzoyl peroxide at night, can improve the condition of your face by morning, but there is no guarantee that the pimple will completely disappear by morning.
Can ice remove pimples?
Ice is a good option when trying to get rid of pimples fast. It helps to soothe the skin and lessen the inflammation that resulted from the pimple. Do this by wrapping some ice in a cloth and gently press it on the pimple.
How to remove pimples naturally and permanently in one day?
One-day appropriate pimple treatment is enough to see significant results, but not necessarily permanently. To get lasting results, you need to take extra precautions like changing your pillowcases, avoiding unnecessary contact between your hand and face etc.
