A consultant dermatologist, Dr Glory Iwuchukwu, on Monday identified genetic factors, stress and poor nutrition as the major causes of baldness in middle aged men.
Dr Iwuchukwu, who works at the Lagos University teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
She defined baldness as a condition that caused hair loss along the hairline at the top of the head or temples and progressed back towards the base of the skull.
She explained that men whose fathers had experienced baldness were more likely to experience hair loss themselves and that it usually occurred in men with male-pattern baldness due to genetic factors.
“Genetic factor is the most common cause of baldness among middle aged men because it’s been passed from one generation to the other.
“This genetic factor varies; it could be inherited from either parents but in most cases fathers can easily pass on the trait which would be possible if it were X chromosomes,” she said.
Iwuchukwu said that another cause of baldness was emotional stress and fatigue due to lack of good sleep which was the common factor among Nigerian men.
“A lot of people who do not get adequate sleep are stressed and this can cause hair loss. In Nigeria, we do not sleep well because we want to meet up with our life`s needs.
“And once there is alteration in our sleeping pattern, it affects the body’s immune function, hormone secretion and physical and mental stamina,’’ she said.
Iwuchukwu said that the hair was very sensitive to changes within the body and baldness was always the consequence of such an internal disturbance, she said.
The consultant also cited inadequate nutrition as another cause of baldness.
“Drinking water to keep the body hydrated and eating foods and fruits with vitamins could play an important role in keeping the hair follicles and the skin of the scalp healthy.
“At least the intake of six to eight glasses of water daily is the usual recommended amount for an average person,’’ she said.
She, however, advised that adequate nutrition, reduced stress and adequate sleep could be helpful in slowing or preventing baldness.
According to Iwuchukwu, some forms of surgery, such as hair transplant and scalp reduction are also used to treat baldness though they can be both expensive and painful.
(NAN)
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