Table 1: Causes of Bald Head Patches
| Cause | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Alopecia areata | 1% of the population |
| Androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) | 50% of men over 50 |
| Telogen effluvium | 5-10% of the population |
| Traction alopecia | Not well-established |
| Tinea capitis (ringworm) | 1.3% of children in the US |
| Psoriasis | 2-3% of the population |
| Lichen planus | Less than 1% of the population |
| Discoid lupus erythematosus | 0.02-0.09% of the population |
| Folliculitis | Not well-established |
| Alopecia totalis | 1 in 200,000 people |
| Alopecia universalis | 1 in 100,000 people |
Table 2: Treatments for Bald Head Patches
| Treatment | Efficacy | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil | 60-80% effective in men | Headache, scalp irritation |
| Finasteride | 80-90% effective in men | Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction |
| Corticosteroids | 60-70% effective in alopecia areata | Thinning of the skin, weight gain |
| Methotrexate | 80-90% effective in alopecia areata | Nausea, vomiting, liver damage |
| Ciclosporin | 80-90% effective in alopecia areata | High blood pressure, kidney damage |
| Azathioprine | 60-70% effective in alopecia areata | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Surgery | 100% effective | Scarring, infection |
| Laser therapy | 50-60% effective | None |
| Acupuncture | Not well-established | None |
| Herbal remedies | Not well-established | None |
Table 3: Prevention of Bald Head Patches
| Measure | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Avoid hairstyles that pull on the hair | Not well-established |
| Wash your hair regularly | Not well-established |
| Use a shampoo and conditioner designed for your hair type | Not well-established |
| Get regular trims | Not well-established |
| Eat a healthy diet | Not well-established |
| Exercise regularly | Not well-established |
| Get enough sleep | Not well-established |
| Manage stress | Not well-established |
Table 4: Emotional Impact of Bald Head Patches
| Impact | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Low self-esteem | Not well-established |
| Depression | Not well-established |
| Anxiety | Not well-established |
| Social isolation | Not well-established |
| Discrimination | Not well-established |
Conclusion
Bald head patches are a common problem that can affect people of all ages and genders. While there is no cure for all types of bald head patches, there are a number of treatments that can help to improve the appearance of the hair. If you are concerned about bald head patches, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to discuss treatment options.