Survey finds the problem is undiagnosed, and may also have a genetic root
Hair styling practices may be causing black women to experience hair loss, which is a major problem that often goes undiagnosed, a new survey finds.
While genetics may play a key role in hair loss among black women, styling practices such as braiding, weaves and chemical relaxing may also increase their risk of hair loss, said dermatologist Dr. Yolanda Lenzy, a clinical associate professor at the University of Connecticut in Farmington.
She joined with the Black Women’s Health Study at Boston University’s Slone Epidemiology Center to survey nearly 5,600 black women about their experiences with hair loss.
Almost 48 percent said they had suffered hair loss on the crown or top of the scalp.
“When hair loss is caused by styling practices, the problem is usually chronic use. Women who use these styling practices tend to use them repeatedly, and long-term repeated use can result in hair loss,” said Lenzy.
Even though hair loss is common among black women, more than 81 percent of respondents said they had never consulted a doctor about it.
The leading cause of hair loss in black women is a condition called central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). This condition causes inflammation and destruction of hair follicles that results in scarring and permanent hair loss, researchers said.
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SOURCE: WebMD News from HealthDay
Robert Preidt
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