Hirsutism is the medical term for more hair than women would expect on the face and body. It can be one of the signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For some, it can be embarrassing and unsightly, as it can be dark, thick, coarse and difficult to get rid of. It’s also more likely to be in areas associated with males, such as the cheeks, neck, chin and chest.
Pregnancy can bring many surprises to your body, and you may not have expected changes to your hair, nails, and skin. Some find their nails become much stronger and longer, while others complain that nails are brittle and break easily. These changes are caused by the changes in hormones in pregnancy, so luckily, they don't last forever and usually revert back to your pre-pregnancy state after delivery. You may notice changes that warrant a trip to the doctor, such as deep grooves that develop on the nails or the nail becoming thickened and lifting from the nail bed (onycholysis).
Onycholysis is a medical term that means a loose nail that falls off or comes away from the underlying structures. The nail separates from the skin underneath it, known as the nail bed. It can either partially or fully come off. The part of the nail that has come away from the bed will look white and opaque. It can be quite disconcerting; however, it is common and isn’t usually a sign of anything serious. In most cases, the nail will likely grow back, although be prepared as this is a slow process!
Paronychia is the fancy word for an infection in the skin around your nail. It can occur in your fingernails or toenails and usually affects just one nail at a time. The result is red, swollen, and painful skin around your nail. The infection is usually caused by bacteria that get into the skin. Less commonly, it can be caused by a fungus such as candida (known as a yeast infection) or by the virus herpes simplex (the virus that causes cold sores. When the infection is caused by bacteria, it can cause pus to collect, and you may see a yellow fluid collection or yellow crusting in and around the area. You're more at risk of developing paronychia if you bite your nails, you have injured the skin around the nail, you have underlying skin or nail conditions, or if you do a job or spend a lot of your day where your hands are damp for an extended amount of time (such as a cleaner or pot washer). This is because it can damage or cause breaks in the skin, making it easier for bacteria to get in. Wearing false nails can also put you at a higher risk of paronychia.
If your nails turn up at the sides, in the shape of a spoon, this is known as koilonychia. It may be something that runs in your family, but it can also point to a medical condition. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common of these, so it's worth getting a blood test to check, or topping up your iron levels with supplements to see if this improves your nail condition. Other more unusual medical conditions can occasionally cause koilonychia, so if you have any other symptoms or concerns, you can discuss this with your doctor.
Stress is an important and often overlooked cause of hair loss. Everyone sheds hair daily as part of a normal hair growth cycle, but at certain times in people's lives the rate of hair loss can pick up momentum, becoming more noticeable. Stress-induced hair loss is common and may result in hair loss from a certain area of the head or from all over the head. It can happen in both men and women of any age. The good news is that hair will usually grow back once the stressful event has passed, or you have recovered from a significant illness that caused physical stress or even from pregnancy.
Dandruff is caused by dead skin cells falling off your scalp, which can be seen as white-grey flakes on your scalp, in your hair, and sometimes on your clothes. It can cause symptoms of an itchy scalp. It is very common and not linked to hair cleanliness, although more flakes may build up with the less you wash your hair. Dandruff is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that also causes a red, greasy, flakey rash over the nose and cheeks. In the majority of cases, dandruff can be treated at home. Extreme weather conditions, such as when hot, cold, or dry, may cause dandruff, and stress can worsen the condition in some people. Dandruff is not contagious.
Hair loss in children can be unexpected and worrisome, especially if the hair loss is significant. Rest assured that it's most likely to be temporary and is not usually a sign of anything more sinister. There can be a few underlying causes why children may experience hair loss, but it is important to be emotionally supportive and reassuring to your child, and avoid drawing attention to it unless they do. It can be distressing for them and cause a big hit to their self-confidence. For your own peace of mind, ensure that any of your concerns are reviewed by your family doctor.
Whether you've spent months growing your beard or are just starting your beard journey – here at Healthwords, we believe in looking after your health AND your facial hair. This article will discuss our best beard maintenance tips and how to care for that wonderful tuft of hair.
We lose hair all the time – 50 to 100 hairs a day, to be precise. But we don’t usually notice this constant cycle. Hair is important to us, to our sense of identity and self-esteem. It can be alarming when you see lots of hair on your brush, in the drain, or across the carpet. We don’t always find a cause, and hair grows back, but it’s worth seeking a doctor’s opinion in certain circumstances, in case a medical problem is to blame. Let’s cut through to the important bits: what’s causing it and what treatments might actually work.