Hair diseases general

Hair biology

Hair consists of cells cornified with the aid of the structure protein keratin, which form the hair cortex. This is surrounded by a cuticula consisting of horny cells, which resemble roof tiles.
A distinction is made between various hair types. Fine lanugo hair is formed during the fetal period. This is replaced by non-pigmented vellus hair even before birth; body hair consists primarily of vellus hair up until puberty. Head hair consists of thicker pithy terminal hair. This type of hair is also to be found on eyelashes and eyebrows. Vellus hair is also converted into terminal hair in the armpit and genital regions during puberty. This process is set in motion by androgens – sexual hormones.

Hair structure

The visible part of a hair is the hair shaft. The invisible part is the hair root. The outlet of the hair follicle gland (sebaceous gland), which makes the hair shiny and soft with 'oil', is also located at the outlet opening, the hair follicle sheath, The growth centre - the hair bulb - is located at the lower end of the hair root. Here, particularly active cells, the keratinocytes, are constantly dividing and forming the keratin. Through this process, healthy hair continues to grow approx. 0.3 mm per day, or 1 cm per month. Each hair has its own blood vessels that supply it with nutrients via the hair papilla.

Skin cross-section

• 1 Blood vessels for the supply of nutrients /li>
• 2 Hair
• 3 Hair papilla
• 4 Hair follicle – layers of skin around the hair root
• 5 Hair muscle
• 6 Hair root
• 7 Sebaceous gland

Typical hair problems

Information about frequent hair problems and how to combat them can be found below:

Hair going grey

The hair colour is defined by the stored colour pigment. If the hair turns grey, the activity of the melanin-producing cells, the so-called melanocytes, is reduced. Usually, hair going grey is a process that happens over the course of many years. But hair can also turn grey in the space of a few days. The causes of this can be acute infections with a fever, certain drugs, illnesses or major emotional stress.

Discolorations

White or blond hair can turn yellow through intensive smoking of cigarettes or cigars. Cases are also known in which highly copper-bearing water has resulted in hair turning green.

Hair loss

Hirsutism

Dandruff