Baldness (Gr. alopecia, 'fox-mange'). See HAIR. Congenital baldness (complete absence of hair at birth) is sometimes met with; but in most cases is only temporary, and gives place in a few years to a natural growth of hair. Occasionally, however, it persists through life.
Senile baldness (calvities) is one of the most familiar signs of old age. It commences in a small area at the crown, where the natural hair is first replaced by down before the skin becomes smooth and shining. From this area the process extends in all directions. It is more common in men than women. A precisely similar condition occurs not unfrequently at an earlier age (presenile baldness). It is generally due to hereditary tendency; but is favoured by keeping the head closely covered, especially with a waterproof cap. The best authorities agree that this form of baldness is incurable.
There is a condition, however, which in its later stages much resembles the last, but is more amenable to treatment. Here the loss of hair begins simultaneously at two spots, at the crown, and about an inch behind the margin of the hair on the forehead. Its chief characteristic, however, is that loss of hair is preceded for some years by extreme scurfiness of the scalp. During this stage the process can be checked; sometimes, indeed, even after loss of hair has begun. The most successful treatment consists in thorough rubbing of the scalp with an ointment containing 1 part of precipitated sulphur to 10 parts of lard, at first nightly, then as the scurf diminishes, at gradually longer intervals.
Great loss of hair frequently follows severe illnesses or other causes which produce general debility. As health returns, the hair usually returns with it; its growth may be promoted by the use of lotions containing cantharides, ammonia, or some other stimulating agent. Baths containing common salt, and brisk rubbing, are also useful.
Baldness in patches (alopecia areata) attacks chiefly children and young persons, frequently those of debilitated constitutions. The only change at first perceptible is that the hair falls out in one or more places, leaving smooth bare patches. These may gradually extend, and with the progress of the disease the affected skin becomes somewhat thinned. The scalp is the part most commonly attacked; but the disease may destroy every hair on the body. It is liable to be mistaken for Ringworm (q.v.); but in that disease the skin is rough and scaly, and the hairs, though broken off short, are not completely lost. Alopecia areata has been attributed to the action of a parasite; but it is more probably due to some obscure nervous influence. Mild cases almost always recover; and even in the worst forms of the disease complete restoration of the hair may take place, sometimes after many years of baldness. The treatment consists in stimulation of the affected skin, blistering, salt baths, the use of electricity, &c.
In this as in all other forms of loss of hair, attention must be paid to the general as well as the local treatment. A liberal diet and the use of iron and other tonics are frequently of the greatest service.
The numerous and much advertised hair restorers, &c. in the market contain various stimulating substances, and are, generally speaking, beneficial in their action.