Hair loss - symptoms and causes (2023)

overview

Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just the scalp or the whole body and can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men.

Baldness generally refers to excessive hair loss on the scalp. Hereditary hair loss in old age is the most common cause of balding. Some people prefer to leave their hair loss untreated and on display. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats, or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth.

Before proceeding with hair loss treatment, talk to your doctor about the cause of your hair loss and treatment options.

symptoms

Hair loss can occur in many different ways, depending on what is causing it. It can come on suddenly or gradually, affecting just the scalp or the whole body.

Signs and symptoms of hair loss can include:

• Gradual thinning at the top of the head.This is the most common type of hair loss that affects people as they age. In men, hair loss often begins at the hairline on the forehead. Women usually have an increase in the hair part. An increasingly common pattern of hair loss in older women is balding (frontal fibrosing alopecia).
• Circular or irregular bald spots.Some people lose hair in circular or irregular patches on their scalp, beard, or eyebrows. Your skin may itch or hurt before your hair falls out.
• Sudden loosening of the hair.A physical or emotional shock can cause the hair to fall out. Extremely thin hair can come loose when you comb or wash your hair or when you pull it gently. This type of hair loss usually causes generalized hair loss, but it is temporary.
• hair loss all over the bodySome diseases and treatments, such as B. cancer chemotherapy, can lead to hair loss all over the body. Hair usually grows back.
• Peeling patches that spread across the scalp.This is a sign of ringworm. It can be accompanied by hair breakage, redness, swelling, and sometimes oozing.

When to the doctor

Contact your doctor if you or your child are experiencing persistent hair loss and wish to continue treatment. For women with a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia), talk to your doctor about early treatment to prevent significant permanent baldness.

Also, talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, or more than normal hair loss while combing or washing your or your child's hair. Sudden hair loss can indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment.

causes

People typically lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. This is not usually noticeable as the new hair grows at the same time. Hair loss occurs when new hair does not replace the hair that has fallen out.

Hair loss is usually related to one or more of the following factors:

• family history (inheritance).The most common cause of hair loss is an inherited condition that occurs with age. This condition is known as androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness. It usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns - receding hairline and bald spots in men and hair loss along the scalp in women.
• Hormonal changes and diseases.A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), which is related to the immune system and causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as tinea, and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania (trichotillomania). o-bis-o-MAY-nee-uh).
• medicines and dietary supplements.Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure.
• Radiation therapy to the head.Hair may not grow as it used to.
• A very stressful event.Many people experience widespread hair loss several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.
• hairstyles and treatments.Excessive styling or styling that tightens the hair, such as Hair such as braids or cornrows can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot oil hair treatments and perms can also cause hair loss. If scarring occurs, the hair loss can be permanent.

risk factors

Several factors can increase the risk of hair loss, including:

• A family history of baldness on either the mother's or father's side
• Alter
• Significant weight loss
• Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and lupus
• Emphasize
• poor diet

prevention

Most balding is genetic (male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness). This type of hair loss is unavoidable.

These tips can help you avoid preventable types of hair loss:

• Be gentle with your hair. Use a detangler and avoid pulling when brushing and combing, especially when your hair is wet. A wide-toothed comb can help prevent hair from being pulled out. Avoid aggressive treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments and perms. Limit hair tension from styles that use elastics, barrettes, and braids.
• Ask your doctor about medications and supplements you are taking that may cause hair loss.
• Protect your hair from sunlight and other UV light sources.
• Stop smoking. Some studies show a link between smoking and male pattern baldness.
• If you are being treated with chemotherapy, ask your doctor about a cooling hood. This cap can reduce the risk of hair loss during chemotherapy.