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hair loss symptoms and causes

Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be either temporary or permanent. It can result from heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or the natural aging process. While anyone can experience hair loss, it is more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from the scalp. The most common cause of baldness is hereditary hair loss that comes with aging. Some people choose to let their hair loss progress untreated and unhidden, while others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats, or scarves. There are also various treatments available to prevent further hair loss or to restore hair growth. Before pursuing hair loss treatment, consult your doctor to understand the cause of your hair loss and explore the treatment options available.

By william jane Published 28 days ago 4 min read

Hair loss can manifest in various ways, depending on its cause. It can develop suddenly or gradually, affecting either just your scalp or your entire body.

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Signs and Symptoms of Hair Loss:

  • Gradual Thinning on Top of the Head: This is the most common type of hair loss, typically associated with aging. Men often experience a receding hairline at the forehead, while women usually notice a widening of the part in their hair. A common pattern in older women is a receding hairline, known as frontal fibrosing alopecia.
  • Circular or Patchy Bald Spots: Some individuals develop circular or patchy bald spots on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows. The skin may feel itchy or painful before the hair falls out.
  • Sudden Loosening of Hair: Physical or emotional shocks can cause hair to loosen. Handfuls of hair may come out when combing, washing, or even gently tugging your hair. This type of hair loss generally results in overall thinning but is usually temporary.
  • Full-Body Hair Loss: Certain medical conditions and treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can lead to hair loss all over the body. Typically, the hair grows back.
  • Patches of Scaling that Spread Over the Scalp: This can indicate ringworm. It may be accompanied by broken hair, redness, swelling, and sometimes oozing.

When to See a Doctor:

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Consult your doctor if you are distressed by persistent hair loss in yourself or your child and wish to seek treatment. For women experiencing a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia), early treatment is crucial to prevent significant permanent baldness.

Additionally, see your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more hair loss than usual when combing or washing your hair or your child's hair. Sudden hair loss can indicate an underlying medical condition that needs treatment.

Causes of Hair Loss

Typically, people lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. This usually goes unnoticed because new hair grows in at the same time. Hair loss occurs when new hair doesn't replace the hair that has fallen out. Hair loss is generally related to one or more of the following factors:

  • Family History (Heredity): The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition known as androgenic alopecia, which includes male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. This condition usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns: a receding hairline and bald spots in men, and thinning hair along the crown of the scalp in women.
  • Hormonal Changes and Medical Conditions: Various conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia areata, an immune system-related disorder causing patchy hair loss; scalp infections such as ringworm; and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania.
  • Radiation Therapy to the Head: Hair may not grow back the same as it was before after radiation therapy.
  • A Very Stressful Event: Many people experience general hair thinning several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.
  • Hairstyles and Treatments: Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot-oil hair treatments and permanents can also cause hair to fall out. If scarring occurs, the hair loss could be permanent.

Risk Factors

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

  • Family History: Having a family history of balding on either your mother's or father's side.
  • Age: Hair loss becomes more common as you age.
  • Significant Weight Loss: Rapid or substantial weight loss can lead to hair loss.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and lupus can increase the risk of hair loss.
  • Stress: High levels of stress can contribute to hair loss.
  • Poor Nutrition: A lack of essential nutrients can lead to hair loss.

Prevention

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Most baldness is caused by genetics (male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness), which is not preventable. However, the following tips may help you avoid preventable types of hair loss:

  • Handle Your Hair Gently: Use a detangler and avoid tugging when brushing or combing, especially when your hair is wet. A wide-toothed comb can help prevent hair from being pulled out. Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot-oil treatments, and permanents. Limit tension on your hair from styles that use rubber bands, barrettes, and braids.
  • Review Medications and Supplements: Consult your doctor about any medications and supplements you are taking that might cause hair loss.
  • Protect Your Hair from Sunlight: Shield your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.
  • Stop Smoking: Some studies suggest a link between smoking and baldness in men.
  • Consider a Cooling Cap: If you are undergoing chemotherapy, ask your doctor about using a cooling cap, which can reduce the risk of hair loss during treatment.

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