Hair Loss | Symptoms and Causes

Hair loss is a common condition that can have varying causes and manifestations. Whether it affects your scalp or your entire body, hair loss can be temporary or permanent. Factors such as heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or the natural aging process can contribute to this issue. Although anyone can experience hair loss, it is more prevalent in men.

When we speak of baldness, we typically refer to the excessive loss of hair from the scalp. The most common cause of baldness is hereditary hair loss associated with aging. Some individuals choose to embrace their hair loss without intervention, allowing it to run its course. Others opt to conceal it with different hairstyles, makeup techniques, hats, or scarves. Alternatively, there are various treatments available that aim to prevent further hair loss or stimulate hair growth.

Before embarking on any hair loss treatment, it is crucial to consult with your doctor regarding the underlying cause of your hair loss and the available treatment options.

Hair loss can present itself in different ways, depending on its cause. It can occur suddenly or gradually, affecting only the scalp or the entire body.

Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:

Gradual thinning on the top of the head: This is the most common type of hair loss, often associated with aging. In men, hair tends to recede at the hairline on the forehead. Women typically experience a widening of the part in their hair. Frontal fibrosing alopecia, characterized by a receding hairline, has become increasingly prevalent among older women.

Circular or patchy bald spots: Some individuals experience hair loss in circular or patchy bald spots on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows. It may be accompanied by itchiness or discomfort before the hair falls out.

Sudden loosening of hair: Physical or emotional shocks can lead to hair loosening. People may notice handfuls of hair coming out during brushing, washing, or even gentle tugging. Although this type of hair loss typically causes overall thinning, it is usually temporary.

Full-body hair loss: Certain medical conditions and treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can result in hair loss throughout the entire body. However, in most cases, the hair grows back once the treatment is completed.

Patches of scaling spreading over the scalp: This indicates the presence of ringworm, often accompanied by broken hair, redness, swelling, and sometimes oozing.

It is advisable to consult a doctor if persistent hair loss causes distress for you or your child, and you wish to pursue treatment. Women experiencing frontal fibrosing alopecia should discuss early treatment options with their doctor to prevent significant permanent baldness.

Additionally, seek medical attention if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, or if you observe more hair loss than usual during brushing or washing. Sudden hair loss can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.

Hair loss can be influenced by various factors. On average, individuals lose 50 to 100 hairs per day, which often goes unnoticed because new hair continuously replaces the lost strands. Hair loss occurs when new hair fails to replace the fallen hair.

The following factors are typically associated with hair loss:

Family history (heredity): The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that occurs with age, known as androgenic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. It tends to progress gradually and follow predictable patterns, such as receding hairlines and bald spots in men, and thinning hair at the crown of the scalp in women.

Hormonal changes and medical conditions: Hair loss can be a consequence of hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems. Certain medical conditions, including alopecia areata (an immune system-related condition causing patchy hair loss), scalp infections like ringworm, and trichotillomania (a hair-pulling disorder), can also lead to temporary or permanent hair loss.

Medications and supplements: Some medications, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure, can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Radiation therapy to the head: Hair may not grow back the same as before after undergoing radiation therapy.

Stressful events: Physical or emotional shocks often lead to general hair thinning a few months after the event. This type of hair loss is typically temporary.

Hairstyles and treatments: Excessive hairstyling or tightly pulled hairstyles like pigtails or cornrows can cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Similarly, hot-oil hair treatments and permanents can also result in hair loss. In cases where scarring occurs, hair loss may become permanent.

Several factors can increase the risk of hair loss, including a family history of baldness, advancing age, significant weight loss, certain medical conditions (such as diabetes and lupus), stress, and poor nutrition.

While genetic baldness is typically unavoidable, there are steps you can take to prevent other types of hair loss:

Handle your hair with care: Use a detangler and avoid excessive tugging when brushing or combing, especially when the hair is wet. Using a wide-toothed comb can help minimize hair pulling. Steer clear of harsh treatments like hot rollers, curling irons, hot-oil treatments, and permanents. Avoid hairstyles that put tension on the hair, such as those involving rubber bands, barrettes, and braids.

Consult your doctor about medications and supplements: Some medications and supplements may contribute to hair loss, so it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Protect your hair from UV exposure: Shield your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light to minimize potential damage.

Quit smoking: Studies have suggested a connection between smoking and male baldness.

If you are undergoing chemotherapy, inquire about the possibility of using a cooling cap to reduce the risk of hair loss during treatment.

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