Understanding Hair Loss: Causes and Symptoms

Hair loss arises due to issues involving the scalp, but it can also be linked to other health conditions. While some cases are temporary, many are permanent. Factors such as aging, hormonal shifts, genetics, and medical issues often contribute to hair loss. Excessive shedding can culminate in baldness, with hereditary factors being the main cause.

Indicators

Hair loss manifests in various ways depending on its origin. It may develop gradually or suddenly, affecting specific areas or the entire body.

Common signs include:

Patchy or round bald spots
Sometimes, hair falls out in distinct patches on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows, often accompanied by itching or soreness before hair loss begins.

Gradual thinning on the scalp top

This type of thinning grows more noticeable with age, often seen as a receding hairline in men and a widening part in women.

Women frequently experience a pattern of hair thinning characterized by a receding front hairline.

Diffuse body hair loss

Certain treatments or illnesses, like chemotherapy, can cause hair to fall out across the entire body. This usually regrows over time.

Sudden hair shedding

Relapsing patches with redness and broken hair

This often results from ringworm, which causes redness, oozing, and swelling on the scalp.

Reasons for Hair Loss

Normal daily loss ranges from 50 to 100 strands, maintained by ongoing hair growth. Hair loss occurs when these losses are not compensated by new growth. Common contributors include:

Radiation therapy

Radiation can cause permanent hair loss in treated areas.

Stress and trauma

Genetics

Hereditary factors are the leading cause, increasing with age.

Medications

Certain drugs for conditions like depression, gout, blood pressure, or cancer can have hair loss as a side effect.

Medical and hormonal issues

Risk Factors

Age

Genetic predisposition

Poor nutrition

Rapid weight loss

Diabetes

Chronic stress

Lupus