Hair loss - Symptoms and causes !

 

Hair loss - Symptoms and causes

Symptoms of Hair Loss

Hair loss (alopecia) can manifest in various ways, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

1. Gradual thinning on the top of the head: This is the most common type of hair loss and often affects people as they age. In men, it may start as a receding hairline, while in women, it typically involves thinning of the hair part.

2. Patchy bald spots: Some people experience circular or irregular bald spots on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows. The skin may become itchy or painful before the hair falls out.

3. Sudden loosening of hair: A physical or emotional shock can cause hair to loosen, resulting in handfuls of hair coming out during brushing or washing.

4. Full-body hair loss: Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can cause hair loss all over the body. The hair usually grows back after treatment ends.

5. Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp: This could indicate a fungal infection like ringworm, which can also lead to redness, swelling, and broken hair.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can result from various factors, including:

1. Heredity (genetic factors): The most common cause is hereditary hair loss with age, known as androgenic alopecia, which occurs in both men (male-pattern baldness) and women (female-pattern baldness).

2. Hormonal changes and medical conditions: Conditions like pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can trigger temporary or permanent hair loss. Medical conditions such as alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, can also cause hair loss.

3. Medications and treatments: Certain drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss. Treatments like chemotherapy are well known for causing widespread hair loss.

4. Physical or emotional stress: High levels of stress, major surgery, or severe illness can trigger temporary hair loss (telogen effluvium). This usually resolves once the stressor is addressed.

5. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of nutrients, especially iron, protein, and vitamins (such as Vitamin D and B12), can contribute to hair thinning and loss.

6. Hairstyles and treatments: Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull the hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows (traction alopecia), can lead to hair loss. Heat treatments, chemical dyes, and relaxers can also damage hair follicles.

7. Age: As people age, their hair naturally becomes thinner and more prone to falling out.

Hair loss can be temporary or permanent depending on the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment can often preven

t further hair loss or promote hair regrowth.