Hair Loss
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be a frustrating experience. It can affect your scalp or entire body, and can be temporary or permanent. The good news? There are often treatments available!
This happens for many reasons, including genetics, hormones, medical conditions, and even just aging. While more common in men, anyone can experience hair loss.
Not everyone seeks treatment.
Some people choose to let it run its course, while others find ways to cover it up. But there are options for those who want to prevent further loss or regrow hair.
Talk to your doctor first!
They can help identify the cause and recommend the best course of action.
Hair loss can look different depending on the cause.
It can be sudden or gradual, and affect just your head or your whole body.
Here's what to watch for:
- Gradual thinning on top: This is most common, affecting both men and women with age. Men often experience a receding hairline, while women typically see a widening part.
- Patchy bald spots: These can appear on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows. Sometimes the skin feels itchy or sore before hair falls out.
- Sudden hair loss: Emotional or physical stress can cause hair to loosen. You might notice clumps coming out when combing, washing, or even gently tugging. This usually leads to overall thinning, but is temporary.
- Full-body hair loss: Certain medical conditions and treatments, like chemotherapy, can cause this. Thankfully, hair typically grows back.
- Scalp scaling: This could be a sign of ringworm, along with broken hair, redness, swelling, and sometimes oozing.
See your doctor if:
- Hair loss is bothering you and you'd like to explore treatment options.
- You're a woman experiencing a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia). Early intervention can help prevent significant baldness.
- You notice sudden or patchy hair loss, or more than usual shedding when combing or washing. This could indicate an underlying medical condition.