Also called hair loss

Hair loss from the scalp or elsewhere on the body.

• Male or Female pattern baldness :- Permanent hair loss from the scalp, causing baldness.
• Alopecia areata :- Sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.
• Telogen effluvium :- A reversible condition in which hair falls out after a stressful experience.
• Anagen effluvium :- An abnormal loss of hair during the first phase (anagen) of the hair's growth cycle.

Hair fall is most commonly prevalent in people who have had a family history of hair loss, genetic play a huge role in this. Some hormones also trigger hair loss which usually begins during puberty. Other factors such as traumatic events, surgeries and major illnesses can also trigger acute hair fall. In such cases, hair starts growing back on it own after some time. Temporary hair loss can be caused due to menopause, sudden discontinuation of birth control pills, childbirth and hormonal changes due to pregnancy. Sometimes severe medical conditions can also cause hair fall such as scalp infections (ringworm), alopecia areata (autoimmune disorder which damages the hair follicles) and thyroid disease. Disorders like lichen planus and certain types of lupus can also cause lichens which result in hair fall. Many times hair fall can also be triggered by the use of medications used to treat heart problems, depression, arthritis, high blood pressure and cancer. Emotional or physical shock can also trigger hair loss such as high fever, extreme weight loss and death in the family. A hair pulling disorder known as trichotillomania makes the affected person pull out his/her hair deliberately. It is an impulse control disorder which can be treated by therapy. The affected person can pull out hair from their eyelash, eyebrows and the scalp. Tying our hair very tightly puts immense pressure on the hair resulting in breakage. This is known as traction hair loss. Consuming less iron and protein in your diet can also lead to thin hair.

It is vital to visit a dermatologist if you are facing severe hair fall. The dermatologist is most likely to prescribe medications which contain corticosteroids and a substance called minoxidil. Hair transplant surgeries and scalp reduction surgery is also advised in severe cases.

• Self diagnosable
• Lab test not required
• Non communicable
• Symptoms
• Gradual thinning especially on the top of the scalp
• Circular of patchy bald spots
• Loosening of the hair
• Hair loss on the whole body
• Scaling patches that spread all over the scalp