Hair Loss

Permanent or temporary hair loss can occur for many reasons. Sometimes, hair loss can be reversed, depending on the cause. Follow this chart for more information.

Step 2

Answering Questions

  • Is your hair falling out in small patches?

  • Are these patches red, itchy, or oily?

  • Are you a man who has gradually lost hair in the front or on the top of your head and has relatives with similar hair loss?

  • Have you used any chemicals on your hair, or have you worn tight braids or cornrows recently?

  • Are you taking any new medicines, or are you being treated for cancer?

  • Have you been weak, tired, or anxious?

  • Are you a woman who is older than 50, or have you given birth within the last three months?

  • Do you have a completely smooth patch where you lost hair with no broken or smaller hairs noted in the area?

  • Have you lost all of the hair all over your scalp? Or have you lost all of your hair all over your entire body? This would include eyebrows, genitals, armpits, face, etc.?

Step 3

Possible Causes

  • Diagnosis

    This type of hair loss can be caused by SEBORRHEALICHEN PLANUS, or RINGWORM.


    Self Care

    See your doctor.


  • Diagnosis

    Small, coin-sized bald areas may be from ALOPECIA AREATA, an autoimmune disease that causes temporary hair loss.


    Self Care

    See your doctor.


  • Diagnosis

    You may have classic MALE-PATTERN BALDNESS.


    Self Care

    Over-the-counter and prescription medicines are available to treat male-pattern baldness. See your doctor. He or she will determine which treatment is right for you.


  • Diagnosis

    Your hair loss may be from FOLLICULAR DAMAGE (traction on the roots of the hair lead to hair loss).


    Self Care

    Tight braids, ponytails, or cornrows can break and damage hair. Secure hair with covered rubber bands and try not to style it too tightly. Discontinue the use of harsh chemicals on the hair and scalp, which can also result in hair loss.


  • Diagnosis

    Hair loss may be a side effect of MEDICINES, STEROIDS, or CHEMOTHERAPY (cancer treatment).


    Self Care

    Discuss these treatments with your doctor.


  • Diagnosis

    You may have IRON or ZINC DEFICIENCY, THYROID DISEASE, or you are suffering from excess STRESS.


    Self Care

    See your doctor.


  • Diagnosis

    HORMONE CHANGES may cause hair loss in women. If your hair loss has occurred gradually with advancing age, FOLLICULAR DEGENERATION (hair roots don’t work as well as previously) may be the cause.


    Self Care

    Post-pregnancy hormone changes usually reverse themselves without any treatment. While follicular degeneration cannot be reversed, gentle hair care may prolong the life of follicles.


  • Diagnosis

    This is known as ALOPECIA AREATA.


    Self Care

    See your doctor. Your doctor can perform some tests, and could possibly treat you with steroid injections to the area.


  • Diagnosis

    This is known as ALOPECIA TOTALIS (scalp hair loss) or ALOPECIA UNIVERSALIS (whole body).


    Self Care

    This condition is thought to be related to your immune system attacking all of your hair cells. It is often a permanent condition, but hair can regrow, even many years later.


  • Self Care

    For more information, please talk to your doctor.


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