Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.
Is your hair falling out in small patches?
Choose an option below.
Are these patches red, itchy, or oily?
This type of hair loss can be caused by SEBORRHEA, LICHEN PLANUS, or RINGWORM.
Small, coin-sized bald areas may be from ALOPECIA AREATA, an autoimmune disease that causes temporary hair loss.
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?
You may have classic MALE-PATTERN BALDNESS.
Have you used any chemicals on your hair, or have you worn tight braids or cornrows recently?
Your hair loss may be from FOLLICULAR DAMAGE (traction on the roots of the hair lead to hair loss).
Are you taking any new medicines, or are you being treated for cancer?
Hair loss may be a side effect of MEDICINES, STEROIDS, or CHEMOTHERAPY (cancer treatment).
Have you been weak, tired, or anxious?
You may have IRON or ZINC DEFICIENCY, THYROID DISEASE, or you are suffering from excess STRESS.
Are you a woman who is older than 50, or have you given birth within the last three months?
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.
Do you have a completely smooth patch where you lost hair with no broken or smaller hairs noted in the area?
This is known as ALOPECIA AREATA.
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.?
This is known as ALOPECIA TOTALIS (scalp hair loss) or ALOPECIA UNIVERSALIS (whole body).
See your doctor.
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.
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.
Discuss these treatments with your doctor.
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.
See your doctor. Your doctor can perform some tests, and could possibly treat you with steroid injections to the area.
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.
For more information, please talk to your doctor.
DISCLAIMER
Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.
