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.
Trusted medical advice from the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Trusted medical advice from the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
Hair Loss
Step 1
Selecting A Symptom
- Abdominal Pain (Stomach Pain), Long-term
- Abdominal Pain (Stomach Pain), Short-term
- Ankle Problems
- Breast Problems in Men
- Breast Problems in Women
- Chest Pain in Infants and Children
- Chest Pain, Acute
- Chest Pain, Chronic
- Cold and Flu
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Ear Problems
- Elimination Problems or Constipation
- Elimination Problems or Constipation in Infants and Children
- Eye Problems
- Facial Swelling
- Feeding Problems in Infants and Children
- Fever
- Fever in Infants and Children
- Foot Problems
- Genital Problems in Infants (Female)
- Genital Problems in Infants (Male)
- Genital Problems in Men
- Genital Problems in Women
- Hair Loss
- Hand/Wrist/Arm Problems
- Headaches
- Hearing Problems
- Hip Problems
- Knee Problems
- Leg Problems
- Lower Back Pain
- Menstrual Cycle Problems
- Mouth Problems
- Mouth Problems in Infants and Children
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Nausea and Vomiting in Infants and Children
- Neck Pain
- Neck Swelling
- Shortness of Breath
- Shortness of Breath in Infants and Children
- Shoulder Problems
- Skin Rashes & Other Skin Problems
- Throat Problems
- Tooth Problems
- Urination Problems
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 SEBORRHEA, LICHEN 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.
