Signs of Hair loss (alopecia)

Description

Excessive loss of hair from the scalp. The medical term is alopecia. The disorder can have many causes including stress from surgery or illness, hormonal changes (thyroid hormone, estrogen, androgen), medication side effects, fungal infections, and diseases such as autoimmune diseases or diabetes. Trauma to the hair follicles (traction alopecia) from certain hair styles can cause localized loss of hair as can chemicals applied to the scalp from hair treatments and colorings. Hair loss can be a normal part of aging and is called common baldness (androgenic alopecia). This type of hair loss is hereditary and the early it begins the worse the baldness becomes with time.

Symptoms

Excessive hair loss from the scalp. The pattern of hair loss can help determine the cause. Scalp irritation can occur with hair treatment causes or with a fungal infection. Itching can also experienced with a fungal infection.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be done. The provider may pull hairs to determine the weakness of the hair follicles. Scalp scrapings may be done to detect a fungal infection. Blood tests may be done to detect hormonal imbalances or other disease such as lupus or diabetes. A biopsy of the scalp is rarely performed.

Treatment

Therapy depends on the cause of the hair loss. Removing the offending medication or hair treatment can reverse some hair loss. If the cause is from stress of an illness the disorder usually resolves on its own in 2-3 months after recovery. Correcting a hormonal balance is the treatment if the cause is found to be hormonal. Common baldness can be treated with medications such as minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Proscar, Propecia). Finasteride should not be taken by women. Minoxidil is available without a prescription. Surgery called hair replacement (transplantation) can also be performed.