Complete Guide to Hair Loss: Causes, Symptoms, When to See a Doctor, and Effective Treatments
Types of Abnormal Hair Loss
Understanding the different types of hair loss can help you recognize what might be happening and when to seek medical advice.
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness)
- The most common cause of hair loss.
- Progressive, hereditary condition.
- Men typically experience receding hairlines and bald spots on the crown.
- Women often notice diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp.
2. Telogen Effluvium
- Temporary hair shedding caused by stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies.
- Usually reversible once the trigger is addressed.
- Leads to diffuse thinning across the scalp.
3. Alopecia Areata
- Autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss.
- Can progress to complete scalp or body hair loss.
- Often appears suddenly with round patches of baldness.
4. Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia)
- Permanent hair loss due to scarring of hair follicles.
- Caused by infections, skin disorders, or trauma.
5. Thyroid-Related Hair Loss
- Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect hair health.
- Causes brittle, thinning hair, and sometimes hair loss in patches.
6. Traction Alopecia
- Result of tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, or extensions.
- Can cause permanent hair loss if not addressed early.
7. Viral and Infectious Hair Loss
- Post-viral hair shedding, such as after COVID-19.
- Fungal infections like tinea capitis can cause hair loss.
