Illnesses That Cause Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Finding out that you have a hair loss disease can be a shocking and difficult experience. You may feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what is causing your hair loss and how to treat it.

If you are experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, it could be the result of a medical condition. There are many different illnesses that can cause hair loss, ranging from temporary to permanent hair loss.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common diseases that lead to hair falls and what you can do about it. Keep reading to learn more!

What is hair loss?

Hair loss is when you lose hair from your head. It can be partial or complete, and it can happen to anyone at any age. It can affect just your scalp or your entire body. With partial hair loss, you might experience a receding hairline or thinning hair on the top of your head while complete hair loss results in baldness.

Hair loss can range from mild hair thinning to total baldness. Hereditary hair loss affects both men and women. It usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns, such as a receding hairline in men or thinning hair at the crown of the head in women. Hereditary hair loss is caused by your genes and can be passed down from either your mother’s or father’s side of the family.

Symptoms of hair loss

Following are some common symptoms of hair loss:

Gradual thinning on top of the head

This is the most common symptom of hair loss, and it affects both men and women as they age. In men, it often presents as a receding hairline or baldness on the top of the head. In women, it typically results in thinning hair on the top of the head, also known as female pattern hair loss.

Circular or patchy bald spots

This type of hair loss symptom is usually seen in children and young adults. It can be caused by a fungal infection, an autoimmune disorder, or alopecia areata (a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicle).

Sudden loss of large amounts of hair

Sudden hair loss can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as cancer, thyroid disorders, or lupus. If you experience this type of hair loss, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Patches of scaling

This is a symptom of scalp psoriasis, which is a condition that causes the skin on the scalp to become dry, red, and flaky. It can also lead to hair loss.

Illnesses that cause hair loss

There are a variety of illnesses that can cause hair loss. The most common include:

1. Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an immune system-based illness in which the body's immunity system attacks hair follicles (which keep the hair in place). You may experience hair loss on any part of your body, including your scalp, inside your nose, and around your eyes. Eyelashes or eyebrows might be lost.

Symptoms of Alopecia areata

Following are the symptoms of alopecia areata:

• The sudden appearance of bald patches on the scalp

• Gradual thinning of hair on the scalp

• Partial or complete loss of eyebrows and eyelashes

• Partial or complete loss of all body hair

• Patches of scaling on the scalp

Treatments for Alopecia areata

There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are treatments that can help hair regrow more quickly. The most common treatment is corticosteroid injections, which are given directly into the bald spots. Other options include topical corticosteroids, minoxidil (Rogaine), and anthralin cream (Drithocreme).

2. Traction alopecia

Traction alopecia is caused by tight hairstyles that pull on the hair over time. This can lead to a receding hairline or baldness, especially if the hairstyle is worn for long periods of time. Traction alopecia is most common in African-American women who wear their hair in tight braids or cornrows.

Symptoms of traction alopecia

The symptoms of traction alopecia include:

• A receding hairline or baldness

• A receding hairline

• Thinning of the hair on the top of the head

• Bald spots

• Scalp irritation

Treatments for traction alopecia

The best treatment for traction alopecia is to avoid the hairstyles that are causing the problem. If you already have traction alopecia, you can try medications to help stimulate hair growth, such as:

• Corticosteroid injections

• Topical corticosteroids

• Minoxidil (Rogaine)

• Anthralin cream (Drithocreme)

3. Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a condition in which the hair follicles go into a resting phase and then shed about three months later. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Childbirth

• Crash diets

• Excessive stress

• Fevers

• Major surgery

• Thyroid problems

Symptoms of telogen effluvium

The symptoms of telogen effluvium include:

• Hair loss that is diffuse and involves the entire scalp

• An increase in the number of hairs on your brush or comb

Treatments for telogen effluvium

There is no specific treatment for telogen effluvium, but the condition usually resolves on its own within six to 12 months. If you are experiencing severe hair loss, you may need to see a doctor for treatment of other possible underlying conditions.

4. Ringworm

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is a fungal infection that affects the hair and scalp. It is most common in children, but can also occur in adults.

Symptoms of ringworm

Symptoms of ringworm of the scalp include:

• Patchy hair loss

• Itchy, scaly skin on the scalp

• oozing blisters on the scalp

Treatments for ringworm of the scalp

The best treatment for ringworm of the scalp is an antifungal medication. Antifungal creams, lotions, or shampoos can be used to treat mild infections. Oral antifungal medication is usually necessary to treat more severe infections.

5. Emotional Stress

Emotional stress can lead to hair loss, but it is usually temporary hair loss. This condition causes the hair follicles to go into a resting phase and then shed about three months later.

Symptoms of emotional stress

The symptoms of emotional stress include:

• You may notice more hair in your brush or on your pillow

• There may be a wider part in your hair

• Your hair may be thinner all over your head

• You may notice patches of missing hair

Treatments for emotional stress

If you are losing hair due to emotional stress, the best treatment is to find ways to reduce your stress. This may include:

1. Exercise

2. Meditation

3. Relaxation techniques

4. Counseling or therapy

6. Hormonal imbalance

A hormonal imbalance can cause a variety of symptoms, including hair fall. The most common type of hair loss caused by a hormonal imbalance is androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It also refers to hereditary hair loss also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. It affects both men and women, but it is more common in men.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance

The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance include:

1. Fatigue

2. Weight gain

3. Mood swings

4. Depression

5. Anxiety

6. Irritability

Treatments for a hormonal imbalance

The best treatment for a hormonal imbalance is to see a doctor. They can prescribe medication like vitamin A, birth control pills or anti-depressants to help balance your hormones or recommend hormone replacement therapy.

7. Scalp infection

A scalp infection is an infection of the skin on the head. The most common type of scalp infection is cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection.

Symptoms of a scalp infection

The symptoms of a scalp infection include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth

• Drainage of pus

• Fever

Treatments for a scalp infection

The best treatment for a scalp infection is antibiotics. Antibiotic creams, lotions, or shampoos can be used to treat mild infections. Oral antibiotics are usually necessary to treat more severe infections.

If you think you may have a Scalp Infection see your doctor as soon as possible. Left untreated Scalp Infections can lead to serious health problems.

8. Scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a condition that causes the skin on the head to become red, scaly, and inflamed. It can also cause hair loss.

Symptoms of scalp psoriasis

The symptoms of scalp psoriasis include:

1. Red, scaly patches on the head

2. Itching

3. Burning

4. Flaking

Treatments for scalp psoriasis

There is no cure for scalp psoriasis, but there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms. Topical treatments, such as corticosteroid creams or shampoos, can be used to reduce inflammation. Oral medications, such as methotrexate or acitretin, can be used to control more severe cases.

If you think you may have scalp psoriasis, see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Takeaway

These are just a few of the conditions that can cause hair loss. Hair loss can be a symptom of many different conditions. There are different hair loss treatments available depending on your type of hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss, see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. With the proper treatment, you can often control the symptoms and prevent further hair loss.

This concludes our blog post on illnesses that cause hair loss. We hope you found it informative!