Hair loss – Its symptoms and causes
Hair loss is a result of problems related to the scalp. However, sometimes, it could be due to other underlying conditions as well. At times, it is temporary, but, in most cases, it is permanent. It could be a result of normal aging, hormonal changes, family history, or medical conditions. When there is excessive hair loss, it leads to baldness. In general, heredity hair loss is the prime cause of baldness.
Symptoms
Usually, hair loss can occur in a multitude of forms and would depend on the underlying cause. Moreover, it might either occur gradually or suddenly and can hamper either the scalp or the entire body.
Some common signs of this condition include:
- Patchy or circular bald spots
In some people, hair loss occurs as a patchy or a circular bald spot either in the eyebrows, beard, or scalp. It might lead to painful or itchy skin before hair fall actually occurs. - Slow thinning on the top of the head
This is the most prominent category of hair loss and occurs in people as they get older. It has been seen that there is a receding hairline or a loss of hair in men as they grow older. On the other hand, women tend to have a broadening of the centerline in the hair. In women, the receding hairline is believed to be quite a common pattern of hair loss.
- Hair loss on the entire body
There are certain medical treatments or conditions that can cause hair loss across the body. This is primarily noted during the chemotherapy treatment for cancer. In this type of hair loss, the hair tends to grow back gradually.
- Abrupt hair loss
Sometimes, an emotional or physical shock can lead to sudden hair loss. In this case, you’ll see a handful of hair falling out during showers, while combing, or even after tugging the hair gently.
