Symptoms of Hair Loss and Causes of Hair Loss

Continuously losing more than 30-50 strands of hair per day. I should consult a specialized doctor to find the true cause, as it might be a warning sign of a disease or abnormality in the body, such as alopecia, trichotillomania, liver disease, or kidney disease. 

Hair follicles and hair grow approximately 0.35 millimeters (about 0.01 in) longer each day, with a lifespan of 2-6 years. It is common to experience regular hair shedding every day, but it should not exceed 30-50 strands per day. 

Common symptoms of hair loss include: 

Hair loss can occur due to various causes and factors. It can happen rapidly and suddenly, or it can be gradual over time. Signs and symptoms may be as follows. 

1. Gradual Thinning on Top of Head: 

Hair loss, characterized by gradual thinning on the top of the head, is a common occurrence, especially as get older. It is a leading cause of male-pattern baldness, starting from the hairline and progressing towards the center of the head. The hair gradually becomes thinner until the scalp becomes visible. This type of hair loss can also affect females (female-pattern baldness), causing gradual thinning from the center of the head, but it does not lead to complete baldness as in males. 

2. Circular or Patchy Bald Spots: 

Hair loss in the form of small, circular, or patchy bald spots can occur on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows. This type of hair loss may be accompanied by itching or discomfort before hair in the affected areas falls out. 

Sudden Loosening of Hair: 

3. Sudden hair loss is a condition that occurs as a result of shock, impacting both the body and mind, leading to a significant amount of hair falling out during activities such as combing, shampooing, or even gentle tugging. This type of hair loss often results in an overall thinning of the hair. 

4. Full Body Hair Loss: 

Hair loss across the entire scalp and body is a condition that can be caused by certain diseases or medical treatments. For example, chemotherapy used to treat cancer may result in widespread hair loss on the scalp and body. This type of hair loss is often temporary, and hair can typically regrow. 

5. Patches of Scaling that Spread Over the Scalp: 

Hair loss characterized by small patches of scaling that spread across the scalp is a condition where hair falls out in small patches, and the skin on the scalp peels off in flakes, resembling dandruff. This may be caused by a fungal infection that affects the scalp and is often accompanied by itching. 

Causes of Hair Loss 

Hair loss symptoms can stem from various factors, affecting individuals of all genders and ages, from childhood to adulthood. Hair loss can serve as a warning sign for certain underlying health conditions emerging within the body or act as a starting point leading to persistent hair loss or baldness in the future, potentially impacting one's self-image and psychological well-being. The main causes of hair loss typically originate from two factors: 

1. Scarring alopecia:  

Hair loss occurs when the hair follicle cells are permanently destroyed, preventing the regeneration of new hair cells. Causes of scarring alopecia on the scalp include: 

• Chronic inflammatory skin diseases resulting from abnormalities in the body's immune system, such as Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) or the group of diseases known as Lichen Planopilaris (LPP). 
• Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA), a type of hair loss with scarring that leads to inflammation of the scalp, redness, peeling, and destruction of hair follicle cells, ultimately resulting in frontal balding. This condition is more common in women than men. 

• Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections affecting the scalp include: 
• Dissecting Cellulitis and Dissecting Folliculitis, conditions caused by the abnormal formation of skin around hair follicles, leading to blockages and inflammation. 
• Folliculitis Decalvans, a condition resulting from the body's abnormal response to the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. 
• Diseases like Tuberculosis and Syphilis. 
• Viral infections such as herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes simplex. 
• Fungal infections on the scalp, such as tinea capitis. 
• Chemicals, including acidic or alkaline substances, that can irritate the scalp. 
• Skin appendage tumors, referring to abnormal growths on the skin of the scalp. 

2. Non-scarring Alopecia: 

Non-scarring alopecia is a type of hair loss where the hair follicle cells are not permanently destroyed, allowing for regrowth of hair. It manifests as diffuse thinning, circular patches, or ring-shaped patterns with clear edges. The causes are often related to abnormalities in the body's immune system that attack skin cells without a known reason, as well as infections or certain diseases. This type of hair loss can be treated successfully as the hair follicle cells are not permanently damaged. However, without proper treatment, it may lead to irreversible damage to the hair follicle cells, preventing the regrowth of hair. Causes of non-scarring alopecia include: 

• Androgenic Alopecia: 

Androgenic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness, has a familial history of hair loss, often characterized by thinning hair and balding at the crown before a certain age. It is the most common cause of hair loss, typically progressing gradually and predictably. It is more prevalent in males than females. 

• Alopecia Areata: 

Alopecia areata is a condition where hair loss is caused by an autoimmune disease, resulting in sudden and distinct hair loss on the scalp and other body areas. It is characterized by patchy bald spots. 

• Telogen Effluvium: 

Telogen effluvium is a condition characterized by rapid and abnormal hair shedding over a short period. The causes include: 

    - Certain diseases such as thyroid disease (thyroid disease), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), anemia (anemia), thalassemia (thalassemia), and HIV (HIV). 

• Sudden hormonal changes, such as postpartum conditions. 
• Illness, such as having a high fever or experiencing temporary hair loss after surgery (post-surgery). 
• Side effects from certain medications. 
• Rapid weight loss.
• Hair loss from stimulation (Anagen effluvium), such as undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment, which can lead to rapid and significant hair loss. 
• Infections, such as fungal infections on the scalp or bacterial infections, for example, syphilis. 
• Certain medications may have side effects causing hair loss, such as medications for cancer treatment, arthritis, depression, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and high blood pressure, or contraceptive pills. 
• Aging: As we age, the production of hormones in the body decreases, leading to a shorter hair growth cycle, increased hair loss, and a reduction in hair thickness on the scalp. 
• Stress: Emotional stress or exposure to traumatic events can impact mental well-being and trigger the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can lead to hair loss and thinning. 
• Behaviors: Certain behaviors, such as unconscious hair pulling (Trichotillomania), can contribute to hair loss. 
• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of certain nutrients like iron or protein can result in hair loss. 
• Hairstyling: Tight hairstyles, ponytails, or braids that exert excessive tension on the hair (Traction Alopecia) can contribute to hair loss.