What should you know about excessive hair fall?

Diffuse shedding across the scalp can follow illness, major stress, nutritional problems, or hormonal change; telogen effluvium is one possible explanation. Gradual widening of the part or recession may fit female or male pattern hair loss. Round smooth patches can occur with alopecia areata, while scale and inflamed skin can accompany scalp ringworm. Hair loss around tight styles may reflect traction alopecia. These patterns are clues, not a diagnosis, and one person can have more than one process.

Note when shedding began, whether it is diffuse or patchy, and whether you see itching, scale, pain, or short broken hairs. Use gentle washing, avoid tight styles and harsh chemical treatments, and eat regular balanced meals. Do not start supplements or prescription hair treatment without checking whether they fit your health and medication history. A clinician may examine the scalp and ask about illness, stress, medicines, family pattern, and recent changes.

Arrange an assessment for sudden patchy loss, rapidly increasing thinning, scalp inflammation, or loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. Prompt review is also sensible when shedding follows a new medicine, is accompanied by fatigue or other body changes, or persists without a clear trigger. A specialist can distinguish shedding from breakage and consider conditions such as alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, scalp ringworm, or traction alopecia.

Does the pattern look like shedding, breakage, or follicle loss? What recent events could be relevant? Should my scalp be tested or examined more closely? Which treatment options match my pattern and medical history?