What should you know about hair loss and thinning?

Gradual thinning at the crown or temples can fit male or female pattern hair loss. Smooth, sharply defined patches may occur with alopecia areata. Diffuse shedding after fever, major stress, weight change, or illness can occur with telogen effluvium. Broken hairs, scale, tenderness, or swollen areas deserve attention because scalp ringworm can affect the scalp. Repeated tight styles or extensions can contribute to traction alopecia.

Take clear photos of the parting, hairline, and crown in the same light, and note when the change began. Review recent illness, stress, nutrition changes, medicines, hairstyles, and family history. Use gentle washing, avoid tight pulling and harsh chemical processing, and do not start prescription treatment without an assessment. A clinician may examine the scalp and hairs and decide whether blood tests or other checks are appropriate.

Arrange prompt assessment for sudden patchy loss, rapidly widening thinning, scalp pain, marked redness, pus, crusting, intense itch, or broken hairs. Seek urgent care if hair loss comes with severe illness or swelling around the face. Earlier review can help identify an inflammatory or infectious scalp problem and reduce ongoing traction.

Ask which pattern your examination shows, whether a recent trigger could explain shedding, whether the scalp needs testing, and which treatments are suitable for your age, health, and pregnancy potential.