Help: My Hair Is Falling Out

Hair loss may be diffuse shedding, a receding pattern, or distinct bare areas. [Telogen Effluvium](/conditions/telogen-effluvium/) can appear after the body has been under strain. [Male Pattern Hair Loss](/conditions/androgenetic-alopecia/) and [Female Pattern Hair Loss](/conditions/female-pattern-hair-loss/) follow different distribution patterns. Smooth patches can occur with [Alopecia Areata](/conditions/alopecia-areata/), while scale and broken hairs can occur with [Scalp Ringworm](/conditions/scalp-ringworm/).

Take clear photographs in consistent lighting and write down recent illness, stress, diet changes, new medicines, and styling practices. Avoid tight pulling and harsh chemical processing while you arrange review. A clinician may examine the scalp and hair shafts and decide whether testing is useful. [Finasteride Treatment](/treatments/hair-restoration/finasteride-therapy/) is a prescription option for selected pattern hair loss and requires a discussion of suitability, side effects, and pregnancy-related precautions.

Seek prompt medical advice when shedding is sudden or extensive, leaves smooth patches, affects the brows or lashes, or comes with scalp pain, redness, pus, or heavy scale. A child with patchy loss and a scaly scalp should be assessed promptly. Urgent care is appropriate for severe allergic swelling or breathing difficulty.

Is this shedding or loss of density? What pattern does the scalp examination show? Could illness, medication, nutrition, infection, or pulling be involved? What treatment is appropriate, and what warning signs should bring me back sooner?