What Should You Know About Major Hair Loss?

Gradual thinning around the hairline or crown can fit androgenetic alopecia, while diffuse shedding after illness, emotional strain or a major change in the body can fit telogen effluvium. Smooth round patches may occur with alopecia areata. Itch, scale, tenderness, crusting or broken hairs can point toward scalp ringworm or another scalp problem. Ongoing tension from styles or extensions may contribute to traction alopecia.

The amount noticed in the brush is less informative than whether loss is diffuse, patchy, painful, scaly or associated with scarring. Hair loss is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and several causes can overlap.

Keep a simple record of onset, affected areas and recent illness, surgery, stress, dietary change or new medicines. Handle hair gently, loosen styles that pull, and avoid scratching an irritated scalp. A dermatologist can inspect follicles and scalp skin, review your health history and decide whether further evaluation is needed. Treatment depends on the cause; finasteride treatment may be discussed for suitable people with androgen-related loss.

Arrange prompt medical review when loss is rapid, patchy, painful, inflamed or accompanied by pus, heavy scale, fever or eyebrow loss. Seek assessment sooner if the scalp looks shiny or scarred, because some follicle damage can become difficult to reverse. Gradual thinning also merits a routine appointment for a clear diagnosis.

Ask what the distribution suggests, whether your scalp shows inflammation or infection, which triggers are relevant, and how progress will be monitored if treatment is started.