Hair Loss
Alternate Names : Alopecia, Baldness, Loss of Hair
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Hair Loss: Common Causes
Baldness is not usually caused by a disease, but is related to aging, heredity, and testosterone. In addition to the common male and female patterns from a combination of these factors, other possible causes of hair loss, especially if in an unusual pattern, include:
- Hormonal changes (for example, thyroid disease, childbirth, or use of the birth control pill)
- A serious illness (like a tumor of the ovary or adrenal glands) or fever
- Medication such as cancer chemotherapy
- Excessive shampooing and blow-drying
- Emotional or physical stress
- Nervous habits such as continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing
- Burns or radiation therapy
- Alopecia areata -- bald patches that develop on the scalp, beard, and, possibly, eyebrows. Eyelashes may fall out as well. This is thought to be an immune disorder.
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Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
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