Problems With Hair Falling Out

Problems With Hair Falling Out
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It is normal to lose some hair on a daily basis. A normal growth cycle causes an average loss of 50 to 100 hairs per day, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, if you have a large amount of hair that falls out, it may be caused by a medical disorder. Often, meeting with your doctor and treating the underlying condition can cure hair loss.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, is a hereditary condition that affects the normal growth cycle of the hair. The time of growth shortens, and the new hair that returns may easily fall out.

Telogen Effluvium

This refers to a sudden loss of hair due to an emotional or physical shock to your system. The hair roots are pushed out of the follicles, and sudden hair loss occurs. Some examples of the types of changes that can cause telogen effluvium include blood loss, surgery, high fever, infections, emotional stress from a death of a loved one, major illness and eating disorders.

Ringworm

If you become infected with a fungus of the scalp, it can cause your hair to fall out. This condition is known as tinea capitis and requires treatment with oral or topical antifungal medication to reverse the hair loss.

Hormone Fluctuations

Hormonal changes may cause a person to temporarily experience hair loss. Hair loss may occur from childbirth, discontinued use of oral contraceptives, menopause and thyroid disease. Hormone replacement therapies are sometimes offered to individuals suffering from hormonal imbalances.

Traction Alopecia

This condition occurs when a person's hair falls out due to tight and restrictive hairstyles. The follicles can become damaged when the hair is placed in cornrows, braids, buns and ponytails. According to Medline Plus, excessive shampooing and blow drying of the hair may also result in hair loss.

References

Article reviewed by Eric Lochridge Last updated on: Jun 4, 2010

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