Hair loss is a normal part of the aging process for men and women, but it can also be caused by illness, stress and drugs, among other causes. Hair loss in a specific site, such as on the legs, is usually due to a specific cause. If you notice you are losing hair on your legs, consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Poor Circulation
A lack of adequate blood flow can cause hair loss on the legs, according to Dr. Mark A. Sanford at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Health System. Hair loss caused by poor circulation usually manifests as a thinning or complete loss of hair below the knees, Sanford says. Other symptoms that may accompany this hair loss are coldness in the feet and thickening of the nails. Conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney failure and diabetes may cause poor circulation in the legs.
Illness
There are a variety of medical conditions that can lead to leg hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that can cause hair loss anywhere on the body. Hair often starts to fall out in clumps on the scalp and other parts of the body, including the legs. In some cases, the disease progresses to complete body hair loss. Infections such as folliculitis, a bacterial infection of hair follicles, and ringworm, a fungal infection, can also cause hair loss on the legs in the areas in which the infections occur.
Tight Clothing
Tight clothing can contribute to leg hair loss in a couple of ways. Friction from the constant rubbing of tight jeans against your leg can rip hairs from their follicles. Tight socks can also inhibit hair growth around the ankles. Wearing tight clothing can also increase your risk for folliculitis, which can lead to hair loss.
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