Hair thinning is a form of hair loss that does not necessarily progress to full or complete baldness. You can develop bald patches on your scalp if you have itchiness caused by an infection called ringworm. However, you will not develop classic hair thinning from ringworm or from other common conditions that cause scalp itching.
Thinning Hair Basics
You normally shed roughly 50 to 100 hairs from your head each day, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Usually, this hair loss is replaced by the growth of other hairs in earlier stages of their natural life cycle. Hair thinning occurs when your rate of hair shedding outpaces your rate of hair regrowth. In some cases, gradual thinning of your hair is a natural part of the aging process. However, in other cases, thinning occurs when underlying causes promote changes in the life cycle of your hair.
Ringworm
Ringworm on your scalp, also called tinea capitis, is a contagious condition caused by fungi called dermatophytes, according to Medline Plus. The condition can appear at any age, although it most commonly affects prepubescent children. In addition to itching, ringworm produces bald patches on your scalp as a consequence of localized hair breakage. It can also produce inflamed or pus-filled lesions and distinctive small black dots. Factors that increase your risks for developing scalp ringworm include inadequate hygiene, persistently wet scalp skin and the presence of minor injuries to your skin or scalp.
Other Itchy Scalp Causes
Most adults with an itchy scalp have common dandruff, also called seborrheic dermatitis, according to SkinSight. This condition produces a rash that typically affects your entire scalp. You may also develop localized itching on your scalp if you have a skin condition called psoriasis. Other conditions that can trigger itching on your scalp, neck or face include head lice, razor bumps, a bacterial infection called folliculitis and a condition called acne keloidalis nuchae, or hair bumps. None of these conditions result in hair thinning.
Thinning Hair Causes
The Mayo Clinic lists potential causes of thinning hair that include male and female pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia, and a temporary condition called telogen effluvium. Androgenetic alopecia is largely based on family heritage and genetics, while telogen effluvium stems from a variety of physical and emotional shocks, such as surgery and extreme psychological stress, that alter your normal hair growth patterns. Additional forms of hair loss include localized or general balding caused an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata, permanent hair loss caused by scarring in your hair follicles and temporary or permanent baldness caused by wearing hairstyles that pull abnormally on your hair follicles.
Considerations
You can also develop hair loss if you take certain medications for high blood pressure, arthritis, gout, heart disease or depression, the Mayo Clinic notes. In addition, women can develop hair loss if they use oral contraceptives, or temporary hair thinning in the aftermath of a pregnancy. Eating a poor or inadequate diet can also cause you to lose hair. Consult your doctor for more information.
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