Hair loss has become a common issue amongst people nowadays. Hair loss aka alopecia can either affect your scalp or your entire body, and it can be either be temporary or permanent.
There could be several causes for hair loss, such as heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or a normal part of aging.
Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it has been typically observed in men rather than women.
Let’s move further and know the symptoms and preventions for the issue!
Symptoms
Hair loss can appear in many different ways, depending on what’s causing it in a particular person.
Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:
- Gradual thinning on top of the head- It is the most common type of hair loss, affecting people as they age. In men, hair often begins to lessen at the hairline on the forehead. Women typically have a broadening of the part in their hair.
- Circular or patchy bald spots. Some people lose hair in circular or patchy bald spots on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows. Your skin may become itchy or painful before the hair falls out.
- Sudden loosening of hair. A physical or emotional shock can cause hair to loosen. Handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing your hair or even after gentle tugging. This type of hair loss usually causes overall hair thinning but is temporary.
Full-body hair loss. Some conditions and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can result in the loss of hair all over your body. The hair usually grows back.
- Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp. This is a sign of ringworm. It may be accompanied by broken hair, redness, swelling, and, at times, oozing.
Prevention
These tips may help you avoid preventable types of hair loss:
- Be gentle with your hair. Use a detangler and avoid tugging or tying your hair when brushing and combing, especially when your hair is wet.
- Using a wide-toothed comb might help prevent pulling out hair.
- Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot-oil treatments, and more. Also, limit the pressure on hair from hairdos that use rubber bands, barrettes, and braids.
- Ask your doctor about medications and supplements you take that might cause hair loss.
- Protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.
- Stop smoking.