Hair Loss / Baldness

Hair Loss / Baldness
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.
– Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)