Hair Loss: Pattern Baldness or Poor Health?

Article by HairlossTalk.com

Scalp disease and infection

A number of skin diseases and infections of the scalp can cause significant enough inflammation and damage within and around follicles to arrest hair growth. In these cases, hair loss is usually accompanied by itching, pain, redness and swelling of the underlying skin. Servere psoriasis or atopic dermatitis (eczema) can both impact the scalp in this way. These relapsing-remitting diseases need to be treated before the hair loss is reversed. Keeping the inflammation they trigger under control is the best way to prevent to attacks that are severe enough to result in hair-loss. Ringworm (Tinea capitis), is a contagious infection of the scalp by a mold-like fungi called dermatophytes, can also lead to areas of baldness. In these cases, the hair is broken off at the root, not actually missing. In addition to swelling and redness, the presence of round, scaly, gray patches, often with small black dots, within areas of thinning scalp are indicative of ringworm and the need for treatment with appropriate antifungals.

Conclusion

If you believe that your hair loss is not simply pattern thinning or baldness, it's imperative that you get it checked as soon as possible out to rule out the chances of it being a symptom of an undiagnosed disease or illness. Hair loss can be indicative of a range of dietary deficiencies and gastrointestinal conditions, endocrine (hormone) imbalances, skin disease and infection and may also be a side effect of any number of medications. In most cases, a simple blood test and brief history taken by your doctor, combined with examination of your scalp, will reveal whether there is more to your hair loss than a combination of genes, androgens and bad luck. The good news is that symptomatic hair loss is almost always reversible. If the cause is treated, the hair will grow back again.

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