The causes of common scalp disorders that cause hair loss for Cinco Ranch and Katy area patients

Everyone loses small amounts of hair every day. When it goes beyond a few strands and leads to substantial shedding, there is usually an underlying condition. If you notice large amounts of hair failing out when shampooing or brushing, it may be time to call your Katy area dermatologist for a consultation. Extreme hair loss or thinning can be a symptom of certain scalp disorders or medical conditions.

There are many different reasons patients experience loss or thinning of hair. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common.

Genetics – Many hair loss conditions can be inherited, including male and female pattern baldness. Patients with these conditions will notice the hairline receding as well as thinning or loss of hair on the top of the head.

Alopecia – Alopecia is actually the medical term for hair loss and has many different subsets including:

• Alopecia areata – An autoimmune disease, symptoms usually include round, smooth areas of hair loss. Alopecia areata can affect small patches on the head, the entire head, or in rare cases, the entire body.
• Cicatricial Alopecia – In this type of alopecia, the hair follicles are replaced with scar tissue, which causes permanent hair loss.
• Traction Alopecia – This type is usually caused by actions of the individual, which may include chemical treatments, repeated braiding, and tight ponytails.

Medications – Chemotherapy drugs are one of the most common medications to cause loss of hair. Other ones may include those for blood thinners and birth control. The doctor prescribing the medications should go over potential hair loss side effects with you.

Hormones – There are certain shifts in hormones that can cause hair loss. Some of the most common include pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

Stress – Stress can be a trigger for hair loss, although it is most often temporary.

At Dr. W Dermatology, our team is trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of scalp disorders that can cause hair loss. We know that hair loss can be tough on a patient’s confidence. If you are experiencing an excessive loss or thinning of hair, call us today to schedule an appointment.