Don't Make This Silly Mistake With Your Hair Loss

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 4 years ago · 4 min read

If there is one thing that isn’t a laughing matter, it’s your body’s health. It doesn’t matter if it’s your vision, your blood pressure, your weight, or even your hair, everything about your health and wellness should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, many people are embarrassed or unconcerned with certain medical conditions or bodily changes, thinking no one else has them or they aren’t that bad. If they feel this way, they generally fail to get help. This is perhaps the worst thing you can do. Ignoring your body or signs of change can lead to feelings of anxiety or it can lower self-esteem, as you worry about what you look like or if you are ill. It can also just make the situation worse. Even if it’s hair loss, ignoring what is going on at the top of your head can be the silliest, and even serious, mistake.

There are some things about your body that might seem too personal to talk about, even with a physician. With the ability to search the internet, many would rather research their concerns in private and self-diagnose whatever they think is wrong. However, your body’s health shouldn’t be left in the hands of a search engine and a website with no credibility. There are physicians and healthcare providers who can address what you are experiencing, and provide real medical help. They know the causes and treatment options for your concerns, and they can give you an accurate diagnosis. Thinning hair or shedding isn’t always taken seriously, given the assumption that it will just occur as people age, but there is more to hair loss than aging. In fact, there are a number of reasons why an individual might experience a loss in their hair at any given point in their life. You may not want to talk about it, but the problem is real, and it can’t be fixed unless you seek medical help.

Knowing the Symptoms

Even though many assume baldness just occurs in men, females can also have problems with thinning hair. The underlying causes will vary between gender, but here are some of the general symptoms associated with balding or thinning hair.

1. Gradual Thinning on the Top

Affecting both men and women, a slow thinning on the top of the head is the most common type of loss. This form of loss is often associated with aging. In men, the recession begins around the temples and forms the classic M hairline. In women, their natural hair part may begin to widen. Some of the thinning may be attributed to changing hormone patterns or productions, which can be treated with a variety of hormone therapies or medications.

2. Patchy or Circular Bald Spots

In some individuals, early signs will be smooth, rounded bald-spots around their scalp. They are generally small in size, often the size of a coin. Before the hair falls out, the spot may become itchy and painful. These areas can be treated with creams and other medications, provided you seek treatment before the condition worsens.

3. Loose Hair

If you have gone through a traumatic event, the physical or emotional shock can weaken your hair follicles and cause the strands to break loose. Car accidents, surgeries, pregnancy, grief, severe anxiety, or even depression can create conditions where thinning or shedding is a by-product. You might experience handfuls of hair come out when washing your hair or when combing or brushing. This doesn’t lead to bald patches, but an overall thinning across the scalp.

4. Full Body Loss

There are medical conditions and medical treatments that can cause the hair all over your body to come out. The most common situations are chemotherapy patients, who experience the loss when they are undergoing cancer treatment. As these conditions are a response to a temporary condition, the hair will usually grow back.

5. Scaly Patches That Spread

Generally speaking, ringworm is one of the least common reasons for thinning or balding. Ringworm is a fungal bacteria that can spread, which is why this condition might be noticed all over the scalp. Severe signs of infection include redness, swelling, itching, broken hair, and painful oozing. This can be treated with medication prescribed by a physician.

If you have any of these hair loss symptoms, it is important to seek professional care. It would be silly not too. Why should you suffer when you don't have to? These issues can be treated with both holistic and medical interventions before the conditions become more permanent.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.