Causes of Hair Loss on the Legs

Baldness is an affliction that most people think of in relation to the hair that grows on the head. However, baldness can affect any part of the body that grows hair, including the legs. There are many different reasons why a person may experience hair loss on the legs.

Disease

• Some diseases can cause hair loss on the legs. Alopecia universalis is an auto-immune disorder that causes hair loss all over the body, including the legs. Tumors, either benign or malignant, on glands that produce hormones can also cause hair loss, although hair loss on the scalp is more common than hair loss on the legs with this condition.

Drugs

• Certain drugs can cause hair loss on the legs. The drugs used in chemotherapy often produce hair loss all over the body. Drugs that affect hormone levels, such as steroids or birth control pills, can also result in hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body.

Infection

• There are several types of infections that can cause hair loss on the legs. Folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicle, can result in hair on the legs falling out. Syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted disease, can also cause hair loss in advanced stages. Ringworm is a parasitic infection that can also result in hair loss.

Ailments

• Some skin conditions and ailments affecting hair follicles can cause hair loss on the legs. Psoriasis is a thickening of skin cells on areas of the body. This overproduction of skin cells can make it difficult for hair to grow. Another condition that can appear to cause hair loss because hairs are unable to break the surface of the skin is keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris causes the hair follicle to become plugged and can result in red, bumpy and hairless areas where the skin is affected.

Personal Habits

• Wearing clothing that is tight around the legs can cause friction that results in hair loss on the legs. You may also notice hair loss caused by friction on areas of the legs that frequently rub together, such as the inside of the thigh or knee. Nervous habits, such as rubbing your leg or pulling on leg hairs, can also result in hair loss on the legs.