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Causes of Premature Balding

Pattern baldness affects approximately one-third of women and men and is usually permanent. It is typically seen as a receding hairline at the temples with bald spots at the crown of the head and can start at early as the late teens in men. The hair loss can affect other areas of the body as well.

  1. Pattern Baldness

    • Male- and female-pattern baldness is called androgenetic alopeica. It is assumed to be attributed to hereditary factors. If family members have it, your chances are increased. Heredity also affects the approximate age in which you will be affected and to what extent.

    Cicatricial Alopecia

    • When inflammation occurs in the hair follicle, it may damage and permanently scar it, causing permanent hair loss. This type of baldness is called cicatricial alopecia. The scarring prevents new hair from growing in the hair follicle. This is a side effect of some skin conditions, including lupus erythematosus.

    Telogen Effluvium

    • Telogen effluvium is usually caused by a change in the normal hair cycle. An emotional or physical shock to the system is the cause. It causes your hair roots to stop growing. The hair falls out and will grow back in a couple of months later.

    Traction Alopecia

    • Traction alopecia is a result of hairstyles that pull hair too tightly, excessive brushing or hair styling that causes too much damage to the roots, such as excessive chemical exposure. If the hairstyling stops before there is permanent scarring, there is a chance the hair may grow back.

    Other Causes

    • Some other causes of premature hair loss include inadequate nutrition and some medications. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy often causes alopecia. When the therapy ends, hair growth generally returns to normal. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, birth control pills, menopause or hypothyroidism can cause premature hair loss. Scalp infections, such as the fungal infection ringworm, can cause temporary hair loss. The hair generally grows back after treatment.

    Trichotillomania

    • Trichotillomania is the scientific name for hair-pulling disorder. It is the irresistible urge to pull out your hair. The hair is pulled from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes or other areas of the body. Research is still being conducted to find a cause for this mental illness.

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