More Hair Loss Conditions and Symptoms

Hair loss (alopecia) can be caused by a host of different medical conditions, medication side effects or psychological disturbances. Most of these hair loss conditions have the same overall look, and can only be distinguished by their symptoms.

Cicatricial Alopecia

• Cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia) is a condition that causes hair loss and scarring of the hair follicles. Symptoms include scarring on the scalp, shiny bald patches and inflammation and redness.

Telogen Effluvium

• Telogen Effluvium is mainly caused by illnesses and stress. This condition causes excessive hair loss. Those affected usually only notice the hair loss as a symptom, along with the symptoms of the illnesses causing the condition.

Tinea Capitis

• Tinea Capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection of the scalp. Symptoms of tinea capitis are itchy scalp, black dots on the scalp and bald patches.

Traction Alopecia

• Traction alopecia is hair loss caused from the hair being pulled from the scalp by wearing tight hairstyles, such as cornrows and tight ponytails. Symptoms of traction alopecia are hair loss or thinning from the scalp.

Androgenic Alopecia

• This form of alopecia is caused by hormonal imbalances due to medical conditions such as menopause, diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome. The only symptom of androgenic alopecia is male pattern hair loss, which usually starts at the temples and/or on the crown of the head.