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Diseases That Cause Alopecia

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. There are different types of alopecia. Alopecia areata is a form of alopecia that leads to the loss of patches of hair. Alopecia universalis is a form of alopecia that leads to overall baldness. Alopecia can occur from a number of different diseases. Most diseases that cause alopecia are diseases that either affect the blood circulation or leave some kind of rash or sore on the skin.

  1. Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

    • Cutaneous t-cell Lymphoma is a cancer that occurs in the t-lymphocytes. There is one stage of cutaneous t-cell lymphoma called the infiltrative stage that causes red patches on the skin. These red patches can occur anywhere on the body. If these patches are not treated with either the proper drugs, UVB therapy or radiotherapy, then any hair in that area will fall out.

    Diabetes

    • There are two types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not properly use the insulin produced. In both types of diabetes, complications can cause problems with blood circulation in the body. When the blood does not circulate proper, there are a lot of problems with the skin, such as bruising easily. These problems with the skin also mean that it will take longer for hair to grow.

    Lupus

    • Lupus is a disease that can also cause hair loss. In lupus, the immune system attacks its own tissue and organs and leaves rashes on the skin. If one of these rashes appears on the scalp, then the hair follicles will be damaged and the hair will fall out. Lupus could result in losing hair in patches or going completely bald. When the lupus is treated, the rashes will heal and the hair will grow back.

    Hodgkin's Lymphoma

    • Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, causes lymph nodes to enlarge. The lymph nodes that enlarge are most often found on the neck, but can also be found under the armpit or in the groin. When a lymph node enlarges, it can stop the blood from circulating properly. When the blood is not circulating properly, hair will not grow at its normal speed.

    Syphilis

    • Syphilis is another disease that can cause hair loss. There are three different stages of syphilis. The first stage is when a sore appears, but it isn't until the second stage that hair loss could occur. In the second stage, the sore has healed but the victim will develop a rash. This rash will not hurt or itch, but it will do damage to any hair follicles in the area. Hair will then begin to fall out, but the hair will grow back once the syphilis is treated.

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