What Does it Mean If the Hair Falls Out of Your Legs?

Suddenly smooth legs may be reason for concern

Women and men are both susceptible to loss of hair on the legs. The reasons for the gradual or sudden shedding may be relatively harmless or it can be serious. It's important to speak with a dermatologist, a skin and hair specialist, or a physician to eliminate possible illnesses and treat the condition accordingly.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata, or AA, is characterized by patchy sudden hair loss on the body or scalp. Not considered a serious condition, scientists consider it an autoimmune illness in which the immune system attacks hair follicles thinking the tissues are diseased. In its mildest form, hair grows back after a few months, and in its most serious, complete body hair loss occurs (alopecia universalis).

Poor Blood Flow

Hair has two main parts: a hair shaft outside of the scalp; and a follicle which is responsible for hair growth, below the scalp. Blood flow to the follicles helps hair grow. Severely impaired blood circulation can affect growth or cause baldness anywhere on the body.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hair follicles also need estrogen and a deficiency or depletion of the hormone in women can cause body hair to become sparse and fall out. This is a common symptom in menopausal women. Thyroid disorders can also lead to hair loss in some women.

Diabetes

Hair loss is closely connected to diabetes and it's considered one of the first symptoms of the disease. The poor circulation, elevated stress levels, and hormonal imbalance that come with diabetes are all common causes of hair loss and thinning hair.

Medicinal/Drug Side Effects

Some drugs, medications, substances or toxins including Vicodin, hydrocodone, and oxycodone can cause patchy hair loss on the body as a side effect.

References

• Articleclick: Tips for dealing with hair loss on legs
• Medhelp: Dermatology: Patchy hair loss on legs
• American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Alopecia Areata