What Causes Bald Spots?
Other People Are Reading
-
Genetics
-
According to the National Institutes of Health, pattern baldness affects approximately 25 percent of men by the age of thirty. Though more common in men, this genetic balding pattern affects women as well. Male pattern baldness is characterised by thinning hair at the frontal hairline, temples and crown. Women will usually notice thinning hair at the crown. Pattern baldness usually runs in families for both men and women.
Hormones
-
Hormonal changes may cause permanent or semi-permanent hair loss and bald spots. An increase or excess of testosterone plays a big part in the majority of hormone related hair loss cases. For women, the hormonal changes with menopause may cause hair loss. Hormonal imbalances due to oral contraceptives and pregnancy may also cause hair loss, but these two types of imbalances will usually correct themselves over time.
-
Drug Interaction
-
A side effect of some medications is temporary hair loss or balding. Thyroid medications, excess vitamin A, some antidepressants such as Protriptyline and even antibiotics may cause hair loss. Radiation treatments and chemotherapy also cause hair loss in most patients. The mineral selenium, used to treat many conditions from skin problems to thyroid diseases, is linked to hair loss when high doses of the mineral are used.
Diet
-
Dietary changes or poor nutrition may causes of hair loss in some people. Severe protein, iron and zinc deficiencies are common culprits in dietary hair loss. Though balding due to malnutrition is uncommon in the U.S., individuals on fad or low-calorie diets may experience thinning hair or bald spots.
Alopecia Areata
-
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that affects children as well as adults. With this condition, a body's immune system targets an individual's hair follicles, causing bald spots on the head and in some cases, hair loss on the body. There is no known cure for Alopecia areata, though physicians may treat the disease with common hair growth products.
Shock and Stress
-
Physical shock or stress from a serious illness or surgical procedure may cause bald spots or hair loss. Emotional stress may also cause or exacerbate hair loss. In most shock related hair loss cases, the hair grows back over time. Individuals with stress related hair loss may benefit from stress reduction therapy.
Diseases
-
Autoimmune and thyroid diseases are common causes of disease related balding. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, lupus and Addison's disease may all contribute to hair loss. In most cases, hair loss from these diseases is temporary as many diseases that cause hair loss can be treated or controlled with medication.
Infection
-
Ringworm is a common fungal condition that may infect the scalp as well as other parts of the body. Ringworm of the scalp is very contagious and is characterized by bald spots, itching, redness and blisters. Other infections may include bacterial or yeast infections that target the scalp or hair follicles. Many skin infections that cause bald spots are treatable with topical or oral medication.
-
