TLDR Hair loss that spreads out can often fix itself or be treated by finding and handling the cause.
In 1999, Rodney Sinclair, MD, discussed diffuse nonscarring telogen hair loss, a condition where anagen hairs prematurely enter the telogen phase, leading to excessive shedding. This can be triggered by events like illness, pregnancy, medication changes, or stress, and is usually self-limiting, resolving within 3-6 months. Chronic telogen effluvium, lasting beyond 6 months, may be related to iron deficiency or thyroid disorders. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and possibly using minoxidil. The document also covers hair loss due to metabolic disorders, drug-induced alopecia, androgenetic alopecia, and diffuse alopecia areata, with varying prognoses. Diagnosis is typically through patient history and blood tests, with scalp biopsies in unclear cases. Correct diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, and most conditions, except chronic telogen effluvium, can be halted with appropriate intervention.
75 citations,
October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Chronic Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss condition in middle-aged women that usually doesn't lead to complete baldness.
309 citations,
May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.
214 citations,
March 1993 in “Archives of Dermatology” Telogen effluvium is a reversible hair loss condition that requires a detailed diagnosis and often resolves on its own.
83 citations,
April 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Having enough iron improves the effectiveness of a specific hair loss treatment in women.
124 citations,
August 1990 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.
19 citations,
September 1989 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil treatment may cause hair loss.
12 citations,
October 1976 in “The BMJ” Syphilis can cause hair loss and treating the infection can reverse it.
13 citations,
November 1973 in “Archives of Dermatology” Hair loss may be an early sign of serious illnesses like Hodgkin disease.
15 citations,
January 1971 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Hair can indicate early signs of metabolic disorders, with issues like protein deficiency stopping hair growth.
68 citations,
March 1965 in “The BMJ” Hormones and genetics affect hair growth and patterns, with some changes reversible and others not.
July 2018 in “Elsevier eBooks” Telogen Effluvium is a common, usually reversible hair loss condition, often improved by removing the trigger and possibly treated with various products, though their effectiveness is uncertain.
29 citations,
June 2013 in “Journal of the Saudi Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss condition treated with corticosteroids, and histologic confirmation is the best diagnosis method.
3 citations,
June 2023 in “Medicines” Some antiseizure medications can cause reversible hair loss, with valproate, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine being the most common.
58 citations,
October 2001 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Hair loss can indicate underlying systemic diseases and addressing these can sometimes reverse the hair loss.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” Understanding normal hair growth and loss in children is key to diagnosing and treating hair disorders.
