Hair loss- When should you seek professional opinion?

A little hair loss is a common part of everyday life. People tend to shed old hair just as they shed flakes of dead skin; except that with hair, it just tends to be more visible. People with long hair often tend to lose quite a bit of hair on washing and showering. While it might worry those who have recently begun to grow out their hair, it is important to know that it is completely normal.

Hair loss, however, can also be a symptom of several serious issues. Not only can it be a symptom of hair loss diseases that are very difficult to recover from when not treated properly, but it can also indicate other health problems. Hair loss conditions such as Alopecia Areata can be further aggravated if not detected and treated on time. Hair loss can also often be an indicator of health problems such as malnutrition and anemia. You should seek professional advice in several cases of hair loss, such as:

1. Patchy hair loss: If your hair is falling out in patches, it is usually a sign of a disease and not just routine hair loss. Autoimmune disorders such as Alopecia Areata might just be causing such problems in which case you should seek medical treatment in order to re-grow the hair you’ve lost.
2. Patches of brittle and breaking hair: Hair that suddenly turns brittle in patches can be an indicator of a bigger medical issue. Diseases such as Lupus can cause hair to become brittle and break off in patches. Other serious autoimmune diseases such as HIV can also cause such hair loss and is best confronted by consulting a medical professional.
3. Sudden and pronounced hair loss: A sudden surge in the increase of hair loss might also be an indicator of an underlying medical problem. Thinning hair is often considered an indicator of anorexia nervosa coupled with sudden weight loss. Not only is hair loss an indicator of malnutrition, but it can also be a symptom of anemia, thyroid disorders and diabetes.
4. Rashes or uneven skin on the scalp: Irregular, irritated and uneven skin on the scalp can often indicate skin disorders that are the causes of hair loss. Ring worm, being the most common of these, requires immediate and rigorous treatment.
5. You are pregnant or a senior citizen: Hormonal changes, such as the ones you might go through during pregnancy or menopause can cause sudden thinning of hair. In these cases, it is best to seek help from a medical professional so that they can prescribe you the necessary supplements that will not only help your hair quality but keep your overall health in check.