Diseases and Conditions Associated with Hair Loss

Hair loss can be linked to various diseases. Below are some of the most significant ones:
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the total mass of red blood cells is below normal levels.
The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency.
Beyond its general impact on health and well-being, anemia is considered a major cause of hair loss.
It is notable that a large percentage of women visiting hair clinics show some degree of anemia.
For this reason, anemia testing is one of the first steps recommended in cases of hair loss.
Diabetes
Diabetes can affect hair in several ways, leading to hair loss:
• Damage to blood vessels can reduce nourishment to hair follicles due to insufficient oxygen, disrupting the natural hair growth cycle.
• Diabetes may increase the likelihood of developing alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles.
• The stress associated with chronic illnesses like diabetes can further exacerbate hair loss.
Thyroid Disorders
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss, a sign of hormonal imbalance in the thyroid gland.
In most cases, hair loss is reversible with medication to address the condition.
In rare cases, hair loss may occur after treatment begins, making it difficult to distinguish whether the cause is the original condition or the medication.
Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
A fungal infection that doesn’t exclusively affect the scalp but can occur anywhere on the body.
The fungus penetrates hair fibers, making them brittle and causing thinning areas that expand outward.
Transmission occurs through skin contact and often from pets like cats.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Hair loss is a symptom of the systemic form of this autoimmune disease.
In its discoid form, which affects the skin, lupus is the second most common cause of scarring alopecia.
Fever
High fever can sometimes lead to hair loss. Traumatic events for the body, like fever, can cause hormonal imbalances, affecting hair follicles.
Cancer
Hair loss in cancer patients is primarily associated with treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Chemotherapy affects about 90% of hair due to interruption of the growth cycle. In most cases, hair regrows after treatment.
Radiation causes localized hair loss.
Syphilis
Hair loss is a symptom of secondary syphilis, occurring in about 4% of patients. It appears as irregular bald patches.
Scleroderma
Hair loss may result from the disease itself if it affects the scalp or as a side effect of treatment.