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Scalp Conditions That Cause Hair Loss

Updated: May 16, 2023



Are you frustrated with the condition of your hair and scalp but not sure what's causing it? Read below to learn about common scalp conditions and where to seek help.


Recommended Care for Hair Loss Conditions:

Seek care from a Dermatologist for diagnosis and topical scalp medications. Seek care from a Certified Trichologist who can provide topical scalp treatments and customized hair loss salon services.


If you live in the Atlanta area, click here to schedule a 15-Minute complimentary Scalp Scan & Assessment.





 

Allergic Dermatitis condition with dirty scalp
Allergic Dermatitis

Allergic Dermatitis

SYMPTOMS: Swelling, redness, dry and crusty skin and sometimes shortness of breath.


DEFINITION: Can possibly be life threatening situation from substances and chemicals.







Picture of patchy hair loss in men
Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata

SYMPTOMS: Patchy hair loss, circular bald patches


DEFINITION: A disease that occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles and results in hair loss.







Hair loss when undergoing cancer treatments
Anagen Effluvium

Anagen Effluvium

SYMPTOMS: Abnormal, rapid hair loss.


DEFINITION: Anagen effluvium is the pathologic loss of anagen or growth-phase hairs. Those who are undergoing cancer treatments or those who have been exposed to certain toxic chemicals.




Scalp scarring and inflammation
Cicatricial Alopecia


Cicatricial Alopecia

SYMPTOMS: Scalp scarring and inflammation.


DEFINITION: Destruction of the hair follicle is caused by inflammation and scarring.












Folliculitis

SYMPTOMS: Crusting, scarring in the scalp, and hair breakage.

Crusting and scarring in the scalp
Folliculitis

DEFINITION: Skin conditions where the hair follicle becomes inflamed when there are bacteria or blockages in tiny pockets in the skin.













Hair loss along the front and sides of the head
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

SYMPTOMS: Hair loss along the front and sides of your head.


DEFINITION: A specific type of hair loss that starts slowly and destroys hair follicles, causing permanent hair loss.




Redness, inflammation, pustules and oozing on the scalp
Irritant/Contact Dermatitis

Irritant/Contact Dermatitis

SYMPTOMS: Inflammation, redness, pustules, and oozing on the scalp.


DEFINITION: Irritant or Contact Dermatitis is caused by a chemical or substance reaction to the skin causing inflammation, redness, pustules, and oozing.




Patches, bleeding, dryness, silvery scaleness on the scalp
Psoriasis

Psoriasis

SYMPTOMS: Silvery scales, dryness, white patches, and some bleeding.


DEFINITION: Non-contagious inflammatory condition the scales are often silvery white. Psoriasis affects the hairline, forehead, neck, and ears.




Scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff in the scalp
Seborrhea Dermatitis

Seborrhea Dermatitis

SYMPTOMS: Scaly patches, red skin, stubborn dandruff


DEFINITION: A severe non-contagious inflammatory skin condition causes scaly patches and red skin that affect the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, and behind the ears.





Excessive hair shedding
Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium

SYMPTOMS: Hair Loss


DEFINITION: A reversible condition in which there is excessive shedding of hair due to medication, trauma, and stress.










Fungal infection in the scalp
Tinea Capitis (Fungal Infection/Ringworm)

Tinea Capitis (Fungal Infection/Ringworm)

SYMPTOMS: Fungal infection in the scalp.


DEFINITION: Tinea Capitis is a contagious fungal infection of the scalp, typically found in young children.





Hair loss from pulling on the scalp or hair loss from braids and tight hair styles
Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia

SYMPTOMS: Hair loss


DEFINITION: Traction Alopecia hair loss resulting from pulling of hair or high-tension hairstyles.





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