Learn about the possible causes, symptoms, dermatological evaluation process and personalized approaches for hair loss and scalp problems.
Hair loss is not a single disease
Hair loss may be noticed as increased shedding, reduced overall density, widening of the part, a localized patch of loss or breakage of the hair shaft. These findings do not point to one disease. The onset, duration and distribution of hair loss and any accompanying scalp changes should be assessed together.
Possible reasons
Genetic susceptibility, immune-related conditions, recent illness or surgery, childbirth, intense stress, rapid weight change, nutritional deficiencies, certain medicines, and hormonal or systemic disorders may be associated with hair loss. Scalp microorganisms, products contacting the scalp, sebum and barrier balance, and physical traction may also affect the pattern. A cause cannot be established from one symptom alone.
Main types of hair loss
Androgenetic hair loss
This appearance, related to genetic predisposition, can progress over time with thinning of hair strands and a decrease in density in certain areas. The distribution may vary between women and men.
Telogen effluvium
General hair loss may be seen with the increase in the number of hairs that enter the resting phase of the hair cycle. The timeline is important because there may be weeks or months between the triggering event and the detection of hair loss.
Alopesi areata
It is hair loss that is most often noticeable in limited, round or oval areas. Changes in eyebrows, eyelashes or other hair areas can also be included in the evaluation.
Hair loss associated with scalp conditions
Redness, itching, dandruff, flaking, sensitivity or inflammation may accompany hair loss. In this case, it is also important to identify the disease in the scalp as well as hair loss.
Scarring Hair Loss
Some inflammatory processes that can carry the risk of permanent damage to the hair follicles require earlier evaluation. If the bald area appears shiny and smooth, and there is pain, burning or obvious sensitivity, the treatment should not be delayed.
Scalp conditions
Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, fungal infections and inflammatory conditions around the hair follicles can cause redness, scaling, crusting, itching or sensitivity on the scalp. Since the causes of similar symptoms may be different, it may not be enough to make a decision solely based on dandruff shampoo or cosmetic care.
Signs to be evaluated
- When the shedding started and how quickly it changed
- Diffuse thinning, widening of the hair part or localized patches of hair loss
- Itching, redness, scaling, flaking, pain or burning
- Thinning, breakage and different lengths in hair strands
- Changes accompanying the eyebrows, eyelashes, nails or other hair areas
Dermatological evaluation
Assessment begins with a detailed history and scalp examination. The distribution of hair loss, hair shafts and the skin around follicles are examined; trichoscopy or dermoscopy may be used when indicated. Depending on the findings, blood tests, fungal studies, patch testing, microscopy, biopsy or other investigations may be considered. Not everyone needs every test; the examination findings determine what is appropriate.
Planning the treatment according to the cause and the person
The approach is planned according to the diagnosis, possible cause, extent and duration of shedding, age, general health, medication and accompanying scalp findings. Two people with a similar pattern of hair loss may have different needs. This page does not recommend a specific medicine, device or procedure; an individual plan is developed after dermatologic assessment.
Why is early evaluation important?
Sudden localized hair loss, rapidly progressive thinning, marked pain or burning, a sore, discharge, heavy crusting, or a smooth shiny area without hair may require prompt dermatologic assessment. Seeking care early can help distinguish the cause and avoid delay when there is a risk of permanent damage.
Frequently asked questions about hair diseases and hair loss
Basic information about symptoms, types of shedding, examinations and planning according to the individual.
No. Common shedding, patterned thinning, limited areas, loss accompanying refractive and scalp diseases can occur for different reasons. A history and examination are needed for differentiation.
If the drop began suddenly, is progressing rapidly, if there are limited voids, or if pain, burning, redness, crusting, wound, and discharge are accompanied, the evaluation should not be delayed.
Genetic susceptibility, immune-related conditions, recent illness or surgery, childbirth, intense stress, rapid weight change, nutritional deficiencies, certain medicines, and hormonal or systemic disorders may be associated with hair loss. Scalp microorganisms, products contacting the scalp, sebum and barrier balance, and physical traction may also affect the pattern. A cause cannot be established from one symptom alone.
Over time, thinning of hair strands, decrease in density, or widening of the parting line can be noticed in certain areas. Distribution may be different in women and men; the diagnosis is not made solely by looking at the appearance.
It is a common hair loss appearance that can occur due to an increase in the number of hairs that enter the resting phase of the hair cycle. Since it can be noticed weeks or months after a triggering event, timing is important in the history.
It is mostly noticeable with limited, round or oval hairless areas; eyebrows, eyelashes or other hair areas may also be affected. Dermatological evaluation is required to distinguish between similar appearances.
Yes, itching, redness, scaling or flaking may accompany hair loss in some scalp diseases. The cause of the symptoms and the need for treatment are evaluated by examination.
It helps to examine the hair shafts, the hair root area and the scalp findings by magnifying them. It does not diagnose alone in any situation; it is interpreted together with the history and examination findings.
No. Laboratory tests, microscopic examination, fungal testing or biopsy are planned only when indicated by the medical history and examination findings.
The plan is individualized according to the cause identified, the type, duration and extent of shedding, age, medical history, medication and scalp findings. Neither the result nor its timing can be guaranteed.