Dermatology, by video or in person
Hair Loss
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Hair Loss
- Hair coming out in handfuls when washing or combing
- Thinning or receding edges and temples
- A wider parting or thinning at the crown
- Round smooth bald patches
- Scaly, itchy patches with broken hairs, often in children
Hair loss has many causes, and the right treatment depends on which one it is. Shedding a lot of hair a few months after childbirth, a fever, an operation, a crash diet or a stressful time is common and usually grows back on its own. Thinning at the crown or a widening parting often runs in families. Thinning or loss along the edges and temples is often traction alopecia, caused by tight braids, weaves, wigs glued at the hairline and repeated pulling, and it can become permanent if the pulling continues. Round bald patches can be alopecia areata or a fungal scalp infection, especially in children. Thyroid problems, low iron and some medicines can also cause hair loss. A specialist can usually tell which type it is by looking at the scalp and asking a few questions, and may suggest blood tests.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Hair coming out in handfuls when washing or combing
- Thinning or receding edges and temples
- A wider parting or thinning at the crown
- Round smooth bald patches
- Scaly, itchy patches with broken hairs, often in children
- Hair loss with a sore, burning or scarred scalp
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital or see a doctor urgently if hair loss comes with a painful, swollen, pus-filled patch on the scalp and a fever, or if a child has a boggy, tender swelling on the scalp. See a dermatologist if hair is falling out quickly, in patches, with a sore or scarred scalp, along the edges despite changing your hairstyle, or with tiredness, weight change or heavy periods, which can point to a thyroid problem or low iron. Scarring hair loss is easier to stop than to reverse, so earlier is better.
Treatment options
- Looser styles, less tension and heat at the hairline for traction alopecia
- Treating a cause found on blood tests, such as low iron or a thyroid problem
- Antifungal tablets and shampoo for a fungal scalp infection
- Steroid creams, lotions or injections for alopecia areata
- Minoxidil lotion or foam for pattern hair loss, used as advised
- Treatment to calm an inflamed or scarring scalp, from a dermatologist
Common Questions
Will my edges grow back?
Often, if the pulling stops early. Traction alopecia that has gone on for years can leave scarring and the hair may not return, which is why changing styles at the first sign of thinning matters.
Is hair loss after childbirth normal?
Yes. Heavy shedding a few months after giving birth is common and usually settles within a year. See a doctor if it carries on longer, or comes with tiredness or other symptoms.
Can a dermatologist assess hair loss by video?
Usually, yes. A dermatologist can see the pattern on camera, ask about styling, health and medicines, and arrange blood tests. Some scalp conditions need a closer look in person.
Need Help?
A skin specialist on a video call, who looks at the skin on camera, plans treatment and tells you if it needs to be seen in person.
See a dermatologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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