Understanding Patchy Hair Loss: Causes and Treatments

leading to hair loss, including patchy hair loss. Patchy hair loss is a condition where small or big round, smooth bald patches are suddenly developed with no signs of hair regrowth. If the cause is not treated on time, it can lead to balding or heavy permanent loss. 

Continue with the blog to the reasons for patchy hair loss and work on the same to recover the hair. 

• Alopecia Areata

Yes, if you are suffering from patchy hair loss, then you might be suffering from Alopecia Areata. It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system of the body attacks the hair follicles, halting hair growth completely. This leads to weaker, brittle hair prone to immature breakage. Alopecia areata requires an appointment with an expert dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss the treatment options. 

• Medications or Radiations

Medications and radiation can also cause thinning of hair and then the formation of bald patches. Chemotherapy used for cancer treatment, medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis, lupus etc., can result in the formation of patches that can be reversed once the treatment is completed.

• Physical or Emotional Stress 

When the body undergoes physical or emotional stress, including childbirth, chronic illness, accident, surgery, loss of a family member etc., sudden hair loss can occur. This is because the body preserves the essential nutrients for vital functions, and non-vital functions like hair growth are halted leading to hair loss. 

• Hormonal Changes

Fluctuation of the hormones in the body due to menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, taking birth control pills or thyroid problems can cause hair loss. Hair starts thinning, and then they break from the follicle, which leads to the formation of bald patches. These hormonal changes can occur at any age and must be treated with care. 

• Improper Hair Care & Lifestyle

Using harsh chemicals and styling products on the hair can turn them dry, brittle and lifeless. Using heat on hair regularly and making high ponytails which constantly pull hairs can also lead to the formation of patches. Smoking, sleeping late at night, crash dieting etc., can be major reasons for gradual hair thinning. 

• Diseases and Infections

Hair infections, including ringworms, dandruff and scalp infection, can make the hair of a particular area weaker and cause irregular bald patches. Certain scalp diseases like lichen planus and discoid lupus erythematosus can cause severe damage to hair follicles leading to scarring and patchy hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia is another hair disorder which rarely may cause the formation of patchy baldness.