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Medical Conditions Causing Hair Loss

From About.com

Updated: August 26, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Hair loss and going bald is something many men have to adjust to as they get older. There are, however, a number of diseases and conditions that can cause hair loss. By treating the illness hair loss can be reversed.

Illnesses and conditions that can cause male hair loss include:

  • High temperature associated with infections or flu.

  • Thyroid and pituitary problems

  • Some medical treatments; radiotherapy, side effects of medications such as interferon, chemotherapy and steroids can all cause hair loss.

  • Stress

  • Psychological problems such as trichotillomania where some people pull out their hair

  • Exposure to dangerous chemicals such as thallium acetate

  • Fungal infections of the scalp

  • Ringworm

  • Burns

  • Alpaca Areata Universalis, where the whole body is affected, or totalis where the whole of the scalp becomes bald.
  • If hair loss is caused by disease there are usually other symptoms that accompany hair loss. If you believe your hair loss may be caused by disease go check it out with your doctor.

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