What illness is associated with hair loss?

Author: Donnie Torp  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face.

What serious illness can cause hair loss?

Other causes of hair loss, especially if it is in an unusual pattern, include:
  • Alopecia areata (bald patches on the scalp, beard, and, possibly, eyebrows; eyelashes may fall out)
  • Anemia.
  • Autoimmune conditions such as lupus.
  • Burns.
  • Certain infectious diseases such as syphilis.
  • Excessive shampooing and blow-drying.

What organ failure causes hair loss?

Many People With Kidney Disease Notice Hair Loss

One study of 101 people who were on dialysis for end-stage kidney disease (also called end-stage renal disease) reported that almost 10 percent experienced hair loss.

How to tell if hair loss is genetic or stress?

But how can you know for sure? One of the key indicators is that your hair starts excessively shedding after a stressful event. People experiencing stress-related hair loss also don't have any defined bald spot pattern. Once you get your stress under control, you might see an improvement in your hair growth.

What organ is responsible for hair loss?

If you have a problem with your thyroid, you may see thinning hair. Some people notice that their hair comes out in clumps when they brush it. Is regrowth possible? Yes, treating the thyroid disease can reverse the hair loss.

What HAIR LOSS Says About Your HEALTH: Top 15 Causes of Hair Loss (Doctor Explains)

What is your body lacking when you have hair loss?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].

What autoimmune disease causes hair loss?

Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

What blood tests are done for hair loss?

Essential Blood Tests for Hair Loss
  • Vitamin D Test – Deficiencies of Vitamin D can cause hair loss. ...
  • Vitamin B12 Test– Check for vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause brittle hair and hair loss. ...
  • Thyroid Test– An overactive or underactive thyroid can disrupt your hair growth cycle.

Which vitamin is good for hair fall control?

The most famous and commonly heard B-vitamin is Biotin. The use of biotin for hair loss is very popular as it is found in almost all hair growth supplements and is a well-known anti-hair fall agent. We should consume Biotin in our everyday diet because it is a water-soluble vitamin.

What neurological disorder causes hair loss?

Menke′s syndrome and Elejalde disease are the two neurodegenerative disorders of dermatological interest. These patients present with characteristic hair changes which may be of diagnostic value in resource-poor setup where facilities for specific genetic analysis are not available.

What gut issues cause hair loss?

So, hair loss can be one of the consequences of any serious digestive problem. Afflictions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can impede digestion. This means that your body might not get the proper nutrients it needs from the food you eat.

What is one of the first signs of renal disease?

Symptoms can include:
  • weight loss and poor appetite.
  • swollen ankles, feet or hands – as a result of water retention (oedema)
  • shortness of breath.
  • tiredness.
  • blood in your pee (urine)
  • an increased need to pee – particularly at night.
  • difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • itchy skin.

What is the best shampoo for hair loss?

Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.
  • Best for Thickening: Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, $44.
  • Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo, $38.
  • Best for Volume: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $37.

Which deficiency causes hair fall?

A Biotin deficiency can cause brittle hair and hair thinning. Biotin supports the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the hair, skin and nails. While Biotin is found in various foods, such as eggs, nuts and seeds, a deficiency can still occur, leading to hair loss.

What vitamin deficiency test for hair fall?

A vitamin deficiency test is a laboratory test to diagnose a micronutrient deficiency. Our body needs micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Even though we need only tiny quantities of these substances, they're critical for our health and well-being.

What doctor to see for hair loss?

Effective treatment for hair loss begins with finding the cause. To get an accurate diagnosis, it helps to see a board-certified dermatologist. These doctors have in-depth knowledge about the many causes of hair loss and experience treating the diverse causes.

What part of the body itches with thyroid problems?

Where might a person itch with thyroid problems? Itching can occur anywhere on the body, but often occurs in crevices such as the armpits, elbows, and groin.

What fungus causes hair loss?

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection that can cause patches of hair loss (non-inflammatory) along with redness (inflammatory).

What is a thyroid belly?

A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.

What underlying conditions cause hair loss?

Hormonal changes and medical conditions.

A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems.

What are usually the first signs of lupus?

Symptoms
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever.
  • Joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
  • Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body.
  • Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure.
  • Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods.

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