What kind of illnesses lead to hair falling out rapidly?

Author: Shyann Anderson  |  Last update: Friday, June 27, 2025

Medical conditions include alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), which is immune system related and causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm, and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh).

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 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.

Why am I having extreme hair fall suddenly?

Nutritional deficiencies

Extreme diets that are too low in protein or certain vitamins, such as iron, can sometimes cause excessive hair shedding. A person should contact a doctor for a blood test to check whether they have a nutritional deficiency that could be causing their hair to fall out.

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.

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

What deficiency in body causes hair fall?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.

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.

Why am I experiencing rapid hair loss?

Telogen effluvium: This type of hair loss involves rapid shedding of hair in a short amount of time. It typically happens a few months after your body goes through something physically or emotionally stressful. It can also result from sudden hormonal changes.

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 cancers cause hair loss?

Some types of cancer that can cause hair loss include:
  • Breast cancer.
  • Ovarian cancer.
  • Lung cancer.
  • Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

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 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.

What medical conditions cause excessive hair loss?

Symptom of a medical illness — Hair loss can be one of the symptoms of a medical illness, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), syphilis, a thyroid disorder (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), a sex-hormone imbalance or a serious nutritional problem, especially a deficiency of protein, iron, zinc or ...

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.

What tests should I do if my hair is falling out?

Hair loss
  1. Blood test. This might help uncover medical conditions that can cause hair loss.
  2. Pull test. Your doctor gently pulls several dozen hairs to see how many come out. ...
  3. Scalp biopsy. ...
  4. Light microscopy.

Why am I losing so much hair as a female?

An underlying health condition like an abnormal thyroid, anemia, vitamin deficiency, etc. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause). Certain medications and supplements (blood pressure medicines, gout medicines and high doses of vitamin A). Genetic predisposition (it runs in your biological family history).

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 bacteria causes hair loss?

Several different bacteria affect the skin, producing lesions and hair loss. Staphylococcus bacteria can produce a scarring alopecia (folliculitis decalvans) in middle-aged adults. Staphylococcus infections have also been shown to produce skin lesions and alopecia in sheep,59 horses,29 and dogs.

Should hair come out when running fingers through it?

It's perfectly normal to lose a few stray strands when running your fingers, or a comb, through your hair. But if you notice increased hair being pulled out when you are being gentle, this can be a cause of concern that you should get checked over.

What does stress hair loss look like?

No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.

What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?

What color is urine when your kidneys are failing? Your pee may turn darker and appear dark brown (like tea or cola) when you have kidney disease or kidney failure.

What happens to your body when your kidneys start shutting down?

Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine. When your kidneys lose their filtering abilities, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in your body. With end-stage renal disease, you need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.

How do you know if your kidneys are struggling?

Generally, earlier stages are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.

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