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February 10, 2012

Hair Loss Symptoms

Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index


Terms related to Hair Loss:

  • Alopecia
  • Baldness
  • Loss of Hair

There are many types of alopecia (baldness or hair loss), each with a different cause. Alopecia may be localized to the front and top of the head as in common male pattern baldness. It may be patchy as in a condition called alopecia areata. Or it can involve the entire head as in alopecia capitis totalis. The word "alopecia" comes from the Greek "alopex" for "fox." Foxes are less furry when afflicted with a skin disease (the "mange") which causes them to lose their hair. When a fancier word for "baldness" was sought, the mangy fox supplied it -- "alopecia" or, if you wish, "fox-mange" -- not a very positive image to associate with baldness!

Main Articles on Hair Loss
Causes of Hair Loss
    • Alopecia Areata Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body. It is believed to be...learn more »
    • Bone Cancer In the U.S., more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with bone cancer every year. There are many types of bone cancer. The most...learn more »
    • Hair Loss There are many causes of scalp hair loss. This featured article covers the common ones such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata,...learn more »
    • Lupus Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease....learn more »
    • Steroid Abuse Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that are related to testosterone and promote skeletal muscle growth and the...learn more »
Other Causes of Hair Loss
Examples of Medications for Hair Loss


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