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What Causes Sudden And Quick Hair Loss On The Scalp?

Posted on Tue, 10 May 2016

Question: I am experiencing a sudden and quick loss of hair on my scalp. it started on the sides and is moving towards the top and back. I had very high anxiety for about 5 months on and off, have a ferritin level of 9 and an anti tpo of 272. is it possible that stress created the hair loss and the low ferritin is preventing it from growing in. One GP said alopecia while another noted TE. a Chinese herbalist also stated that I am in menopause.
Worried

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably Telogen effluvium due low serum Ferritin , raised anti TPO & stress

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at Health Care Magic

I have gone through your complaints and you are most probably having Telogen effluvium.

Both low Ferritin and raised anti thyroperoxidase antibodies are associated with causing hair loss. Even stress causes hair loss.

You should get your thyroid function tests at the earliest to rule out hypothyroidism as it also causes Telogen effluvium.

The treatment depends on treating the cause and hair fall stops once serum ferritin and tpo levels return to normal.

I would recommend you to upload the photographs of your scalp so that I can ascertain the pattern of hair loss and can guide you accordingly.

Moreover do you have family history of hair loss?

Don't take stress for hair loss as it will further aggravate the problem.

Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

I uploaded some pictures in the upload reports...not sure of that works

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
More severe than telogen effluvium, can be alopecia areata

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the attached photographs.
This hair loss is more severe than seen in cases of telogen effluvium.
It can be due to alopecia areata which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicles associated with bald patches on the scalp and other hair bearing areas of the body.
I would recommend you to consult a dermatologist at the earliest and get a complete work up done.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (14 hours later)

Is there possibility of hair regrowth? What kind of work up should be done?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes possibility of hair growth

Detailed Answer:
Hello there, Welcome back to HCM.

Their is possibility of hair regrowth but it will take a long time.

Work ups will include certain blood tests like complete blood counts, liver function tests before starting the oral medicines.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 days later)

What type of treatment is available to treat the hair loss and stop the shedding. Would you suggest using over the counter minoxidil. Someone suggested a laser comb...thoughts?? I have changed my diet...more protein and iron in foods...also taking ferrous fumarate a and aheme iron prescribed by naturopath...he provided a pro thyroid brand supplement to address the thyroid. I also take biotin, beta carotene, B complex, omega 3 a seweed supplement and a greens mixture from naturopath. I am hoping this is going to help. Wondering about a shampoo to stop hair loss...are the any worthwhile?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral and topical steroids will help

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Looking at the severity of your hair loss and considering alopecia areata as the most probable diagnosis I would recommend you to go for oral XXXXXXX pulse steroid therapy that is high dose steroids to be taken twice weekly for several months under the supervision of a dermatologist along with application of steroid lotion like mometasone on the affected areas once daily.
Yes you can apply minoxidil lotion over the affected areas of the scalp.
As far as use of laser comb is concerned it is not very effective.

Do continue with the supplements you are taking especially iron, biotin and pro thyroid.

Shampoo are not effective in controlling hair loss. They are only for cleaning purpose.

Regards,

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T