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Suggest Treatment For Hair Loss That Is Limited To A Small Portion On Scalp
Question: I have a nickel sizd chunk of hair missing from my scalp - what & why is this happenjnf? I also have a lump in my lower abdomen
This is where my patch of hair is missing - does it look like something i should be worried about?
This is where my patch of hair is missing - does it look like something i should be worried about?
Brief Answer:
Alopecia areata
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through your problem and have checked the attached image. You have a condition called alopecia areata where the hairloss is limited to a small portion of the scalp. It could occur due to two broad reasons. The first is autoimmune cause where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles due to some reason. The second is a fungal infection. The underlying cause needs to be evaluated. I would not insist you to ignore it. Please visit a dermatologist and get it assessed. Some tests might be needed. The tests include:
* Hair analysis. Your doctor will take a sample of your hair and examine it under a microscope. A scalp sample is also sometimes taken.
* Blood tests, including testing for a specific condition, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism).
The lump in your lower abdomen is seemingly unrelated but it too requires a proper clinical evaluation. The management will depend upon the results of the evaluation. Please visit a doctor for the same. There might be reasons to get concerned.
Regards
Alopecia areata
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through your problem and have checked the attached image. You have a condition called alopecia areata where the hairloss is limited to a small portion of the scalp. It could occur due to two broad reasons. The first is autoimmune cause where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles due to some reason. The second is a fungal infection. The underlying cause needs to be evaluated. I would not insist you to ignore it. Please visit a dermatologist and get it assessed. Some tests might be needed. The tests include:
* Hair analysis. Your doctor will take a sample of your hair and examine it under a microscope. A scalp sample is also sometimes taken.
* Blood tests, including testing for a specific condition, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism).
The lump in your lower abdomen is seemingly unrelated but it too requires a proper clinical evaluation. The management will depend upon the results of the evaluation. Please visit a doctor for the same. There might be reasons to get concerned.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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