Why Hair Falls Out: This Is What The Experts Say

Do you know why hair falls out? This is due to various causes depending on the age and gender of the person.

For example, when it comes to children, one of the causes is acute stress, says Dr. Eva Oliva, a dermatologist.  

Dermatologist Dr. Juan José Mansilla mentions that there are various products on the market designed to combat this problem, however, he clarifies that a specialist should be consulted before using them. The expert mentions that hair loss is common in the world, as he sees at least one consultation daily related to hair loss in patients of different ages.

Why does hair fall out?

Both dermatologists agree that hair loss is caused by various factors depending on the age or gender of the person. In children, for example, it can be due to fungal infections, while in adults it is due to other factors. According to the specialists, these are some of the main reasons that cause alopecia.

Hair loss in childhood

Specialists mention that Alopecia Areata occurs in childhood and adolescence due to acute stress. In this case, hair loss is observed in patches or clumps, leaving circular areas without hair, says Oliva. Mansilla adds that sometimes it is due to infectious problems, such as fungi in the hair follicles, one of the most frequent causes at that age.

According to the MSD Manual, these are some signs of Alopecia Areata:

• Hair that falls out in patches for no apparent reason.
• Hair loss also occurs in the beard, not just on the scalp.
• “Fingernails may become rough and pitted,” the manual states.

Hair loss in adult women

Dermatologists say that the most common cause is Telogen Effluvium, a temporary condition with diffuse hair loss that affects the entire scalp. According to Oliva, patients need to be examined to determine associated diseases, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal alterations. The professional points out that the diagnosis is frequent after diseases such as dengue or COVID-19.

In this regard, Mansilla adds that thyroid problems, iron absorption, surgeries, births, anxiolytics, and other conditions can alter hair follicle growth, so it is important to address these underlying factors to stop hair loss.

Hair loss in men

Experts mention that Androgenic Alopecia is the most common cause in adult men, even in those who are young.

“This type of alopecia causes male pattern hair loss, from the frontal area to the crown,” says Oliva. The dermatologist states that the main reason for this problem is hereditary and that, in these cases, specific topical and oral treatments are prescribed that can help slow down the process.

Alopecia can be a sign of many diseases, some mild and others much more serious, so you should visit a specialist to determine the cause and treatment of these.