Causes of Hair Loss: Diseases
Topic Overview
Diseases that can cause hair loss, thinning, or breakage include:
- Lupus, in which hair tends to become brittle and may fall out in patches. Short, broken hairs ("lupus hairs") commonly appear above the forehead. Hair loss is usually not permanent. Some people with lupus also develop a form of lupus called discoid or cutaneous lupus that affects only the skin ("cutaneous" refers to skin). Scars that sometimes develop on the scalp may cause hair loss.
- Thyroid problems, which are a common cause of scattered hair loss. Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause hair loss. Hair loss associated with thyroid disease can be reversed with proper treatment.
- Cancer, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- An adult form of muscular dystrophy (myotonic dystrophy).
- Diseases of the pituitary gland.
- Heavy metal poisoning, such as thallium or arsenic poisoning.
- A disease that causes inflammation and scar tissue throughout the body (sarcoidosis).
- Late-stage syphilis.
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.
- Any severe ongoing (chronic) illness.
Related Information
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Ellen K. Roh, MD - Dermatology
Current as ofOctober 5, 2017
- Top of Page
Next Section:
Related Information
Previous Section:
Topic Overview- Top of Page
Next Section:
Credits
Previous Section:
Related Information- Top of Page
Current as of: October 5, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Ellen K. Roh, MD - Dermatology