# Alopecia Symptoms

Are you experiencing a receding hairline? Are you losing clumps of hair? Do you have bald spots on your scalp? These can be telltale signs of alopecia or hair loss.

Just like most people, having a full head of hair is an important part of how you look and who you are. This is why, it can be alarming to see numerous strands falling off your head. Before you panic though, you must know that losing around 100 to 150 strands per day is normal. But when you lose more over an extended period of time, this may be an indication of a hair loss condition.

Truth be told, signs of alopecia may vary in men and women. The symptoms are also different per hair loss condition. What is clear, however, is that regardless of your age, sex and the cause of your alopecia, early treatment is essential in preventing the problem from progressing. So, if you are worried about hair loss, it is best that you see a qualified hair loss specialists immediately. Here at the Universal Hair & Scalp Clinic, we have trusted dermatologists and trichologists experienced in diagnosing and treating alopecia.

**What Are the Symptoms of Alopecia?**

Depending on the cause, alopecia manifests in many different ways. Listed below are some of the usual signs of hair loss.

**Receding hairline: **This is one of the most common signs of hair loss in men. **Also referred to as widow’s peak, a receding hairline is also the earliest sign of alopecia.** Since the process takes place gradually, the problem is not noticed immediately. A good way to determine if your hairline is slowly moving back is to check your forehead. If it is more prominent than it was a year or two ago, then your hairline may be receding. Oftentimes, the hairline recedes in an M-like pattern. In some cases, it starts with sparser hair on the temples.

**Hair thinning: **In women, the hairline rarely recedes. However, their hair becomes thinner. This is mainly due to shrinking follicles. The thinning can be observed all over the scalp but is usually more prominent on the crown. Hair thinning also happens slowly, making it difficult to detect the hair loss problem at its early stages. **A good indicator of hair thinning is a widening part that’s showing more of the scalp.**

**Excessive hair fall: **Sometimes, hair fall becomes excessive and prolonged. This can be due to strands of hair which loosen easily. In this case, gentle tugging or combing can result in numerous hair strands coming out. Oftentimes, this problem is only temporary but when not addressed early on, it can lead to hair thinning and even permanent hair loss.

**Round or patchy bald spots: **Alopecia areata, the second most prevalent cause of hair loss, usually begins with the appearance of a circular patch of bald spot which eventually grows in number. **These hairless patches are typically smooth and approximately the size of a coin.** In some cases, sufferers experience itchiness and pain on the affected area before the hair comes off.

**Scaly patches: **Hair loss due to ringworm is often characterised by scaly patches with broken hairs. These patches expand slowly and appear reddish in colour. Meanwhile, the hair becomes brittle, thereby falling off easily.

**Broken or missing hair:** The appearance of broken hair, usually along the hair line, and pimple-like bumps are the most common symptoms of a hair loss condition called traction alopecia. This may be accompanied by redness and soreness of the scalp. At times, blisters with pus may also be present. For this type of alopecia, the hair loss is limited to areas where hair is being constantly pulled.

**Experiencing alopecia symptoms? See our trusted hair loss specialists for early and accurate diagnosis.** **Call us at 01 6793618 and schedule an appointment today.**