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Drugs
Several different types of drugs may precipitate hair loss. This may be of rapid onset e.g. following chemotherapy or a more gradual process. Those particularly known to do this are Allopurinol, Warfarin, Simvastatin, Phenytoin, Omeprazole, Nifedipine, Metformin, Aceiretin, Interferons, Carbamazepine and Carbimazole.
Some oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy may play a role in female hair loss. It is important to discuss with your doctor any drugs or supplements that you are taking.
Nutritional
Zinc or iron deficiency may cause a generalised thinning. The whole scalp is affected. It is however quite rare. There is evidence to suggest that iron and zinc levels are important to maximise hair growth. Malnutrition as a result of severe dieting may result in generalised hair loss three to four months later.
Thyroid disease
Hypothyroidism (myxoedema) and hyperthyroidisim (overactive thyroid gland) may cause hair loss in women. With correct treatment of the underlying condition the hairloss will recover.
Major/Chronic Illness
Increased hair loss may follow a severe illness. With recovery the hair loss will reverse 3-4 months later.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
This may result in areas of permanent hair loss in the scarred scalp areas.
Psoriasis
Hair thinning may occur if there are plaques on the scalp but the hair usually regrows once the flare up subsides.
Infection
Ringworm of the scalp This is a fungal infection of the scalp acquired from contact with infected dogs or cats. It occurs mostly in children.
There are bald patches associated with scaling, redness (erythema) and short broken hairs.
Autoimmune disease
There appears to be a higher incidence of diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis in family members of patients with AA.
Routine tests for other autoimmune diseases are not indicated but unexplained medical symptoms are important and need to be investigated as there are reports of patients with AA eveloping other autoimmune disease e.g scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, pernicious anaemia and ulcerative colitis.
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