Health

Hair: Three Signals Revealing Health Issues

The article highlights three signals that your hair might be sending about your health, including hair loss and thinning, scalp conditions, and hair texture and color changes by Jaylee Kemp
Estimated reading time: 3 min 3 sec
Hair: Three Signals Revealing Health Issues Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels

Many people believe that a good hairstyle is only meant for beauty and vanity purposes. However, the truth is that our hair can give us signals of major health issues that affect our bodies.

In fact, changes in hair texture, color, and thickness can be potential signs of underlying health conditions that require medical attention. Here are three signals that your hair might be sending about your health:.

Signal #1: Hair Loss

Hair loss or thinning is a popular issue among both men and women. But, when it happens in excess, it can signal an underlying medical condition or nutritional deficiency.

Alopecia areata is a severe autoimmune disorder that affects more than 6.8 million Americans. It occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss on the scalp and body.

It is typically noticeable in bald patches on the scalp and can occur suddenly and progress quickly. If you have a family history of alopecia areata or any autoimmune diseases, it is essential to visit your doctor to diagnose and treat it early.

Another common cause of hair loss is stress. Everyday stressors in life can lead to an increase in hair cortisol levels, which can cause hair to fall out.

Dealing with stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and counseling may help reduce cortisol levels and prevent hair loss.

Anemia, a condition that results from low iron levels, can also cause hair loss. Iron is necessary for hair growth, and a deficiency can lead to thinning and hair shedding.

If you suspect that anemia may be the cause of your hair loss, you should visit your doctor to diagnose and find the appropriate treatment.

Signal # 2: Scalp Conditions

The condition of your scalp can also indicate a wide range of health problems. Dandruff, itching, and flaking are the most common scalp problems people encounter.

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Seborrheic dermatitis is a common scalp condition that can result in dandruff and itching. It is characterized by inflamed skin, usually occurring on the scalp, and can sometimes spread to other oily areas like the nose, back, or chest.

If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you may require an over-the-counter or prescription medication, depending on its severity. It can also signify a more significant health issue such as Parkinson’s Disease, HIV, or stroke.

A flaky and itchy scalp can also indicate an overgrowth of fungus or yeast. Fungal infections can occur on the scalp, and they often cause severe itching, discomfort, and redness.

A doctor can help diagnose and treat a fungal or yeast infection with medication or shampoo.

Signal # 3: Hair Texture and Color Changes

Everyone’s hair texture and color change over time. However, sudden changes in your hair texture and color may be a red flag for an underlying health condition.

Thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can cause hair to become brittle and dry or weak and fine.

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland, produces too many thyroid hormones, which can cause the hair to fall out prematurely, weaken, or become brittle. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, produces too few thyroid hormones, resulting in hair loss, hair thinning, and dryness of the hair and scalp.

Changes in hair color could also be a sign of an underlying health issue. For instance, premature graying, before the age of 30, can be indicative of a vitamin B-12 deficiency or problems with the pituitary gland.

Conclusion

Your hair can reveal a lot about your overall health. Any sudden changes in texture, color, or thickness could indicate an underlying medical condition that should be addressed promptly.

If you notice any sudden hair loss, thinning, scalp problems, or discoloration, seek advice from a healthcare provider or dermatologist.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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