You’ve probably heard of alopecia, a fairly common hair condition, but did you know that many of its symptoms are harder to figure out?
While problems like bald patches are one thing, many alopecia sufferers also experience a range of lesser-known symptoms.
In this article, we’ll cover five hidden signs you may have alopecia and what you can do.
Not all signs of alopecia come from noticeable bald patches. In fact, the early signs may be harder to pick up, causing you to think it’s just natural hair loss when it’s not.
For starters, you may notice small, circular patches of hair loss that don’t make themselves easily known. They’re usually not visible right away, particularly if they are happening in areas of the body with substantial hair growth.
Suspect something? Be sure to contact a dermatologist or trichologist as soon as you can. A professional can evaluate your scalp, treating it with things such as topical corticosteroids and immunotherapy to increase hair production.
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Do you find that your hair is unexpectedly finer, softer, or more brittle than it’s ever been? If your hair texture and look are changing, this could be a sign of alopecia. In many cases, this is an underlying condition having to do with hair follicle problems.
The best way to address this is by being vigilant. Look at your hair when washing and styling. Is it changing? If so, consider using an easy-on-the-hair shampoo and a conditioner that nourishes your hair.
Whatever you do, limit the use of heating tools and harsh chemicals. Talking to a dermatologist can help you find the personalized treatment best for you.
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Do you have scalp tenderness or discomfort? Do you also notice this with hair loss?
If so, it could be due to inflammation around hair follicles, which can over time lead to more noticeable hair thinning and loss.
Your best bet for this is to use mild shampoos and conditioners that don’t have fragrances or irritants. Essential oils like lavender and tea tree are also great for relaxation and better circulation. As always, consult a specialist if the products you use don’t treat the issue.
Typical hair loss usually occurs with a receding hairline or thinning on top, but alopecia is different. You may notice striking hair loss patterns, such as big clumps, weird patterns, and more. When this happens, the first thing you should do is take note of the entire scalp.
Use a ‘journal’ to track hair loss patterns over time. If you keep seeing odd hair loss patterns, or just rapid loss in general, call a healthcare provider. Blood tests will help determine if you have thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies, or other causes outside of alopecia.
RELATED: What Your Nails Say About Your Health
While we often think of changes to our hair, alopecia actually causes changes to the nails too! This may seem a little odd, but it’s actually not that uncommon. The first thing you should do is try to discern any odd features in your nails. Are there color irregularities? Can you see pitting, ridges, or other abnormalities? Are the nails not growing normally?
The reason you experience nail changes due to alopecia is because the condition often leads to autoimmune responses. These responses affect both hair follicles and nails, so you’ll probably notice both areas affected.
If you wanna boost your nail health, you want vitamins and minerals. Consider promoters like zinc, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids. These important components will increase strength and growth with regular use, and when combined with moisturizing, can really boost your overall nail health.
However, if nail issues continue, you should always consult a healthcare professional.
Whether changes in your nail health, strange hair loss patterns, scalp sensitivities, or anything else, don’t let symptoms fly under the radar. You should remain proactive, stay the course, and bring up any issues to your doctor.
With a little self-awareness, you’ll not only treat the symptoms effectively, but you’ll start treating them before they get outta control. And what’s better than that?
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