<unk> , also known as alopecia or baldness, refers to a loss of<unk>  from part of the head or body. Typically at least the head is involved. The severity of<unk>  can vary from a small area to the entire body. Inflammation or scarring is not usually present.<unk>  in some people causes psychological distress. Common types include male- or female-pattern<unk> , alopecia areata, and a thinning of<unk>  known as telogen effluvium. The cause of male-pattern<unk>  is a combination of genetics and male hormones; the cause of female pattern<unk>  is unclear; the cause of alopecia areata is autoimmune; and the cause of telogen effluvium is typically a physically or psychologically stressful event. Telogen effluvium is very common following pregnancy. Less common causes of<unk>  without inflammation or scarring include the pulling out of<unk> , certain medications including chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition including iron deficiency. Causes of<unk>  that occurs with scarring or inflammation include fungal infection, lupus erythematosus, radiation therapy, and sarcoidosis. Diagnosis of<unk>  is partly based on the areas affected. Treatment of pattern<unk>  may simply involve accepting the condition, which can also include shaving one's head. Interventions that can be tried include the medications minoxidil (or finasteride) and<unk>  transplant surgery. Alopecia areata may be treated by steroid injections in the affected area, but these need to be frequently repeated to be effective.<unk>  is a common problem. Pattern<unk>  by age 50 affects about half of men and a quarter of women. About 2% of people develop alopecia areata at some point in time.
Hair loss
Alopecia areata
Tooth decay
Tooth loss
Non scarring hair loss
Skin maceration
Scarring hair loss
Breast atrophy