31/10/2026
Alopecia: understanding your hair loss 💚
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can cause gradual thinning, increased shedding or distinct patches. Identifying the type helps guide the right care.
Common types and causes include:
🌿 Pattern hair loss
Gradual thinning linked to inherited factors and hormonal influences. Women may notice a widening parting, while men often develop a receding hairline or thinning crown.
🌿 Telogen effluvium
Increased shedding across the scalp, often starting around three months after illness, childbirth, surgery, significant stress or rapid weight loss. It is often temporary, although recovery takes time.
🌿 Alopecia areata
An autoimmune condition that commonly causes smooth, round patches of hair loss. It can also affect eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair. Alopecia totalis affects the whole scalp; alopecia universalis affects hair across the body.
🌿 Traction alopecia
Hair loss caused by repeated pulling from tight hairstyles or extensions. Prolonged tension can cause permanent damage.
🌿 Scarring alopecia
Inflammation damages and destroys hair follicles, causing permanent loss. Early specialist assessment is important to help protect remaining hair.
Other causes include thyroid conditions, iron deficiency, certain medicines, scalp infections and cancer treatments. More than one cause can be present.
At NurseHub, our ANP-led programme starts with understanding your concerns: a detailed history, scalp assessment, blood tests where indicated, results review and an individual care plan. Specialist referral is arranged where needed.
Sudden patches, scalp pain, redness, scaling or rapidly progressing loss deserve prompt assessment.
📲 083 370 6731
📍 Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow