The short answer
What can cause hair loss, and what should I know before seeking care?
Hair loss means less hair is growing or more is shedding than usual. Losing up to about 100 scalp hairs daily can be normal, and hair often grows back. Thinning or bald spots can also relate to aging, family pattern, stress, low protein or poor nutrition, thyroid disease, diabetes, lupus, some medicines, or cancer treatment. The cause matters, and different patterns can look alike. Sudden round patches may occur with alopecia areata, an immune-related condition, but only an appropriate health professional can assess what is happening.
When might more than messages be needed?
A remote history and video can be a useful starting point, but they may not show scalp detail, broken hairs, nail changes, inflammation, infection, or scarring clearly. In-person examination may be needed when loss is sudden, patchy, rapidly worsening, painful, itchy, or associated with redness or scaling. A clinician may also consider blood testing or, when appropriate, a scalp biopsy to investigate disease, nutrient deficiency, hormone imbalance, or infection.
Overview
Educational information about hair loss. Online care may or may not be appropriate; a clinician must evaluate your individual circumstances.
Common symptoms
- Thinning hair
- Increased shedding
- Changes in hairline
How online care works
Choose your concern and check your current state. If an approved clinical intake pathway is available, a licensed clinician may review your health information and determine the appropriate visit type and next steps.
When virtual care may be appropriate
- Symptoms can be assessed without immediate in-person testing
When to seek urgent or in-person care
- Sudden patchy loss with illness
- Scalp pain or infection
- Rapid unexplained changes
For a possible medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency care.
Potential treatment options
- Evaluation of possible causes
- Self-care guidance
- Medication if appropriate
Frequently asked questions
Can hair loss be evaluated online?
It depends on your symptoms, location, and the clinician's judgment. Some situations require an in-person examination.
Will I get a prescription?
Not necessarily. A prescription is issued only when medically appropriate.