There are many factors that can cause hair loss, such as medication, stress, or an auto immune condition. The effects can be minor or major, however one element is a common, that whatever the level of hair loss, this is still traumatic for the person experiencing it.

This is the medical name given to hair loss. There are 3 main forms of alopecia: Alopecia areata is when a bald patch may occur anywhere on the head. Alopecia areata totalis is when all of the hair is lost from the scalp. Alopecia areata universalis is when all body hair is lost. There are many other forms of alopecia.

Thinning hair could be due to age or an underlying condition. If you are noticing extreme thinning of your hair, you should see your GP. There are two tests that may be performed. The first test checks for anemia, the second is a check of your thyroid gland. If your thyroid is under active then this type of hair loss can occur.

In layman's terms, lupus is an auto immune disease where the immune system fights itself instead of fighting infection. The symptoms of lupus can vary, and as this disease can mimic other conditions it is very hard to diagnose. There are three forms of Lupus. Discoid lupus erythematosus affects the skin and may manifest itself in scarring, skin wastage and photosensitivity. Drug induced lupus can occur after taking medication and is not known to be long term. Systemic lupus erythematosus attacks multiple organs in the body, e.g. skin, hair, kidneys, blood, joints, and heart.