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Scientists: hair is a marker for multiple diseases
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Very often we attribute dull, lifeless hair to insufficient care and believe that it is only an aesthetic problem. But in fact, our hair is a marker of our health and can tell a lot about the internal problems of its owner.
When hair is thin, dry and lifeless
Frequent dyeing and perming are not good for your hair. However, thinning hair, which we often mistake for a decrease in its quantity, may indicate hypothyroidism. Other symptoms of this disease include fatigue, chills, weight gain, and a decreased pulse.
When hair falls out and becomes thin
The daily rate of hair loss is 100-150 hairs, if you notice that this number has increased significantly, then this may be a sign of a lack of proteins or vitamins, diabetes, stress, infection, anemia, hypothyroidism or skin diseases - dermatitis or seborrhea.
If scaly spots appear
In psoriasis, there is an excessive formation of keratinocytes, which form these plaques. Most often, psoriasis occurs in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease and others.
Baldness
The cause of bald spots can be taking hormonal drugs, including birth control pills. As well as beta blockers, antidepressants, drugs that lower blood pressure. Operations and anesthesia, as well as serious infections can also provoke intense hair loss.
If your hair is brittle
In addition to external influences on hair - dyeing, straightening or curling, split ends, brittle hair can indicate a lack of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, hypoparathyroidism or Cushing's syndrome can lead to such a hair condition.
Alopecia areata
Sometimes, baldness occurs in patches, creating islands of hairless hair. This is called alopecia areata, which is caused by autoimmune diseases.
Red spots on the skin and dandruff
This is how chronic inflammation of the scalp called seborrheic dermatitis can manifest itself. It is caused by a fungus. The causative agent of this infection can be excessive sweating and sebum secretion, immunodeficiency diseases, stress and even the cold season.
If premature gray hair appears
The appearance of premature gray hair can be a hereditary phenomenon, or it can be a consequence of severe stress, chronic digestive disorders, anemia, hormonal imbalances, lack of microelements and thyroid pathology.