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does body heat cause hair loss
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #23114
24 days ago
49

does body heat cause hair loss - #23114

Fatima

I am really worried about something that's been happening to me lately. For the past few months, I've noticed my hair thinning, and it happened kinda suddenly, you know? I live in this really hot place, and I'm starting to wonder if the extreme temperature is related somehow. I mean, does body heat cause hair loss? I've read a little bit, but it's all super confusing. I sweat a ton out in the sun, working and staying active, and I often feel overheated. My scalp sometimes feels itchy too, like it's reacting to the heat or something. I even tried switching shampoos thinking it might help, but, no luck. I can't help but think that all this body heat might be playing a role. Doctors, is there any science behind the idea that does body heat cause hair loss? Like, are there reasons why the heat might make hair fall out or become weaker? I feel like the answer is out there, but I can't find anything clear. Feels kinda scary since I'm not even that old! Would it be worth seeing a dermatologist, or can I manage this somehow? Any thoughts?

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Doctors' responses

Body heat itself isn’t directly responsible for hair loss, but let’s unpack this a bit. Extreme heat and sweating can exacerbate conditions that might lead to hair issues. For example, seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause an itchy, inflamed scalp, is sometimes triggered or worsened by heat and humidity. This condition can lead to temporary hair shedding during flares, primarily because excess sebum can disrupt the hair follicle’s normal environment. Also, being in hot environments can contribute to dehydration if one doesn’t maintain proper water intake, and chronic dehydration might impact skin health, including the scalp, indirectly affecting your hair’s condition. Alopecia, like male or female pattern baldness, and even telogen effluvium, where hair sheds due to stress or changes in the body, can’t be directly linked to body heat. It might be worth examining whether you’re experiencing stress, any nutritional deficiencies, or even hormonal changes which can be linked to hair loss. Considering the fact that you’re experiencing itchiness, and assuming you have no other systemic symptoms, seeing a dermatologist could be beneficial. They’d assess your scalp condition, and possibly suggest treatments—maybe medicated shampoos or topical applications that could soothe and improve scalp health. In the meantime, continue using gentle hair care practices, avoid excessively hot showers, and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Keeping well-hydrated will also support your overall skin health. If you’re noticing significant scalp irritation or a sudden, severe increase in hair loss, that does warrant a timely dermatology consultation simply to rule out more serious underlying conditions.

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