What can be done to prevent the condition?

There are medications available to prevent hair loss in men with a strong family history of the common type of baldness. Early treatment of fungal infections and syphilis can prevent some cases of hair loss. Early correction of low iron levels or hypothyroidism may also prevent some cases. Many cases cannot be prevented but may respond to treatment.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

If not treated, hair loss can become severe. With male pattern baldness, this is the only long-term effect. Scarring of the skin can occur with certain causes of hair loss. Other long-term effects may occur, but they depend on the cause of the hair loss.

What are the risks to others?

Many cases of hair loss in children are due to fungal infections. These are fairly contagious and can be spread by close contact with other children or sharing combs or hairbrushes. Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is a rare cause of hair loss. Other forms of hair loss, which make up the majority of cases, are not contagious.