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What Causes Loss Of Hair From Lower Legs?
Posted on
Thu, 14 Apr 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 14 Apr 2016
Answered on
Thu, 9 Jun 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I'm a 59 yr old male.
I seem to have lost most of the hair on my legs. Should I be concerned?
I seem to have lost most of the hair on my legs. Should I be concerned?
Brief Answer:
Probably not a big concern.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Thinning and loss of some hair on the lower legs is not uncommon as we age, but there can be reasons other than simply aging.
The most common cause of hair loss on the lower legs is from decreased circulation there. This can be an unconcerning situation but can also be from illness such as diabetes or kidney disease. Usually there are other signs or symptoms that go with these disease states. Peripheral vascular disease may be a cause too.
Wearing constricting clothes or clothes that cause some skin friction, such as knee high dress socks may contribute to lower leg hair loss.
Complete loss of hair can come from a genetic predisposition in some men or autoimmune alopecia. With alopecia though, hair often falls out in clumps and can include the scalp. Thyroid disease or adrenal insufficiency can contribute to more extensive hair loss also.
So... if you are otherwise well, it may not be anything to be concerned about but it would be a good idea to point out to your doctor, who may want to run some tests.
Probably not a big concern.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Thinning and loss of some hair on the lower legs is not uncommon as we age, but there can be reasons other than simply aging.
The most common cause of hair loss on the lower legs is from decreased circulation there. This can be an unconcerning situation but can also be from illness such as diabetes or kidney disease. Usually there are other signs or symptoms that go with these disease states. Peripheral vascular disease may be a cause too.
Wearing constricting clothes or clothes that cause some skin friction, such as knee high dress socks may contribute to lower leg hair loss.
Complete loss of hair can come from a genetic predisposition in some men or autoimmune alopecia. With alopecia though, hair often falls out in clumps and can include the scalp. Thyroid disease or adrenal insufficiency can contribute to more extensive hair loss also.
So... if you are otherwise well, it may not be anything to be concerned about but it would be a good idea to point out to your doctor, who may want to run some tests.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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