Hair loss: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for trouble breathing, faintness, or swelling of the face, mouth, or throat.

   These symptoms relate to a severe reaction rather than hair loss itself.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day medical advice for a painful or soft swollen area of scalp, pus, rapidly spreading redness, or fever.

   These features can occur with a significant infection or intense inflammation.

   Get urgent help after a hair product or treatment if you develop a serious chemical burn.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Book a routine appointment if your hair loss is sudden, patchy, steadily worsening, or causing concern.

   You should also arrange an assessment if it affects your eyebrows or eyelashes, follows a medicine change, or comes with scalp itching, scaling, pain, or burning.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hair loss. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.