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Warning-sign checks

Male pattern baldness: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for chest pain, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, or signs of a serious allergic reaction while using a treatment.

    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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Get urgent mental health support if you develop suicidal thoughts or feel unable to keep yourself safe.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you are unsure why your hair is thinning, want to discuss treatment, or are distressed by the change.

    Assessment is also worthwhile before paying for commercial hair-loss services.

The article also says

Seek a timely medical assessment if the loss is:

Sudden, very rapid, or occurring in round patches

Affecting eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair

Accompanied by pain, burning, redness, heavy scaling, sores, or pus

Associated with fatigue, unexplained weight change, or other new symptoms

These features are not typical of male pattern baldness and may indicate another condition.

Early assessment is particularly important if the scalp appears scarred or shiny because some inflammatory conditions can permanently damage follicles.

Hair loss itself is not an emergency.

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