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What Causes Loss Of Hair From Lower Legs?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016
Question: I'm a 59 yr old male.
I seem to have lost most of the hair on my legs. Should I be concerned?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)
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.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Causes Loss Of Hair From Lower Legs?

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.