My hair has recently started falling out in little patches. What can I do about it?
Jess, by email
There are many causes of hair loss, so do go and see your doctor to check, but it sounds like you may have a condition called alopecia. It’s caused by the immune system turning against your hair follicles and damaging them, causing hair to fall out in patches – the reason for this isn’t really known. In a small number of people the hair loss progresses further and can involve the entire scalp and body too. Try not to worry, however, because in the majority of people the condition spontaneously improves, usually within a year. There aren’t many good medical treatments available – the most effective usually involves a powerful chemical irritant being placed on the bald patches to stimulate growth.