Folliculitis, an inflammation due to an infection of the hair follicle, is another cause of hair loss. “If left untreated, folliculitis progresses and hair often falls out. In severe cases, it can cause extreme inflammation and permanently destroy hair follicles, leaving bald areas on the scalp,” Cucinello says.
What you can do: "Look for small spots with rings of inflammation around the hair follicle, accompanied by itching, irritation or soreness,” Cucinello says. If the signs are there, you can see your doctor about the best solution – It could be as simple as taking one of several antibiotics that are available.