Hair loss on lower legs

Question
QUESTION: I am a 44 year old, healthy male. Have noticed over the past 3 months or so, that I have lost almost all of the hair on the outer parts of my lower legs, (from the knee down, and from mid-shin around the outer part to mid-calf). I just recently had a physical done and was in good health. I take Crestor for slight issues with cholesterol, and lisinopril for blood pressure, but a VERY small dose of each, (10 mg each). I have no other health problems. I just cannot figure this out. It started approximately 2-3 months ago, and not the outer half of both legs look like I shave them.



ANSWER: I would suggest a visit to a dermatologist to determine if this is a case of hair loss due to the dry skin and itch from winter. This is called Asteototic Exczema or Winter Itch. The itch leads to rubbing and the hairs break off. It could be an unusual presentation of Alopecia Areata. A dermatologist should be able to tell from looking at the skin and hairs.



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QUESTION: Thank you for the response. However, there is no itch related to this whatsoever. I am also not sure that the hairs have broke off. It actually appears as if the hair is gone - it is smooth, with no stubble.


Answer
If it is smooth with no sign of breakage then you may have Alopecia Areata.

You can read more about this at:

www.AlopeciaAreata.com

http://www.keratin.com/ad/ad014.shtml

http://dermnetnz.org/hair-nails-sweat/alopecia-areata.html



This could be due to a decrease in arterial circulation and this could be the first sign that you may need to see a vascular surgeon to correct the problem. It can also be a sign of diabetes.



Check with your internist first.



http://www.pennmedicine.org/encyclopedia/em_DisplayArticle.aspx?gcid=000170&ptid...



http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000170.htm

Peripheral artery disease - legs: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Weak or absent pulse in the limb; Loss of hair on the legs or feet; A whooshing sound with the stethoscope over the artery (arterial bruits) ...