Frictional alopecia

Frictional alopecia is the loss of hair that is caused by rubbing of the hair, follicles, or skin around the follicle.^[1] The most typical example of this is the loss of ankle hair among people who wear socks constantly for years.^[2] The hair may not grow back even years after the source of friction has ended.

Cause[]

Hair loss on legs went largely undiagnosed, but is now thought to be quite common.^[3] While the overall causes are still being explored, the primary culprit is currently thought to be friction from socks and footwear.^[4] There is some debate as to what proportion is caused by friction, and what by androgen deficiency, minor vascular disease, rash of various causes, or thyroid deficiency.^{[5][unreliable source?]}

References[]