Hair Changes ... on your toes?

Interestingly, decreased hair growth on toes is a clinical sign that can point towards diagnoses related to poor circulation as well as some neuropathies. Read more...

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Topics

• Do changes in toe hair thickness or texture indicate hormonal changes? Could hair loss on the toes indicate poor circulation?

• Do decreases in toe hair thickness indicate any underlying conditions?

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Photo: Wix

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Do changes in toe hair thickness or texture indicate hormonal changes? Could hair loss on the toes indicate poor circulation?

Increases in the thickness or rough texture of hair on the toes are generally indicative of either improved circulation, hormonal change, or genetics. With improved circulation, hair growth can improve substantially by increasing the nutrients and key components for hair growth in the area for hair to grow. Hormonal changes can induce similar changes. There are some people that are genetically predisposed towards increased coarseness of hair as they age as well.

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Do decreases in toe hair thickness indicate any underlying conditions?

On the contrary, a decrease in hair thickness or density can indicate a few conditions.

Poor circulation can often result in a decrease in blood flow to the small blood vessels that support hair growth. Poor circulation can result in peripheral vascular disease in addition to conditions such as diabetes. Aside from poor circulation to these areas, these conditions and congestive heart failure contribute to leg edema or swelling. The added swelling in the legs can also cause hair thinning or loss on the toes and feet.

Interestingly, decreased hair growth on toes is a clinical sign that can point towards diagnoses related to poor circulation as well as some neuropathies. For example, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and complex regional pain syndrome are poorly understood disorders that may have both a nerve and circulatory component given some skin changes such as hypotrichosis or decreased hair growth that can accompany the areas affected.