Dr Julius Parker: Dramatic hair loss and discoloured toe nails

Q My first baby was born three months ago. I am breastfeeding her and am in good health except for a dramatic loss of hair. Normally my hair is thick and curly but now it is fine and lacklustre. I know it’s normal to lose a certain amount of hair after birth but at the rate mine is falling out I’m worried I will end up with bald patches. What do you suggest?

A This is a well-recognised symptom two to three months after childbirth, and although the often dramatic hair loss can be alarming, it will almost certainly return to normal.

The medical term for this condition is telogen effluvium. In a healthy scalp, about 85% of hair follicles are actively growing, and 15% are “resting”. Hair follicles remain growing for between two to seven years, which is why we need a regular haircut.