Commonly Asked Questions About Alopecia

Answering Your Questions About Alopecia Areata

Losing your hair can be a distressing experience, but many people take heart knowing they aren’t alone. Folks with hair loss can also benefit from understanding their condition and getting to know alopecia treatment methods. You likely have lots of questions, and some internet sources just don’t offer the straightforward answers you deserve. So, let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about alopecia and how you can find effective hair loss solutions for your condition.

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. This is more than just age-related balding—alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles. This attack causes the hair to fall out but does not destroy the follicle. Hair can regrow even, but the pattern and timing of regrowth aren’t easy to predict. While most people associate balding with men and older folks, this condition can occur in anyone, regardless of age or gender. Its effects range from small, coin-sized patches of hair loss to complete hair loss on the scalp and body.

What Are the Different Types of Alopecia?

Understanding the different types of alopecia can help you try to prevent hair loss in the future. Here’s a quick overview of alopecia-related conditions:

• Alopecia Areata—This is the most common form, characterized by one or more round or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. These patches can appear suddenly and may grow larger over time.
• Alopecia Totalis—People with this condition lose all the hair on their scalp. Alopecia totalis might come on suddenly or develop gradually from patchy alopecia areata.
• Alopecia Universalis—This is the most extensive form of alopecia and results in the complete loss of hair on the scalp, face (including eyebrows and eyelashes), and the rest of the body. It is relatively rare compared to other forms of alopecia.
• Androgenetic Alopecia—Commonly known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, this is a genetic form of hair loss and is the most common cause of hair loss overall.
• Traction Alopecia—Do you like to wear your hair up? Tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, and buns put tension on the hair follicles and can eventually cause hair loss.

What Causes Alopecia?

While we don’t know the exact cause of alopecia areata, it is associated with several factors. Importantly, alopecia is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. More likely, alopecia stems from a combination of the following:

• Genetics—If a close family member has alopecia areata, you may be at higher risk of developing it yourself.
• Autoimmunity—Alopecia is an autoimmune condition, so people with other autoimmune issues could be more likely to have alopecia, too.
• Triggers—While not direct causes, certain environmental factors may trigger the onset or a flare-up. These can include severe stress, viral infections, or other illnesses. Keep in mind that not everyone with alopecia has a trigger.

Is There a Cure for Alopecia?

There’s no cure, but plenty of alopecia treatments help manage the condition and encourage hair to regrow. Only a medical professional can let you know which type of treatment will work best for you. When you seek a dermatologist’s advice, they might recommend one of these hair loss solutions:

• Topical Corticosteroids—Anti-inflammatory creams or ointments can help suppress the incorrect immune response when applied directly to the affected area.
• Corticosteroid Injections—A dermatologist can inject steroids directly into the bald patches on your scalp. This is often the first-line treatment for localized alopecia areata.
• Topical Immunotherapy—If you’re okay with a more intensive treatment, topical immunotherapy may be effective. It involves applying a chemical to the scalp to create an allergic reaction that distracts the immune system long enough for hair to regrow.
• Oral Treatments—For more extensive hair loss, doctors may prescribe oral medications like JAK inhibitors, a newer class of drugs that affect the immune response.

How Is Alopecia Diagnosed?

Before you can seek effective hair loss solutions, you need an accurate diagnosis. When you consult a dermatologist, they’ll examine the pattern of hair loss and take a close look at your scalp. They will also ask you about your medical history and family history of autoimmune diseases. If they can’t make an accurate diagnosis from these factors, your dermatologist may order a scalp biopsy. During this short procedure, they’ll remove a tiny piece of your skin to look at under a microscope. In some cases, a blood test may be necessary, too. Whatever the case for you, your dermatologist and their team will make every effort for you to leave with a diagnosis and alopecia treatment plan.

Restore Your Hair With Swinyer Woseth Dermatology

Living with alopecia presents more than just medical challenges. If you’re feeling the mental and emotional effects, know that relief is out there. The professionals at Swinyer Woseth Dermatology have experience diagnosing and treating alopecia, and our dermatologists are here to help you manage your condition. Over the years, we’ve served countless patients in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, UT with exceptional care. Contact us today to consult with a hair loss professional.