Alopecia

Alopecia is a term for hair loss from any cause — a very common and distressing problem.

Identifying the correct form of hair loss is very important in achieving a targeted treatment plan.

Hair loss can happen for many reasons and progress in a variety of patterns. A small bald patch on the scalp or a receding hair line at your temples crown hair loss, or diffuse hair loss from scalp with an increase in hairs on the pillow or clothes, are all signs of some form of alopecia.

What are the main causes of hair loss?

Hair loss can be scarring or non scarring. Scarring alopecia unfortunately results in permanent hair loss which is the main reason why urgent treatment is needed.

What is the most common form of hair loss?

Male patterned baldness also known as androgenetic alopecia. The main treatments are a medicated spray or foam or a hormone-blocking tablet that can stabilizes the hair loss and with continued application can cause the growth of new hairs. It is also possible to treat more advanced hair loss with hair transplantation surgery. The key is to catch it as early as possible, ideally as soon as you notice any thinning or loss of hair - treating early is important - the sooner you can begin treatment, the greater your chance of achieving a good recovery.

Female Pattern Hair Loss- A number of treatments are clinically proven to stop further hair loss and in many cases reverse it, leading to a recovery of hair thickness and coverage. As with MPHL, early treatment is important as it is much easier to maintain the hair density than to recover it once it has been lost.

• Alopecia areata – Topical Steroids, dithranol, and new treatment such as JAK inhibitors are highly effective in the treatment of alopecia areata.
• Telogen effluvium- also refers to stress induced hair loss
• Fungal infections
• Lichen planus
• Tractional alopecia
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia