Alopecia

Alopecia is an umbrella term that refers to hair loss. Losing about 100 strands per day is normal, and everyone experiences it. However, excess hair loss without forming new hair is termed hair loss. It can affect anyone, irrespective of age, sex, and race. Hair loss can be daunting since it results in low self-esteem, societal rejection, and poor confidence. 

Alopecia can be related to genetics, environmental factors, medical problems, lifestyle habits, and autoimmune conditions. There are several types of alopecia based on the pattern of hair loss and the gender affected. Treatment for many types of alopecia is the same and may include oral and topical medications and behavior modification therapies. 

Read this informative blog to learn more about alopecia, its types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. 

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia, hair loss, or baldness refers to the loss of hair from any part of the body, mainly from the scalp. It can be localized or diffuse, temporary or permanent, and affects both sexes and all age groups. 

What Are the Types of Alopecia?

There are several types of alopecia depending on the causes, gender affected, and pattern of hair loss. Below is the list of the types of alopecia:

Alopecia Areata 

• The hair falls out in patches from your scalp area. However, it can also affect the eyebrows and eyelashes. 

Alopecia Totalis

• In alopecia totalis, you may experience complete hair loss from the scalp.

Alopecia Universalis 

• It is a condition that involves complete hair loss, which includes the scalp and the rest of the body. 

Diffuse Alopecia/ Telogen Effluvium

• Here, the hair thins and then falls out in scattered areas across your scalp rather than patches.

Ophiasis Alopecia

• This form of alopecia mostly affects the sides and back of the scalp.

Androgenic Alopecia 

• It is a common genetic condition that affects people of all age groups. 

Male Pattern Hair Loss

• Male pattern baldness usually begins with a receding hairline or hair loss on the crown. 

Female Pattern Hair Loss

• This type of baldness begins with thinning of hair along the part line.
• The part line may eventually widen. 

Cicatricial Alopecia 

• Here, there is gradual hair loss in patches or, more rapidly, in larger areas. 
• The affected skin may become inflamed and itchy. 

Lichen Planopilaris 

• This is an inflammatory condition that affects young women more than men. 
• It results in patchy hair loss in the scalp. 
• Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
• There is slow but progressive hair loss, usually above the forehead.
• It may also affect the eyebrows and eyelashes.

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

• It causes hair loss that begins on the crown and spreads across the top of the head. 
• It is believed to be more exclusive in Black women. 

Traction Alopecia 

• This type of hair loss is triggered by repeated pulling or tightening of the hair in a single direction. 

Alopecia Barbae

• It is an autoimmune condition that causes the beard hair to fall out in some circular patches. 

Postpartum Alopecia 

• Hair loss following childbirth is known as postpartum alopecia. 
• This results in a sudden and significant drop in estrogen levels. 
• This is usually temporary and not a cause of concern since the condition resolves as the estrogen levels normalize.

What Causes Alopecia? 

A cascade of causes could result in temporary or permanent hair loss. These include:

• Genetics 
• Autoimmune conditions
• Aging 
• Stress
• Surgery 
• Childbirth
• Trauma 
• Sudden weight loss
• Hormonal fluctuations 
• Certain medications, such as those taken for cancer treatment
• Health conditions such as lupus or hypothyroidism
• Infections such as tinea
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis 
• Psychological factors like pulling out your hair 
• Chemical, bleach, and other hair care products 
• Excess heat from a hair dryer 
• Brushing your hair too much 
• Tight hairstyles 

How is Alopecia Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing hair loss, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) for further evaluation. Your dermatologist may diagnose hair loss by recording your symptoms, family and medication history, and lifestyle habits. This helps them determine the cause of hair loss. 

Furthermore, you may be advised to get blood tests to rule out other medical conditions that may result in hair loss. Knowing the exact cause of hair loss is crucial since it helps doctors design an appropriate treatment plan. 

How is Alopecia Treated?

Although there is no permanent cure for alopecia, your dermatologist can recommend treatment options to help regrow hair or slow or halt further hair loss. Options include:

Corticosteroids

• Prescription steroids help suppress the immune system and reduce damage to healthy hair follicles by managing inflammation. 
• The types of alopecia commonly treated by steroids include:
• Alopecia areata 
• Alopecia totalis 
• Alopecia Universalis 
• CCCA
• Lichen planopilaris 

Microneedling

• This new treatment involves puncturing the scalp with tiny needles to promote collagen production and restore hair growth. Collagen is an essential protein that structures connective tissues like skin, hair, nails, cartilage, and tendons. 
• This type of treatment is helpful for:
• Alopecia areata 
• Ophiasis alopecia 
• Androgenic alopecia 

Minoxidil

• This commonly used medication for hair loss is applied topically to the affected areas. 
• The types of hair loss treated by minoxidil include:
• CCCA
• Alopecia areata
• Diffuse alopecia areata

Immunotherapy 

• Like corticosteroids, certain drugs like cyclosporine also suppress the immune system. 
• Topical immunotherapy is safe and effective.
• Lichen planopilaris is the most common type of hair loss that is treated through immunotherapy. 

PRP Injections

• Platelet-rich plasma injections are directly injected into the hair-deficient areas to induce hair growth.
• The plasma obtained from your blood contains growth factors that stimulate new hair growth and promote healing. 

Stress Reduction 

• Managing your stress and getting through stressful events in your life can sometimes halt hair loss.
• Diffuse alopecia areata responds well to stress management techniques like meditation and Yoga. 

Conservative Approach

• This may include using hair restoration techniques through wigs or hair extensions. 

Takeaway

Alopecia, or hair loss, can be distressing. It develops without warning and may progress at an unpredictable pace. It may be temporary or permanent, affecting both genders and all age groups. Treatment is often recommended to halt or slow down hair loss and accelerate new hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles and promoting healing. If you notice hair loss anywhere in your body, visit a dermatologist soon to discuss your options.