Alopecia is actually a range of conditions characterized by partial or complete hair loss typically on the scalp. The diagnosis of the specific type of alopecia is vital for effective treatment and management in preventing further damage. Your consultation with doctor Gerbrands will include a thorough evaluation of your medical history, sometimes blood tests and biopsies are required to identify the cause and especially If an autoimmune disease is suspected. This allows the patient to not only have their hair loss treated appropriately but they are able to notify their physician of the diagnosis before other symptoms present themselves in order to minimize damage to other organs in the body. Microscopic evaluation and trichoscopy are performed which measures the amount of hair in various areas of the scalp. This also allows the doctor to microscopically visualize the state of the scalp, hair and the follicles and includes an accurate measurement of the hair loss that has actually occurred. Trichoscopy can also show inflamed or scarred areas, these can sometimes indicate if the damage is permanent or temporary. Trichoscopy allows for measurements of all areas of the scalp including areas that may be used for possible future transplantation if required.
Because hair loss is a complex condition with many factors contributing to the cause it is important to identify all the causes so that a multifaceted approach can be initiated to address all of these causes, giving you the best chance of maintaining and re generating your hair. It is always best to consult a physician or hair loss specialist to get the facts about the causes contributing to your hair loss. Initiating over the counter supplements may cause more hair loss in particular in cases where deficiencies are suspected because certain types of hair loss are caused by an overabundance of certain elements.
Androgenic alopecia, both male and female pattern baldness is the result of genetics but is often exacerbated by many external factors such as environmental toxins, medications ad even hair care habits. Early intervention in androgenic alopecia allows for one to keep their hair much longer and with the use of medications, slow the progression of their loss and regenerate hair growth from any viable follicles. There are several types of alopecia that are caused by autoimmune conditions. This is where one’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles. This type of hair loss often appears as patchy hair loss with bald spots. There are times where a patient may not realize they have an autoimmune disorder, and their first symptom may be hair loss. An accurate diagnosis can ensure the patient receives the proper treatment from their doctor with therapies and medications specific to the type of autoimmune disease present. Some of these medications may include anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids or immunomodulators medications. Treatment is dependant on the actual diagnosis brought about with a thorough medical history, including the specific environmental circumstances surrounding in your hair loss and testing. Cicatricial Scarring Alopecia is where inflammation destroys the hair follicles leading to scar tissue formation. This type of hair loss generally presents with redness scaling or pain in the affected areas. It’s crucial to get early treatment with medications to prevent irreversible damage. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia is actually a variant of Scarring Alopecia which is thought to be of both autoimmune and hormonal causes. This often presents with a receding hairline and can include a loss of eyebrows.
Telogen Effluvium is hair loss that can be seasonal and can often be initiated by stress, illness, hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies. Telogen effluvium presents itself typically as diffuse thinning or the shedding of hair. With the appropriate management of the underlying cause, this is a reversible condition. It is important to note that diffuse thinning or shedding of the hair can have many causes and telogen effluvium is only one of them. Anagen Effluvium is rapid hair loss often due to toxic agents like chemotherapy medications or radiation. It is a sudden widespread hair shedding that occurs during the growth phase. This type of hair loss is usually temporary lasting a few months up to a year or more.
Traction alopecia is caused by prolonged tension on the hair from tight hairstyles and ponytails and generally presents as hair loss along the hairline or sides and in any area where the hair is under tension. Intervention can prevent permanent follicular damage. Trichotillomania is a psychological condition involving compulsive hair pulling. This type of hair loss is where mental health support and behavioral therapy can be most effective when incorporated into the treatment regime. Tinea Capitus is a fungal infection of the scalp. Scaly patches, broken hairs and sometimes painful lesions are present. Once the fungus is identified, proper treatment can be initiated to prevent further complications and permanent loss.
Alopecia from nutritional deficiencies such as iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D and protein can cause generalized hair thinning. Correcting deficiencies can reverse this type of hair loss however it is important to identify the deficiency as an overabundance of some elements for example, vitamin D, can also contribute to hair loss.
A board-certified hair loss specialist is able to diagnose the cause and distinguish between reversible and permanent forms of hair loss. This ensures that the appropriate therapy, treatment, medical, lifestyle or surgical intervention is initiated. Early identification and treatment is key to prevent, arrest and even sometimes reverse hair loss with the many types of alopecia.
