Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Written by: Joanne Simpson, MD, MPH
Did you know that there are multiple types of alopecia? Alopecia is an umbrella term that refers to hair loss. In fact, there are over 10 different types. As dermatologists, our job is to determine what type of alopecia a patient has and to provide recommendations specific to that type.
There are 2 major categories of alopecia: non-scarring alopecias and scarring alopecias. Non-scarring alopecias, as the diagnosis implies, does not involve scarring of the scalp. These tend to be transient, self-limited/recoverable hair loss types that can be caused by stress, dietary changes, and certain forms of autoimmune states. Examples of non-scarring alopecias include telogen effluvium, male and female pattern balding, early traction alopecia, and alopecia areata (patchy hair loss).
Scarring alopecias are associated with scarring within the dermis or deep skin tissue. Inflammation caused by certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, or chronic use of relaxers and other chemicals or heat can cause non-scarring alopecias. Early treatment of these conditions lead to a better outcome.
Oftimes, the subtype of alopecia can be determined clinically. Sometimes, a biopsy is needed to make the diagnosis. Depending on the type of alopecia, treatment may entail use of anti-inflammatory medications (such as topical steroids or steroid injections), topical minoxidil (eg. Rogaine) or oral antibiotics. Procedural treatment options, such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections or hair transplantation are treatment options for certain types of alopecia.
What to do if you have alopecia?
Don’t wait to “see what happens” or treat with beauty supply products. Early evaluation and treatment is key. Visit us at Charlotte Dermatology to have the scalp and hair evaluated. Making an accurate diagnosis and initiating the appropriate treatment for that diagnosis is important for the most successful outcome.
Source: Verywellhealth.com
Example of one type of non-scarring alopecia (alopecia areata)
Source: hairrestorationofthesouth.com
Example of one type of scarring alopecia (central centrifugal scarring alopecia)