Terms associated with hair loss can be a bit confusing, particularly when it comes to types. Here, the best alopecia areata doctor in Maryland clears up some of that confusion.
Keep reading to learn why a hair transplant may not be the best option for all hair loss, what treatments might be more suitable, and how your diet can impact hair growth.
First, Let’s Clear Up the Key Difference Between Alopecia and Alopecia Areata
Alopecia is a broad term that encompasses various types of hair loss, including alopecia areata. Contributing factors include genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and medications. Alopecia can manifest in different forms, including pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), telogen effluvium, or traction alopecia, among others.
Is alopecia areata an autoimmune condition that causes sudden, patchy hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body? It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles which leads to hair loss.
What Symptoms Does Alopecia Areata Present, and How Do We Diagnose It?
This disorder presents as sudden, unpredictable, patchy hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body. Affected areas may appear smooth and have broken hairs. In some cases, there may be itching or tingling sensations prior to hair loss. Some patients notice tiny dents in their fingernails which also can become brittle.
The best alopecia areata doctor in Maryland needs to examine the pattern of hair loss and evaluate symptoms, and they may perform a pull test to assess hair shedding. Can a scalp biopsy or blood test confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions in some cases?
Why Doesn’t a Hair Transplant Always Work for Alopecia Areata?
It’s because the underlying cause of the condition is an autoimmune response that attacks hair follicles. Even if transplanted hair is initially successful, it is susceptible to the same autoimmune attack, which leads to further hair loss and potential rejection of the transplanted follicles.
What Treatments Does the Best Alopecia Areata Doctor in Maryland Recommend?
- Intralesional corticosteroid injections: The medication is injected directly into bald patches to suppress the immune response and stimulate hair growth.
- JAK Inhibitors: These oral medications suppress the immune response and promote hair regrowth.
- Light therapy: Phototherapy with ultraviolet light can stimulate hair regrowth.
- Micropigmentation: Tattoo artists pigment the scalp to mimic the appearance of hair follicles.
- Minoxidil: Applied to affected areas, this has a proven track record of successfully addressing alopecia areata.
- Systemic corticosteroids: Oral steroids may be prescribed for severe cases.
- Topical corticosteroids: These are applied to affected areas to reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth.
Does Diet Matter When it Comes to Hair Loss?
There are medical studies that indicate your diet can make a difference, although research is always ongoing.
Nutrient deficiencies, especially iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins D and E, contribute to hair loss. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support overall hair health.
Before adjusting your diet or vitamin supplements, be sure to have a talk with your primary care provider.
Help Can Be Found at Kindred Hair & Skin Center!
When you choose Dr. Chesahna Kindred, you are choosing a board-certified dermatologist. She = has dedicated her career to making sure her patients get top-tier care. She can do the same for you.
It’s time to take this first step to healthy hair growth. Call us at 443-424-7754 to book your hair loss consultation with Dr. Kindred today!