Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that impacts millions of people in the U.S. It can even start at a very young age.
What causes the condition, and is it treatable? Here is what the Best alopecia specialist in Howard County has to say.
What Causes Alopecia Areata?
It is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, which leads to patches of hair loss. Researchers believe that genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune system dysfunction contribute to its development.
Stress and viral infections may also trigger or exacerbate episodes.
What Is the Difference Between Alopecia and Alopecia Areata?
While alopecia areata is a specific condition, the word alopecia itself is an umbrella term for multiple types of hair loss. In addition to alopecia areata, these are also common:
- Androgenetic alopecia: Commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, this is the most prevalent type influenced by genetics and hormone factors.
- Telogen effluvium: This results from stress, illness, or hormonal changes and causes excessive shedding of resting hair follicles.
- Traction alopecia: A type of hair loss that is caused by repeated tension on the hair follicles, often due to tight hairstyles or hair treatments.
Are There Symptoms?
Many people are confused about the symptoms of hair loss. It is not always thinning hair. You might also experience itchiness, redness, a loss of hair on the body, or complete baldness on the scalp.
How Does the Best Alopecia Specialist in Howard County Diagnose My Specific Condition?
Diagnosing hair loss typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a reputable specialist, often a board-certified dermatologist.
During the evaluation, they will conduct a physical examination of your scalp and hair to assess the pattern and extent of loss. They may also review your medical history, including any family history of hair loss, recent illnesses, medications, and lifestyle factors.
Diagnostic tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. These tests may include blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions.
In some cases, the doctor may also perform a scalp biopsy to examine a small sample of tissue under a microscope. This can help pinpoint conditions affecting the follicles.
What Are My Treatment Options?
The best alopecia specialist in Howard County will make recommendations based on your specific needs. Thankfully, you have options, and they may suggest one or more treatments.
Deep hair cleansing involves removing buildup and impurities from the scalp and hair follicles. Fortunately, this promotes a healthier environment for hair growth. Additionally, they may recommend growth factor treatments. These use proteins that stimulate hair follicle activity to encourage thicker, fuller hair growth. Combining both techniques enhances scalp health and encourages optimal hair growth.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) are minimally invasive injections that use your own blood, which is rich in growth factors, to stimulate hair follicles, promote hair growth, and improve hair density.
Litfulo and Olumiant treat alopecia areata hair loss as prescription medications. They work by suppressing the immune system’s attack on hair follicles allowing hair to regrow.
Nutrafol and Viviscal PRO promote hair growth by providing essential nutrients and vitamins that support hair follicle function and overall scalp health. These natural supplements contain ingredients like biotin, antioxidants, and marine extracts that nourish from within to promote thicker, stronger, and healthier hair growth.
Turn to Kindred Hair & Skin Center for Amazing Hair Treatment Results!
When you choose our practice, expect compassionate and respectful treatment. Call us at 443-424-7754 to book your consultation with Dr. Chesahna Kindred to discuss a personalized plan for beautiful, healthy hair.