What is alopecia? - Treatments and advice

Alopecia is a term used to describe abnormal hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. Although it is a common hair condition, alopecia can be a cause for concern for those who experience it.

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is a medical condition characterized by abnormal hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. Although commonly associated with hair loss on the scalp, alopecia can manifest itself in various forms and degrees, affecting both men and women. This condition can be partial or complete, and its impact can range from small areas of thinning to complete hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body areas.

Alopecia is a multifactorial condition, meaning it can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, stress, hair trauma, and underlying medical diseases. Each type of alopecia has its own specific characteristics and causes, making its diagnosis and treatment unique for each individual.

Common Types of Alopecia

There are several common types of alopecia, each with specific characteristics and causes. Some of the most common types are described below:

Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common type of alopecia. It is usually hereditary and is characterized by hair loss in specific patterns, such as receding hairline in men or generalized thinning in women. This form of alopecia is related to sex hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone ( DHT ).

Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. This leads to patchy hair loss, which may be small or spread to larger areas of the scalp or body. Alopecia areata can affect people of any age and gender.

Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia universalis is a more severe form of alopecia areata, in which total hair loss occurs throughout the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. This condition is rare and can be devastating for those who suffer from it.

Cicatricial Alopecia
Scarring alopecia is caused by the destruction of hair follicles and their replacement with scar tissue. It can be the result of injuries, infections, burns, or autoimmune diseases. This form of alopecia is usually permanent.

Traumatic Alopecia
Traumatic alopecia is the result of physical or chemical damage to the hair, such as constant hair pulling (trichotillomania), excessive use of heat tools, or harsh hair chemicals. Hair loss is usually reversible if the causes of the trauma are eliminated.

Telogen Alopecia
Telogen alopecia occurs when a large amount of hair enters the resting (telogen) phase and then falls out simultaneously. This can be triggered by factors such as stress, illness, surgery, pregnancy or hormonal changes. Hair recovery is often possible after addressing the underlying cause.

Causes of Alopecia

The causes of alopecia can vary depending on the specific type of alopecia. Here are some of the most common causes:

Genetic factors
Genetic predisposition plays an important role in androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata and other hereditary types of alopecia.

Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause, pregnancy, or contraceptive use, can trigger alopecia in some people.

Autoimmune diseases
Alopecia areata and other forms of autoimmune alopecia occur when the immune system attacks the hair follicles by mistake.

Hair Trauma
Physical or chemical damage to the hair, such as constant stretching, use of harsh chemicals, or excessive heat, can cause traumatic alopecia.

Stress and Anxiety
Chronic stress can contribute to telogen alopecia, in which hair prematurely enters the resting phase and then falls out.

Medical Diseases
Certain medical illnesses, such as lupus, diabetes, and thyroid diseases, may be associated with alopecia.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosis and evaluation of alopecia are essential processes to understand the underlying cause of hair loss and determine the most appropriate treatment approach. These procedures are performed by dermatologists and hair health professionals specialized in hair disorders.

The diagnostic process includes several components:

Medical History: The doctor collects detailed information about the patient's medical history, family history of alopecia, current or past medications, hormonal changes, stress factors, and any other relevant data. This information helps identify possible underlying causes.

Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination of the patient's scalp and hair is performed. The doctor looks for signs of alopecia, such as thinning areas, bald patches, or damage to the hair follicles. Evaluation may include the use of magnifying tools and microscopes for a more precise diagnosis.

Additional Tests: In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to determine the cause of the alopecia. These tests may include blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, thyroid tests to rule out thyroid gland problems, scalp biopsies to examine hair follicles, or testing for trichotillomania in cases of self-inflicted hair loss.

Photographs: Taking photographs of the affected area before and during treatment can help evaluate the effectiveness of therapies and progress over time.

Psychological Evaluation: In some cases, a psychological evaluation may be recommended to understand the emotional impact of alopecia on the patient and provide emotional support if necessary.

The diagnostic process is essential to determine whether alopecia is a result of hereditary factors, hormonal changes, underlying diseases or other causes. Once the specific cause is identified, the hair health professional can design a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, light therapies, hair transplants, or psychological approaches as needed.

Treatments for Alopecia

Treatments for alopecia vary depending on the type and cause of the condition. Here are some common treatments:

Medicines

• Minoxidil : This over-the-counter medication is applied topically to the scalp and can help stimulate hair growth in cases of androgenic alopecia.
• Finasteride : This medication, available only by prescription, is used to treat androgenic alopecia in men by reducing DHT levels.
• Corticosteroids : Topical or injectable corticosteroids are used to treat alopecia areata and other forms of autoimmune alopecia.
• Topical immunotherapy : This treatment involves applying an irritant solution to the scalp to stimulate hair growth in cases of alopecia areata.

Surgery

• Hair Transplant: In a hair transplant, hair follicles are taken from areas with hair and transplanted to areas without hair. This is an effective option for androgenic and scarring alopecia.
• Hair micrograft: This procedure uses small follicular units to create a natural appearance in areas affected by alopecia.

Light Therapy

• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): LLLT uses laser light to stimulate hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia.

Psychological Therapy

• Supportive therapy: Alopecia can have a significant emotional impact. Supportive therapy can help people deal with the psychological aspects of hair loss.

Tips for hair care

In addition to medical treatments, there are some hair care tips that can help maintain healthy hair:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc and biotin.
• Avoid excessive stress, which can contribute to hair loss.
• Use gentle products and avoid excessive use of heat tools.
• Avoid tight hairstyles that can damage your hair.
• Consult a hair health professional for personalized recommendations.

Alopecia is a common hair condition that can have a significant impact on the lives of those who suffer from it. It is important to understand that there are different types of alopecia, each with its own causes and treatment options. If you are experiencing abnormal hair loss, we encourage you to seek evaluation from a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and discuss available treatment options. With the right diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to address and manage alopecia effectively, regaining confidence in your appearance and in yourself.