ALOPECIA
Alopecia areata is one of the most common forms of hair loss observed by dermatologists. Earlier, there was no treatment for Alopecia and so people had to live with bald patches on their heads. But, now a deeper understanding of causes of Alopecia has given us some effective treatment modalities. Dr. Bagadia’s clinic has helped many people to treat the bald patches and regain their confidence.
What is Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata is skin condition characterised by hair loss that causes distinctive bald patches. It causes loss of hair from scalp, face and other parts of the body. Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder and occurs when body’s own defense system attacks some cells causing hair loss. For most people the condition resolves on its own within a year, but the hair loss is sometimes permanent. People who develop one of more bald patches in scalp find it very unpleasant and suffer a lot of distress.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Sudden loss of hair in defined patches.
Excessive hair fall even on touch
Bald patches spread rapidly.
May start losing body hair.
May show up on any part of the body and not necessarily involve scalp hair only.
Seen after any acute health history or any stress.
What are the types of Alopecia?
Alopecia is mainly of two types – Non-scarring Alopecia and Acarring Alopecia.
In non – scarring alopecia, there is hair loss but the follicles are spared and hence regrowth of hair is always a possibility. When the hair loss is in a coin shaped pattern, it is called as Alopecia Areata. The bald patches are very distinctive because they are almost sharply defined circular patches. One or several patches of baldness can occur during the time that alopecia areata continues. The patches may enlarge and overlap or they may remain very small. If left untreated in extreme cases, all the hair from the scalp and face can be lost (Alopecia Totalis) or all the hair from the head and the body can be lost (Alopecia Universalis)
Scarring alopecia or cicatricial baldness (cicatric means scar), is a type of baldness where the underlying tissues below and around the hair follicles get scarred and the hair tissues die-off and cannot be rejuvenated and regenerated because the hair follicles are destroyed. Hence, in scarring Alopecia regrowth is not possible.
This is an irreversible case of hair loss and is also termed as male pattern thinning as it mainly affects the men. It starts with thinning of hair in the front and the crown areas of scalp. Androgenetic Alopecia usually begins in teens and progresses till the age of 30. So if you have good hair on your head by the time you are 30, you probably will always have it.
What are the causes of Alopecia?
Alopecia occurs when body’s own immunity consisting of white blood cells attacks the healthy hair follicles. Alopecia may also be caused due to other factors such as stress, infection to the scalp or certain illnesses only if you are genetically predisposed to conditions of hair loss and thinning. Some type of Alopecia such as androgenetic Alopecia is predominant in men and is caused by male hormones. The common causes of Alopecia are listed below
- Autoimmune response
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Mental Stress
- Trauma
- Exposure to some chemicals
- Illnesses
- Poor nutrition
- Irregular lifestyle
Who can suffer from Alopecia?
Alopecia aereta can affect both men and women; however, the male pattern and female pattern of hair loss is significantly different. Also, some type of Alopecia such as Androgenetic Alopecia is seen more commonly in men due to the effects of testosterone. Although people in the age group of 30 to 60 years of age are most likely to develop Alopecia areata, younger people can have this hair loss problem too.
How to cure Alopecia?
The treatment for Alopecia is recommended based on its type. Treatment for Alopecia areata focuses on reducing the white blood cells associated with the problem. People who suffer from Alopecia areata are also prescribed amino acid supplement containing L-tyrosine, which reduces auto-inflammation. Also, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity need to be considered while dealing with Alopecia. Since stress too is contributing factor, in non-scarring Alopecia, person who suffers can consider going for yoga, meditation, or other relaxation therapy. L-tyrosine is also highly recommended for people who have scarring Alopecia. Since scarring Alopecia causes irreversible hair loss, people can consider non-surgical hair camouflage.
Signs:
Receding hair line
Loss of more than 100 hair strands a day
Rapid hair loss at an early age
Unusual pattern of hair loss
Pain or itching in scalp with hair loss
Bald spots on beard or eyebrows
Causes:
Hormonal imbalance
Genetic causes
Nutritional deficiency
Hectic lifestyle
Medications
ALOPECIA TREATMENT PROTOCOL
- Thorough examination and diagnosis help doctor to get the exact cause of the problem and the pace at which it is progressing.
- To get updates on follicular status and scalp health, Capilloscopy is done by the doctor.
- Since the scalp is sensitive in this condition, doctors usually avoid giving clinical therapies. They rather suggest home care treatments to cease the spread.
- After undergoing the treatment, follow up becomes a necessity; as monitoring the status of such hair condition is an important aspect.
How much does the Alopecia treatment cost?
The cost of Alopecia treatment depends on the type and severity of Alopecia. If you wish to know the cost of Alopecia treatment for your condition, book an appointment with us to meet our trichologists.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any query about hair transplantation, may this FAQ help you to solve your query.
Q. How does Hair grow?
Hair grows at the rate of 1 inches every 2 month. But it may vary from person to person.
Q. How much does a transplantation cost?
In India, Hair transplantation cost from 30-35 Thousand to 1.5 Lac for one session depending upon the technique used, the experience and perfection of the surgeon.
Q. Who needs a Hair Transplant?
Any male or female who has lost his or her hair, due to male or female pattern of baldness or any other irreversible baldness need a hair transplant.
Q. How soon will they see the result?
After the transplant hairs start growing in 2-3 months at the rate of 25% every 3 months. One should expect full results in 9-12 Months.