Hair loss can occur as a result of aging, heredity, medications or an underlying medical condition, and can affect men and women of all ages. It may leave you with pattern baldness, patchy spots or thinned hair. Most people are troubled by this undesired change to their appearance and may be frustrated that there is no cure available for this condition.
Androgenic alopecia is a common form of incurable hair loss that occurs in many males and some females. Also known as Male Pattern Baldness, the disorder causes men to lose their hair in a characteristic manner, with the hairline receding into a sort of “M” shape across the forehead while hair along the crown thins out. In Female Pattern Baldness, there is no recession of the hairline, but a thinning of all hair equally; female AA rarely causes total baldness.
Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease that causes a person’s hair to fall out as the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Hair often falls out in clumps and can be maintained in a small area or may lead to severe hair loss.
While many people are forced to deal with hair loss and let the condition progress naturally, there are several treatments available to help promote hair growth or hide hair loss. The best treatment option for each patient depends on the location and extent of the hair loss, but may include hair growth medications, wigs and hairpieces, and hair transplant or scalp reduction surgery.
Other causes of hair loss include fungal and bacterial infections and diseases like lupus erythematosus. Dr. Kaminester looks carefully for any underlying causes that may help identify the reason for the hair loss and also lead to finding and treating other systemic diseases.
Topical medications such as Minoxidil may be effective in both men and women for AA, while the systemic oral agent, Finasteride, is used almost exclusively by men. Anyone can be affected by alopecia areata, and nearly 2% of the American population will develop the disease at some point. Some people may have an increased risk if they have a family history of the disease or of other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes or lupus. Children and young adults are also commonly affected.
Alopecia areata sometimes goes away on its own, or with reduced emotional stress, but there are several treatment options available to help promote new hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Corticosteroids are often used to treat autoimmune diseases and may be administered as injections, pills or topical ointment to suppress the immune system from attacking the hair follicles. Microscopic examination of the hairs that are falling out may lead to further clues to the diagnosis. Sometimes a scalp biopsy is done to get more information.
Rogaine and other hair growth products can be used to help stimulate hair growth from areas that have been affected. A combination of these treatment options may improve their effectiveness. Sometimes biotin and Zinc re given. We recognize that, for many people, their hair is an indicator of both good health and youth, and we try to help our patents maintain both.
Contact us to schedule a consultation or to learn more about Hair Loss
