About Alopecia

Alopecia areata is a condition in which hair falls out in patches on the scalp and other parts of the body. The hair may grow back but often falls out again. This condition is not contagious. It is an autoimmune disease when the person’s own immune system attacks their hair follicles and makes them stop falling out and stop growing. This usually looks like a round bald patch of skin on the scalp, eyelashes and beard hair.

Treatment Options:

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are used to treat alopecia areata. This medicine can be administered as shots by a dermatologist or applied as a topical form.

Topical Creams and Lotions: Creams and lotions, in accordance with other treatments, may work well for your hair restoration needs. Because these methods rely upon consistent application, however, your hair may begin to shed once more if you stop using the product. These types of treatments like topical Minoxidil may be available over-the-counter or can be prescribed by a dermatologist.

Prescription medicines: The prescription medicine, finasteride, is FDA approved for treatment of male genetic alopecia.  

Platelet Rich Plasma: PRP is becoming an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment to help stimulate hair regrowth. After drawing blood from the patient, it is put into a machine that spins it and separates the blood cells from the liquid which is full of growth factors and nutrients. This liquid PRP can be injected into the scalp skin to “fertilize” the hair follicles to help them grow thicker, fuller hair.  

Vitamins and hair supplements: Taking biotin and iron is often recommended to help improve hair loss from various causes. Vitamin D, Zinc and other professional hair loss supplements can also potentially help slow down alopecia.  

Transplants: Hair transplants work by redistributing the hair you already have. This method takes hair from an area where your hair growth is dense and sustainable and implants it into an area where the hair is more sparse. This type of treatment looks very natural.