Alopecia doesn't discriminate. This type of hair loss affects both men and women, young and old. But what leads to its onset? And, more importantly, what are the solutions?
At Quality Primary Care, in Rockville, Maryland, board-certified physician Suresh Malik, MD, offers hair loss solutions for patients struggling with alopecia-related hair loss. Our team understands how distressing hair loss can be. In addition to traditional treatment options, new treatments are available that can improve moderate-to-severe alopecia.
Genetics, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, and even stress have been linked to alopecia. It's essential to recognize that alopecia isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition.
Each individual's journey is unique, and so is the cause behind their hair loss. The initial step in treatment is often determining the root cause. Some of the causes of alopecia include the following:
A prevalent type of alopecia is alopecia areata, where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This results in patchy hair loss, which can be isolated to the scalp or spread throughout the body.
The exact cause of alopecia areata remains unknown. While spontaneous recovery is possible, there are also treatments that can help hasten hair regrowth.
Known as male or female pattern baldness, androgenic alopecia is primarily a genetic issue. Men typically see hairline recession, while women notice overall hair thinning. Early recognition is paramount in managing this condition.
The good news is there are treatments that can help prevent further hair loss and help you regrow hair.
Certain conditions, such as telogen effluvium, can strike after stressful events, which can lead to extensive hair shedding. Although often temporary, if stress triggers hair loss for you, it's essential to address your stress triggers and seek professional advice.
With adequate care and stress management, you may be able to curb the long-term effects of stress, promote healthy hair regrowth, and help your physical and mental health as well.
Today's medical landscape offers a plethora of treatments, each tailored to specific alopecia types. The following are some of the approaches to treating alopecia:
The most common first line of defense is topical treatments, such as Minoxidil. It's applied directly to the scalp and has shown promising results, especially for those with early-stage hair loss. Regular application can promote hair regrowth and prevent further thinning.
Finasteride, primarily for men, is an oral prescription medication that prevents hair loss by blocking the action of certain hormones on hair follicles. While effective, it's essential to discuss potential side effects with a health care provider. For women, Spironolactone is sometimes prescribed, which works by addressing hormone-related hair thinning.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have emerged as a potential game-changer in alopecia treatment. These medications were originally designed for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancers due to their ability to modulate the immune system.
However, recent studies have indicated their efficacy in treating alopecia, especially alopecia areata. Initial clinical trials have shown promising results with significant hair regrowth in patients. The inhibitors work by targeting and interrupting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in the immune response that attacks hair follicles.
This cutting-edge treatment involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting it into the scalp. The growth factors in PRP can help stimulate hair follicles to grow new, thicker hair.
For those looking for a more permanent solution, hair transplant surgery may be the answer. The process involves removing hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back of the scalp) and transplanting them to thinning or bald areas. Modern techniques, such as follicular unit extraction (FUE), have made the procedure minimally invasive with natural-looking results.
This is a nonsurgical treatment in which natural pigments are applied at the epidermal level of the scalp, replicating the appearance of hair follicles. While it doesn't promote hair growth, it offers an illusion of fuller hair, which can be especially useful for those with significant thinning.
Certain treatments may require a referral to a specialist. When this is the case, our team will work together with a specialist to provide comprehensive treatment.
Confronting alopecia can be an emotional journey, but with understanding and the right guidance, it becomes manageable. At Quality Primary Care, our dedication is not just to treat but to empower our patients. If you’re struggling with alopecia, schedule a visit to discuss how our team can help. Call 301-762-7723 or book an appointment online today.
