You may be surprised when you suddenly have a bald spot the size of a quarter on the top of your head or your eyelashes fall out. When you or your child experience sudden hair loss, you may have alopecia. The board-certified dermatologists at Northstar Dermatology in North Richland Hills, Texas, take the time to accurately diagnose alopecia and then devise a treatment plan to help you regrow hair or prevent further hair loss. Don’t despair if you have alopecia. Get an evaluation and treatment from experts by calling or booking an appointment online today.
Alopecia is the medical term for any type of hair loss. Many people mistakenly associate “alopecia” specifically with alopecia areata, a distinct form of patchy hair loss caused by an autoimmune attack on hair follicles. In a broader sense, however, alopecia refers to any cause of hair loss, encompassing conditions from alopecia areata to hereditary hair loss.
There are several types of alopecia, or hair loss, which can generally be divided into two main categories: scarring and non-scarring hair loss.
Scarring Alopecia
Less common, scarring hair loss typically results from an immune response targeting the hair follicle, causing symptoms like redness, scaling, itching, or burning on the scalp. Over time, this type of alopecia leads to the destruction of hair follicles, scar tissue formation, and irreversible hair loss.
Non-Scarring Alopecia
Non-scarring hair loss is more common and includes types like telogen effluvium and androgenetic (hereditary) hair loss. Telogen effluvium involves widespread hair shedding that usually follows a physiological stressor, such as severe infection, chronic illness, surgery, significant weight loss, or childbirth. Hair loss typically begins about three months after the triggering event and lasts around six months, with a good prognosis for full regrowth.
Hereditary or androgenetic hair loss is extremely common and may result from a combination of genetics and individual sensitivity to androgen hormones. Up to 80% of people may experience hereditary hair loss, though the onset, rate, and severity of hair loss can vary widely among individuals.
Before starting any hair loss treatment, it’s essential to consult your physician. A physical exam and lab testing may be necessary to rule out underlying medical causes.
For hereditary hair loss, several treatment options are available. An effective over-the-counter option is minoxidil 5% foam or liquid, commonly known by the brand name Rogaine, which can be applied once or twice daily. Results may take up to six months, with initial increased shedding sometimes occurring. Higher concentrations of minoxidil can be prescribed by a board-certified dermatologist, and it may help thicken fine hairs for a fuller appearance. Recently, oral minoxidil has also gained popularity as an effective option.
Oral medications are also available to treat hair loss. Spironolactone is often used for female pattern hair loss, working to reduce androgen levels. Finasteride and dutasteride are options for both men and women, as they block androgens’ effects on hair follicles. For severe alopecia areata, medications such as tofacitinib, Olumiant (baricitinib), and Litfulo (ritlecitinib) have shown promise. These medications are generally safe but come with potential side effects that should be discussed with your doctor.
Corticosteroid injections into areas of thinning or balding can also promote regrowth, typically requiring a series of treatments every 4–8 weeks.
Hair loss is often a sensitive topic due to the aesthetic emphasis on hair. Many companies may exploit this, marketing expensive and often ineffective products. It’s important to set realistic expectations—there is no instant fix, nor can treatment fully restore hair to what it was in youth. However, with advancements in understanding hair loss, effective treatments are increasingly available. As always, consult a medical professional for safe and confident progress in your evaluation and treatment journey.
