Alopecia Treatment in Delhi, India

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is assumed to be an autoimmune disorder that affects hair in round or oval spots on the head or other hair-bearing parts of the body, like the eyebrows, beard, or eyelashes. Common types of alopecia Areata are:

• Patchy Alopecia Areata,
• Alopecia Universalis
• Alopecia Totalis,
• Alopecia Barbae,
• Alopecia Ophiasis
• Diffuse Alopecia Areata,
• Androgenetic Alopecia

There are two types of hair fall: male and female patterns. Men have a set pattern type of hair fall, whereas female hair thins out all overhead.

Scarring Alopecia

Primary scarring alopecias are a type of disease that causes permanent hair loss by destroying the hair follicle & replacing it with scar tissue. Hair loss begins from the middle of the scalp & gradually extends outwards in Scarring Alopecia.

Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

A condition in which hair falls out as a result of chemotherapy.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Hair falls out over the front of the head and can cause Eyebrow hair loss.

Lichen planopilaris

Scarring causes hair loss by destroying the hair follicle & replacing it with scar tissue.

Telogen Effluvium

In this, a large number of the hair enters the telogen phase and falls during Telogen Effluvium, due to more hair fall compared to normal hair fall. Telogen Effluvium is triggered by a psychological or physical or psychological stimulus and returns to normal.

Traction Alopecia

Traction Hair falls occur due to pulling hair in the same direction for a long period. Relaxers, Tight hairstyles, and extensions are common causes of this issue.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a mental/ physiological disorder in which individuals can't stop plucking out their hair, resulting in baldness/ bald patches.

Hair loss doesn't have a set pattern; it can happen in various ways depending on what is causing it. Hair loss might strike abruptly or gradually, impacting entire body hairs or scalp.

The following are some symptoms of hair loss:

• Gradual thinning of hair. A prevalent form of hair loss occurs as individuals become older. Hair starts to fall near the forehead area of males. In most cases, a mid fade is a relatively prevalent hair loss trend in older women.
• Circular bald spots. Some people experience hair falling in a circular pattern on the beard, scalp, or eyebrows areas.
• Hair loss due to trauma. Hair might loosen due to physical or mental trauma. While brushing or washing hair, and after light pulling, a few hair strands could fall out. Hair reduction is common with this form of baldness, although it is only temporary.
• Hair loss due to medicine. Some medical conditions and treatments can cause hair fall, like during chemotherapy. Hair normally regrows on its own or with some treatment.
• Patches of scaling. It is a ringworm symptom. Broken hair, inflammation, puffiness, and seeping are all possible symptoms.

On average, the normal person loses 50 to 100 hair strands daily. Since new hair grows simultaneously, this is typically undetectable. Baldness happens when the hair that has fallen out is not replaced by new hair. Commonly linked hair loss factors are as below:

• Family history. An inherited disease, Androgenic alopecia, that occurs with ageing is the most prevalent cause of baldness. Androgenic alopecia, often known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness, is a disorder that affects both men and women. 
• Hormonal changes/medical conditions. Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, delivery, menopause, & thyroid disorders are just a few conditions that can cause permanent or temporary hair loss. Medical conditions like scalp infections in ringworm & trichotillomania; in trichotillomania, there is an irresistible urge to pull out hair.
• Medications. Drugs for certain diseases can cause hair fall like cancer, heart problem, etc.
• Radiation therapy to the head. It's possible that hair won't regrow as it did previously.
• Stressful event. Many people notice a generalized thinning of their hair during emotional trauma. Hair loss of this nature is just momentary.

The Doctor will most likely examine the patient and inquire about their nutrition, hair care regimen, and personal and family medical history before establishing a diagnosis. They may also be subjected to tests:

• Blood test. This might aid in the discovery of medical problems causing hair loss.
• Pull test. The Doctor tugs a few dozen strands softly to check how many fall out. This aids in determining the phase of shedding.
• Scalp biopsy. The Doctor pulls a sample from the skin, or several hairs pulled from the head to examine hair under a microscope. This biopsy can assist in determining whether or not an illness is the cause of hair loss.
• Light microscopy. The Doctor examines hair that has been trimmed at the bases using a special device. Hair shaft problems can be easily detected under a microscope.

There are treatment options for certain forms of hair loss. One can stop or slow down and halt hair loss with these treatments. Hair may recover without therapy in some circumstances, like alopecia areata Medications & surgery is two treatment options for hair loss.

• Medication

  If the cause of hair fall is an underlying disease, Treatment for the illness becomes important. The Doctor may urge the patient to stop using a specific medicine for several months if it is the cause of their hair loss. Medications can treat Pattern baldness.

• Hair transplant surgery

  Mainly head is afflicted with the most prevalent kind of persistent hair loss. Hair transplantation is often known as hair restoration surgery.

  A dermatologist pulls hair from a hairy part of the head and transplants it to a bald area in a hair transplant operation. There are one to numerous hairs in each hair patch. A broader skin patch with various hair groups can sometimes be taken. Although this operation does not necessitate hospitalization, it is uncomfortable. Therefore, patients will be given sedative medication to help patients relax. Bleeding, swelling, bruising, & infection are all potential dangers. Despite surgery, hereditary hair loss will ultimately worsen.

• Laser therapy

  The Food & Drug Administration has authorized a laser device of lower level as a therapy for genetic hair loss.

Many factors can cause hair loss, which can strike anybody at any moment. Alopecia is mostly inherited & age-related, with males being more afflicted than women. Several genetic and behavioural variables, on the other hand, might enhance their chances of developing alopecia. If patients have any of the following conditions, then they may be at a greater risk of hair loss:

• History of baldness in the family.
• Pregnancy
• Taking medications that cause hair fall 
• Medical conditions like diabetes and lupus
• Poor nutrition
• Prognosis for alopecia 

Spontaneous regrowth has been seen among people who have a single bald patch. Healing may be possible even in the most extreme alopecia totalis & alopecia universalis situations. The factor which affects prognosis are:

• Onset at a young age
• Extensive disease
• President Bald patches

What is alopecia?
Alopecia refers to a condition characterised by partial or complete hair loss, which can occur on the scalp or other parts of the body.

What are the different types of alopecia?
There are several types of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, and cicatricial alopecia.

What causes androgenetic alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is primarily caused by genetic and hormonal factors.

Is alopecia areata an autoimmune disorder? Yes, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

How is alopecia areata diagnosed?
Alopecia areata is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and sometimes by conducting a scalp biopsy or blood tests.

Can alopecia be cured?
Currently, there is no known cure for alopecia, but various treatments can help manage the condition and promote hair regrowth.

What are the treatment options for alopecia?
Treatment options for alopecia include topical medications, oral medications, corticosteroid injections, hair transplant surgery, and laser therapy.

Are there any FDA-approved treatments for alopecia areata?
Yes, the FDA has approved certain medications like minoxidil and tofacitinib for the treatment of alopecia areata.

Can diet affect hair loss?
Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss, so maintaining a balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals is important for hair health.

Does wearing tight hairstyles cause traction alopecia?
Yes, wearing tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, or buns can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss resulting from excessive tension on the hair.

Can alopecia be prevented?
Prevention measures for alopecia depend on the type. For some forms, such as androgenetic alopecia, prevention is challenging, but avoiding triggers like excessive heat or tension can help prevent other types.

Does alopecia affect only adults?
No, alopecia can affect people of all ages, including children and teenagers.

Are there any support groups for individuals with alopecia?
Yes, there are various support groups, both online and in-person, that provide resources, information, and emotional support to individuals with alopecia.

Can alopecia affect body hair?
Yes, alopecia can affect body hair, leading to loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or other body hair in some cases.

Is there a link between alopecia and other medical conditions?
Yes, alopecia has been associated with other conditions, such as thyroid disorders, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and autoimmune diseases.

Can alopecia lead to psychological effects?
Yes, hair loss can have a significant impact on an individual's self-esteem, body image, and overall psychological well-being.

Are there any alternative therapies for alopecia?
Some individuals explore alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal supplements, or essential oils, but their effectiveness for alopecia is not scientifically proven.

Does alopecia cause permanent hair loss?
While some forms of alopecia can cause permanent hair loss, others may be temporary or can be managed with appropriate treatments.

Is there ongoing research on alopecia?
Yes, researchers continue to study the underlying causes, potential treatments, and management strategies for different forms of alopecia, aiming to improve outcomes for affected individuals.

Review

FAQs reviewed by Dr. Amit Varma - Senior Consultant, Dermatology.