Alopecia, Hair loss, and other scalp or head problems
Alopecia is defined as hair loss. There are different types of alopecia that can cause hair loss on the scalp or body. Normal hair loss is about 50-100 hairs per day. If you are losing more than that, you may need to seek treatment with a dermatologist.
Androgenetic alopecia is a hereditary type of hair loss and occurs in both men and women. This type of alopecia causes shrinking of the hair follicles and shortening of the active growth phase of the follicle.
Alopecia areata is a medical condition that can cause different types of hair loss. Each of these types has a different name:
- Alopecia areata (hair loss in patches)
- Alopecia totalis (lose all hair on the scalp)
- Alopecia universalis (lose all hair on the body)
This disease is not contagious and typically affects people who are otherwise healthy. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the hair follicle. The hair can grow back but may begin to fall out again.
Although there is no cure or prevention for alopecia, there are treatments that can help stimulate hair growth.
These treatments may include:
- Corticosteroids injections
- Oral medications
- Topical medications
- Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Oral finasteride (Propecia)
