What are the symptoms of alopecia?
Hair shedding is common and can happen after childbirth or periods of high stress or severe illness. The doctors at LUX Dermatology can determine if your hair shedding can get better on its own or if your hair loss is caused by a condition like alopecia that requires treatment.
Alopecia is a medical condition that causes your hair to fall out. It most commonly affects the scalp but can cause hair loss in other areas of the body. When the condition first develops, you’ll notice hair falling out in round, coin-sized patches.
As the condition gets worse, you’ll:
- Find clumps of hair on your pillow or in the shower
- Develop short hairs on the edges of bald spots that get narrower at the base
- Notice nail problems, including pitting, lines, splitting, and/or white spots
- See white hair growth in affected areas
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at LUX Dermatology right away.
Why does alopecia happen?
Alopecia is an autoimmune condition. Your body’s immune system malfunctions, attacking hair follicles so that they’re no longer able to function.
Alopecia can develop at any age, but it most commonly starts in childhood. Alopecia often runs in families and can accompany other autoimmune disorders, like atopy, a condition in which your body has an extreme allergic reaction to certain substances.
How is alopecia treated?
Hair loss, not just from alopecia, has also been linked to heart disease and prostate conditions. The dermatology team carefully evaluates your symptoms to get you an accurate diagnosis.
If it’s determined that you have alopecia, they develop a customized treatment plan for you. Alopecia itself can’t be treated, but the symptoms can be managed through treatment.
At LUX Dermatology, the expert dermatologists find a way to stimulate hair growth and restore as much of your hair as possible. Treatment can include:
- Topical or oral corticosteroids
- Immune system-suppressing drugs
- High-level SPF sunscreen
- Topical solutions that stimulate hair growth
The doctors at LUX Dermatology can combine treatments to get you the best results.
Book your alopecia evaluation at LUX Dermatology at the first sign of hair loss. Call today or use the online tool to schedule your appointment.
