Alopecia (Hair Loss)

Alopecia refers to hair loss, which occurs when more hair is shed than grows back. Normally, people lose 50–100 hairs a day. Hair growth happens in cycles, and most scalp hair is in the growing phase at any given time.

Common Type:

Hereditary thinning (Pattern Alopecia): This is the most frequent type and is hormone-related.

In men, it often starts with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown.
In women, it appears as general thinning across the scalp without complete baldness.

Other Causes of Alopecia:

Childbirth or illness with high fever
Thyroid disorders
Low protein or iron levels
Medications (e.g., for blood pressure, birth control, arthritis, cancer)
Fungal infections
Alopecia areata (autoimmune disorder causing sudden bald patches)
Poor hair care (e.g., chemical treatments or excessive heat)

Hair Loss During Chronic Illness:

Conditions like thyroid disease or anemia disrupt hair growth, but normal growth often resumes after treatment.

Alopecia Areata:

Hair falls out in round, smooth patches. It often regrows on its own, sometimes initially in a lighter color. It’s considered an autoimmune disorder.

Diagnosis:

Usually made visually by a dermatologist. Sometimes a biopsy or lab work is needed to rule out other causes.

Treatment Options:

Address the underlying cause (e.g., thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies)
Topical and oral medications (e.g., Minoxidil, Propecia)
Procedures such as hair transplantation or hair weaving
Lifestyle changes and supportive hair care

Prognosis:

The outlook depends on the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of slowing or reversing hair loss.

Whether you are looking for a hair loss dermatologist near Quincy or real solutions for hair loss treatments near Plymouth, Integrated Dermatology encourages you to reach out and let our expertise help give you the confidence you deserve.