Alopecia
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Integrated Dermatology of Bridgeport
Medical Dermatologists & Cosmetic Dermatologists located in Trumbull, CT
Large patches of hair loss or total hair loss can be concerning and surprisingly, especially if you’re not sick or experiencing any other medical symptoms. This type of hair loss may be caused by alopecia, a dermatologic condition treated by the expert team at Brookside Dermatology Associates. Located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the team offers medications and support to help your hair grow back. To set up a consultation and get treatment for alopecia, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Alopecia Q & A
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is a medical condition that causes hair loss on your scalp and body. There are different patterns of hair loss with alopecia, including:
- Alopecia areata: loss of hair in round patches
- Alopecia totalis: loss of all hair on the scalp
- Alopecia universalis: loss of all hair on the body
Only about 5% of patients with alopecia lose all of the hair on their head and body. The majority of patients who lose hair find that it grows back and falls out again, though hair loss can last for many years. Alopecia is not a contagious condition, but treatment can help your hair grow back faster.
What are the signs of alopecia?
Alopecia most often causes hair loss in small, round patches that are about the size of a quarter. You may lose more or less hair than this, depending on your specific case. Alopecia doesn’t cause any other symptoms and won’t make you feel sick or unhealthy in any way.
What causes alopecia?
Alopecia occurs when your immune system attacks your hair follicles, leading to hair fall out. This can happen to patients of all ages, genders, and races. In most cases, the signs of alopecia first show up during childhood.
The exact cause of this immune response is unknown since it doesn’t trigger any other immune responses or cause any other symptoms. There may be a genetic component, though alopecia isn’t always passed on to the child of a parent with alopecia.
However, you may have an elevated risk of developing alopecia if you have a close family member with the condition. This is especially true if your family member first lost a patch of hair before the age of 30.
How is alopecia diagnosed?
Diagnosis of alopecia involves a physical exam in which the doctors assess your scalp and/or body for hair loss. They may perform additional tests on your hair and skin to rule out other potential causes of hair loss, such as an infection or other autoimmune condition, if appropriate.
How is alopecia treated?
There is no specific treatment or cure for alopecia, though the doctors offer different prescription medications that can help your hair grow back. The team determines which type of medication is best for you based on the pattern of hair loss you’re experiencing and your overall health.
To get help with hair loss caused by alopecia, call the experienced team at Brookside Dermatology Associates or schedule a visit online.
