Alopecia: What is it?

Hair loss is often a taboo topic. It can be a difficult thing to admit, often a source of shame for sufferers. Many can go months, even years, before mentioning it to their doctors. However, being honest with your practitioner or a specialist can mean finding answers and ways to manage your hair loss before it becomes severe.

One of the causes of hair loss we see in our office is an autoimmune skin disease called alopecia areata, more commonly known as alopecia. Autoimmune disorders cause the body’s immune system to attack the body; instead of only attacking dangerous outside invaders and allergens, the immune system sees internal cells, organs, and body systems as the enemy, and attacks them. Alopecia is, more specifically, when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out.

We’re sure you’re wondering: “Aren’t you dermatologists? Not hair stylists?” True, but remember that when we introduced alopecia, we noted that it is a skin disease. Hair follicles are part of the skin: the hair bulb (where the hair grows from) sits at the transition between the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Because of this, alopecia is considered to be a dermatological concern.

Now, if you find yourself shedding a few hairs now and then, that’s most likely not alopecia. This sort of hair loss is significant, in which hair comes out in clumps about the size of a quarter. Some people lose a lot of hair. Others only in a few spots. It is possible to lose all the hair on your head, or the entire body, but those cases are more rare.

The good news is that alopecia does not kill the hair follicles themselves, which means the hair is able to grow back. Some may find their hair grows back in a cyclical manner: falling out and growing back time and time again. Many find that their hair grows back permanently.

Like most autoimmune diseases, alopecia cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Corticosteroids--anti-inflammatory drugs--topical immunotherapy, and hair growth products like Rogaine, can all be used to help.

Board-certified dermatologists have the knowledge, training, and expertise needed in order to accurately diagnose and treat hair loss. At New River Dermatology, we can help find a treatment plan that works for your skin and helps manage the specific areas of hair loss on your body.

We know that this can be a tough disease to manage, especially because it takes a toll on one’s emotional wellness. Know that we will do everything we can to help make sure you feel comfortable in your own skin, and will provide you with the necessary resources for taking care of your mental health and wellbeing while coping with this disease.

If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in hair loss, give us a call and set up an appointment to meet with one of our dermatologists. We can diagnose, treat, and support any hair loss or other dermatological concern.