Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a common type of hair loss, affecting almost seven million people in the United States. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, this type of nonscarring alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, which typically presents as nonscarring, patchy hair loss on the scalp. However, alopecia areata can develop further, causing hair loss on the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) or causing the loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis). This type of hair loss occurs when the immune system attacks your hair follicles. Alopecia areata can affect individuals of any age, gender, and ethnicity. Patients who suffer from hair loss often are self-conscious or suffer from low self-esteem. Dr. Michele Green’s private dermatology office in New York City offers the best treatment options to stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss from alopecia areata, male pattern baldness, and female pattern baldness.

While the exact cause of alopecia areata remains unknown, some factors can put one at an increased risk of developing the condition. For instance, individuals with an autoimmune disease, such as vitiligo or thyroid disease, are more likely to develop this type of patchy hair loss. Those with a family history of alopecia areata are also at an increased risk. However, many patients with this type of hair loss do not have a family member who suffers from this type of hair loss. A board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green can determine the cause of your hair loss and prescribe the best treatments, whether they are topical treatments, oral medications, or in-office treatment options.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive treatment options, including for hair loss. Dr. Green customizes each patient’s treatment protocol to include a combination of in-office procedures, topical treatments, and oral medications or supplements that are best suited to their particular needs. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, the New York Times, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green regarding hair loss at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, you will have a thorough analysis and the best treatment options.

Male patient treated with 3 cortisone shots for Alopecia Areata 

What are the different types of hair loss?

• Alopecia areata (alopecia totalis if the entire scalp is affected, alopecia universalis if all body hair is lost)
• Male Pattern baldness
• Female Pattern hair loss
• Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring alopecia)
• Telogen Effluvium
• Tinea capitis
• Trichotillomania
• Traction Alopecia
• Hypotrichosis
• Loose anagen syndrome

What is alopecia areata?

There are many different types of hair loss, and alopecia areata is one of the more common types of nonscarring alopecia. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, almost seven million people in the United States are affected, with up to 160 million affected globally. Alopecia is the medical term for bald, and areata is a medical term that means patchy. Most patients with this type of hair loss develop patches of hair loss that are 1-4 cm in diameter. It is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the cells of the immune system attack the hair follicles on the scalp, face, or other areas of the body, such as the underarms or legs. Alopecia areata can affect individuals of any gender, age, or skin tone. It often begins in childhood but can develop later in life, too.

There are three main types of alopecia areata, which include patchy alopecia areata (bald spots on the scalp), alopecia totalis (baldness of the entire scalp), and alopecia universalis (a loss of all body hair). Less common types include alopecia ophiasis, characterized by a large strip of hair loss on the scalp, and alopecia barbae, characterized by patchy facial hair loss. Currently, there is no cure for alopecia areata. However, hair loss caused by this immuno-inflammatory skin disease can be treated with a variety of treatment options provided by an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City.

What causes hair loss in alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. The exact cause of alopecia areata remains unknown, although it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some risk factors have been identified as being associated with an increased risk of developing this type of nonscarring alopecia. For example, individuals who have a family member with alopecia areata may be at an increased risk. However, not everyone with alopecia areata has a family history of the condition. Additionally, those with another autoimmune disorder or allergic condition, such as eczema, vitiligo, thyroid disease, or atopic dermatitis, are more likely to develop alopecia areata.

Symptoms of Alopecia Areata

The primary symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss. Depending on which form of alopecia you have, other symptoms can include:

• Nail pitting
• Ophiasis
• Loss of body hair (underarms, legs)
• Bald patches on the scalp
• Patches of hair loss in one area and hair regrowth in another area
• Itching or burning sensation in affected areas

While there are some common symptoms of alopecia areata, a diagnosis can only be confirmed by a healthcare professional, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood regarding your hair loss, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, physically assess your hair and entire scalp, and review any previous treatment options you may have utilized. Dr. Green may also send a scalp biopsy for laboratory evaluation or request certain blood tests to rule out hormonal imbalances or other autoimmune disorders.

Is alopecia treatable? Which treatment is best for alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is a chronic autoimmune disease that does not have a cure. However, hair loss associated with alopecia areata can be treated with a variety of treatment options provided by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. Ultimately, the best treatment plan for you will depend on a combination of factors, including your age, the severity and form of alopecia you have, and whether a condition like eczema or atopic dermatitis accompanies your hair loss.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Green regarding hair loss, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, physically assess the condition of your entire scalp and hair, and review any previous treatments you may have undergone. Additionally, she may request certain blood tests to evaluate for autoimmune disorders or hormonal imbalances. She may also perform a scalp biopsy to send for laboratory evaluation in order to confirm your diagnosis. She will then work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is best suited to your unique situation.

Few treatment options have been FDA-approved specifically for alopecia areata, although many dermatologists recommend ‘off-label’ treatments that have been FDA-approved for other types of hair loss. FDA approval indicates that a treatment option has been found to be safe and effective in clinical trials, and many of the treatments that have been FDA-approved for other types of hair loss are effective in promoting hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata. Some of the most common treatment options for alopecia areata, which will be discussed further in the sections below, include intralesional corticosteroids, topical steroids, and oral and topical Minoxidil. Topical immunotherapy may be recommended for those with more severe alopecia areata.

Which steroid is used for alopecia areata?

Intralesional corticosteroids are the most popular treatment option for alopecia areata. Corticosteroids are a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that can be used to promote hair regrowth in individuals with patchy alopecia areata. Patients may require several treatment sessions of corticosteroid injections to achieve their final desired results in terms of hair regrowth. Each treatment session should be spaced approximately four weeks apart. When you have corticosteroid injections with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will evaluate the progress of your hair regrowth and the condition of your entire scalp during each follow-up visit. Depending on the severity and type of hair loss you have, your dermatologist may also recommend steroids that are taken orally or applied topically to the affected areas as an ointment, foam, or cream. Side effects of oral steroids can include weight gain, mood changes, blurred vision, or an increased appetite. Topical steroids may be recommended for children who can not have intralesional corticosteroids or if the affected area is very large.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to treat hair loss

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a popular new and exciting non-surgical method of treating hair loss for both women and men. What PRP does is use your blood cells in a way that only the enriched cells that contain various types of proteins remain. The blood is spun in a centrifuge, and the PRP is separated and removed from the rest of the blood. These platelets are then concentrated to 3x the normal blood value. This is then followed by an injection of the blood cells into your scalp area. No medications are required pre or post-procedure. PRP contains many growth factors that stimulate hair follicles and can be performed up to every month based on how much hair growth is required.

PRP is a great solution for both men and women, especially when hair transplant surgery is not an option. PRP injections can stimulate new hair growth in men who suffer from androgenetic alopecia (known as male/female pattern baldness) and women who suffer from female pattern baldness. The procedure requires just a few injections into the scalp area where the hair is currently thinning. The procedure will take approximately 30 minutes from the time your blood is drawn until the PRP is injected into your scalp.

Another factor in why PRP has become so popular for patients looking to restore hair is that it is a “natural” way to restore hair. Most oral medications used to restore hair can have side effects. PRP treatments can also be used in tandem with hair transplantation to help accelerate hair growth. PRP treatments should be performed, on average, every 4 for three sessions. Further treatments will be evaluated by the end of the fourth month. It is recommended that you discuss all hair treatments, including PRP, at the time of the initial consultation with Dr. Michele Green.

If indicated, Dr. Green will do a comprehensive analysis of both hair and blood to determine the cause of your hair loss. Some women suffer from hormonal changes such as hypothyroidism or premature menopause, which can accelerate hair loss.

Find out more about PRP for women and PRP treatments for men

Which topical treatment is best for alopecia areata?

Topical Minoxidil, commonly known by the brand name Rogaine, is a medication used to stimulate hair growth. Topical Minoxidil was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1988 for treating androgenetic alopecia in men and 1992 for treating women with androgenetic alopecia. While not FDA-approved specifically for alopecia areata, many dermatologists prescribe the topical medication ‘off-label’ to promote hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata. It is unclear exactly how Minoxidil works to promote new hair growth and retention. It is thought to accelerate the telogen (resting) phase of hair growth and extend the anagen (growth) phase. It also increases blood circulation to the area, which increases the amount of nutrients and oxygen available to the hair follicles. Patients must use their Minoxidil consistently and on a daily basis to achieve and maintain optimal results. If Minoxidil is discontinued, the benefits of the medication will cease. Common side effects of topical Minoxidil include skin irritation, such as itching or dryness of the scalp.

Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp) is a topical medication used to control inflammation at the base of hair follicles. It is an artificial version of a natural substance found in goa powder, which is derived from the araroba tree. This topical treatment works by reducing inflammation of the hair follicles. To use Anthralin, a small amount should be applied topically to the affected area and left to sit for the amount of time directed by your dermatologist. Usually, it is advised to leave the medication on the affected area either overnight or for a short period (10-30 minutes) before washing it off. It is important to use the topical treatment as directed because it can potentially irritate if applied to healthy skin.

Oral Minoxidil for treating alopecia areata

Oral Minoxidil is a prescription medication that was originally FDA-approved to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. In recent years, studies of low-dose oral Minoxidil have demonstrated that it can be effective in preventing and treating both male-pattern baldness and female-pattern hair loss. While not yet FDA-approved specifically for alopecia areata, it has also been indicated that oral Minoxidil is effective for treating hair loss associated with chronic autoimmune disease, especially when combined with intralesional cortisone injections. The mechanism of oral Minoxidil in hair regrowth isn’t fully understood. Still, it is thought the medication promotes hair regrowth and prevents further hair loss by improving blood circulation to the scalp, thickening the diameter of hair follicles, and extending the growth phase of hair. The majority of people who try oral Minoxidil find that the treatment reduces shedding or leads to decreased hair loss. It takes several months to take Oral Minoxidil as prescribed before the full effects of the treatment become visible. In fact, it can take anywhere between 6 and 12 months for the treatment to become fully effective.

Is alopecia contagious? Will alopecia areata spread?

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease that does not spread from person to person. It usually begins as several areas of patchy hair loss on the scalp, about the size of a quarter. The hair loss can also appear in other areas of the body or face, such as the eyebrows or beard area. Some patients may develop patches of hair loss that do not require treatment and resolve on their own, cycling through hair loss and hair regrowth. Cases of severe alopecia areata may progress to total loss of all hair on the entire scalp and complete baldness, as in alopecia totalis, or even complete hair loss all over the body, as in alopecia universalis. It can not be easily determined which type of alopecia areata one has or predict pathogenesis, and most patients observe the best hair regrowth results when they receive prompt, targeted treatment. To best prevent severe hair loss and promote hair regrowth, it is recommended to consult with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, as soon as hair loss is observed.

How to stop alopecia areata from spreading

The best way to diagnose and treat your hair loss is by consulting with an experienced board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City. Dr. Green is an internationally recognized dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience treating some of the world’s most discerning individuals, including for various types of hair loss. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, physically assess the condition of your hair and entire scalp, and review any previous treatment options you may have utilized. Dr. Green may also request certain blood tests be ordered to evaluate for any autoimmune disorders or hormonal imbalances and potentially send a scalp biopsy for laboratory evaluation to confirm your diagnosis. With a complete understanding of your specific story and the severity and type of hair loss you’re experiencing, Dr. Green will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that is best suited to your particular needs.

3 month Before and After Cortisone Injection for Hairloss (Under chin)

Will alopecia areata go away?

While the symptoms of alopecia areata can be managed with a number of treatment options, it is a chronic autoimmune disease that does not have a cure. Since there is no cure for alopecia areata, it does have the potential to flare up, even after bald patches have been treated successfully and patients have observed hair regrowth. In mild cases of alopecia areata, patches of hair loss may resolve on their own after some time, even without intervention. However, most patients observe the best results when taking advantage of the non-invasive treatment options available at a dermatologist’s office. Dr. Michele Green in New York City is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating different types of hair loss. When you consult Dr. Green regarding the treatment of alopecia areata, she will work with you to develop a personalized plan for preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.

Does alopecia areata grow back?

Yes, hair loss that occurs due to alopecia areata does have the potential to grow back. Individuals with only a few patches of hair loss are more likely to achieve full restoration and may never have another episode once they achieve hair regrowth. However, alopecia areata is a chronic autoimmune disease that does not have a cure. Many patients with alopecia areata will have recurring episodes of patchy hair loss throughout their lives. Should a patient experience such a relapse, a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green can help prevent further hair loss and stimulate new hair growth with various treatment options. Many of the treatment options available for hair regrowth can take up to six weeks or more to take effect.

Is alopecia areata permanent?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is a chronic immuno-inflammatory skin disease that can be effectively treated and managed with a variety of treatment options. While many patients observe significant hair regrowth by taking advantage of such treatment options, hair loss associated with alopecia areata can be unpredictable. Discontinuing treatment options that your dermatologist has recommended can potentially result in a relapse of the hair loss. The best way to manage the symptoms of alopecia areata is by consulting a board-certified dermatologist who can monitor your condition and make adjustments to your treatment plan as necessary, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. As alopecia areata is a very common type of hair loss, there is ongoing research surrounding the development of a cure and newer treatment options. Additional information regarding ongoing clinical trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Does alopecia areata cause hair loss or thinning?

Yes, alopecia areata is a common disease that causes hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it affects up to 6.7 million individuals in the United States. Regardless of which form of alopecia you have, hair loss is always one of the main symptoms—patchy alopecia areata cause distinct bald spots. In diffuse alopecia areata, hair loss occurs as widespread thinning across the entire scalp rather than in distinct patches. Since alopecia areata can present in a number of ways, and different types of hair loss may respond better to certain treatment options, it is always recommended to consult an experienced board-certified dermatologist regarding hair loss, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC.

Why does alopecia areata happen? What are the risk factors?

Alopecia areata is an immuno-inflammatory skin disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss. Alopecia areata can affect individuals of any age, gender, or race. Often, alopecia areata begins in childhood, although it can develop later in life, too. While the exact cause of alopecia areata remains unknown, there have been some risk factors that have been identified that put one at an increased risk for developing the disease. Alopecia areata has been found to run in some families, and those with a family member with the condition may be at an increased risk. Several genes related to the immune system have been linked to alopecia areata, but the presence of those genes does not guarantee an individual will have the condition. What triggers the expression of these genes also remains unknown. If you have another autoimmune disorder, including vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, eczema, or lupus, you have an increased risk of developing alopecia areata.

Is alopecia genetic? Is alopecia areata hereditary?

Alopecia areata has been found to run in some families, and those with a family member with alopecia areata may be at an increased risk for developing the immuno-inflammatory disease. However, some individuals with alopecia areata have no family history of the skin disease. While research has led to the identification of several genes associated with alopecia areata, environmental factors also play a role in its development.

Which shampoo is best for alopecia areata?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal haircare product that is guaranteed to prevent hair loss or stimulate hair regrowth. Finding the haircare products that work best for your scalp and hair can truly be a trial-and-error process. For an individual with alopecia areata, perhaps the most important consideration when selecting a shampoo or other haircare product is the inclusion of anti-inflammatory ingredients. Shampoos containing gentle, nourishing, anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as tea tree oil, may be beneficial.

What is the National Alopecia Areata Foundation?

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation is committed to education, support, and research surrounding alopecia areata. For many, alopecia areata can induce feelings of low self-esteem and other psychological or emotional issues. Some of the resources available for individuals affected by this immuno-inflammatory skin disease include various support groups, and the foundation may help connect patients with such support groups or find opportunities for counseling with healthcare professionals in different cities.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common type of hair loss affecting women that typically presents as a widening part and diffuse hair thinning. It is estimated that over 30 million women in the United States are affected by this type of hair loss. Female pattern hair loss is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. A particular sensitivity to androgen hormones has been linked to female pattern hair loss and thinning, which can be hereditary. In androgenetic alopecia, the anagen phase, or growth phase, of the hair growth cycle becomes shorter, and the hair follicles make progressively thinner hairs. It is important to consult with a medical professional regarding hair loss to determine the underlying causes, prevent further loss, and best promote hair regrowth. In women, hair loss may also be caused by hormonal changes associated with medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, PCOS, menopause, autoimmune diseases, or related to factors such as diet and stress. Female pattern hair loss can even result from a side effect of certain oral medications. An experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in NYC, will work with you to determine the potential underlying factors contributing to your hair loss and develop a treatment plan that best suits your particular needs.

Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss affecting men. In fact, up to 95% of hair loss in men can be attributed to male pattern baldness, and about 85% of men have some degree of hair loss by the time they are 50 years of age. Male pattern baldness is characterized by a thinning at the crown and a receding hairline, and its development can largely be attributed to hormonal and genetic factors. The primary hormones associated with male pattern baldness are androgen hormones, thus the name androgenetic alopecia. It has been found that sensitivity to androgen hormones, namely dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is linked to male pattern baldness. DHT is converted from testosterone and is essential in developing secondary sex characteristics, such as body hair. However, as an adult who is genetically predisposed to baldness, DHT can bind to androgen receptors in your scalp and cause the hair follicles to stop producing new hair. Elevated levels of DHT can cause the hair follicles to shrink, causing hair to become thinner and fall out faster. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in NYC’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, evaluate your hair and scalp, and potentially order certain laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and create a personalized hair loss treatment plan to promote new hair growth and prevent further hair loss.

What is the difference between scarring and nonscarring alopecia?

Non-scarring alopecia is hair loss that occurs without damage to the hair follicles themselves. In scarring alopecia, the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue. In non-scarring alopecia, there is potential for hair regrowth, whereas hair loss associated with scarring alopecia is permanent. Many types of hair loss fall into that category of non-scarring alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia (also referred to as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss), telogen effluvium (which is usually caused by physical or emotional stress), or tinea capitis (a fungal infection of the scalp). Scarring alopecia is less common, affecting approximately 3% of hair loss patients, and will be discussed further in the sections below.

Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia is a type of hair loss that results from the active destruction of the hair follicle. Causes may include diverse diseases such as Lupus, Lichen Planus, and Acne Keloidalis Nuchae. Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, refers to a collection of hair loss disorders that may be diagnosed in up to 3% of hair loss patients. It occurs worldwide in otherwise healthy men and women of all ages. While there are many forms of scarring alopecia, the common theme is a potentially permanent and irreversible destruction of hair follicles and their replacement with scar tissue. Most forms of scarring alopecia first occur as small patches of hair loss that may expand with time. In some cases, the hair loss is gradual, without noticeable symptoms, and may go unnoticed for a long time. In other instances, hair loss is associated with severe itching, burning, and pain and is rapidly progressive. Dr. Green does not treat scarring alopecia.

Treatment Options for Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia can involve a lot of damage and permanent hair loss. For this reason, treatment of scarring alopecia should be quite aggressive. The nature of treatment varies depending on the particular diagnosis. Scarring alopecias that involve mostly lymphocyte inflammation of hair follicles, such as lichen planopilaris and pseudopelade, are generally treated with corticosteroids in topical creams and by injection into the affected skin. In addition, antimalarial and isotretinoin drugs may be used. For scarring alopecias with inflammation of mostly neutrophils or a mixture of cells, the typical treatment involves antibiotics and isotretinoin. More experimentally, drugs like Methotrexate, Tacrolimus, Cyclosporin, and even Thalidomide have been used to treat some forms. Once scarring alopecia has reached the burnt-out stage and there has been no more hair loss for a few years, bald areas can be either surgically removed if they are not too big, or the bald patches can be transplanted with hair follicles taken from unaffected areas. Dr. Green does not treat scarring alopecia.

What is traction alopecia?

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that is caused by hairstyles that are tight or restrictive. Hairstyles that can potentially cause traction alopecia include ponytails, various types of braids, and buns, as well as hair extensions or weaves. This type of hair loss is characterized by missing or broken hairs, especially along the hairline. Typically, patients affected by traction alopecia first notice a receding hairline at the top of the forehead, temple, or nape of the neck, where the hairs are pulled to create the hairstyles. Traction alopecia can be reversed if it is treated very quickly and appropriately. Otherwise, this type of hair loss can be permanent due to the hair follicles becoming so scarred that new hairs cannot form. Ballerinas and gymnasts are particularly susceptible to this type of hair loss due to the hairstyles they are required to wear for their profession. To avoid developing traction alopecia, it is best to wear your hair loose and avoid hairstyles that will pull tightly on your hair.

Does stress cause alopecia?

Stress is one of the factors that can contribute to and be associated with three types of hair loss: telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata. Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs when the hair follicles are in an extended resting or dormant phase. Telogen effluvium can be triggered by physical or emotional stress, including illness, surgery, pregnancy, an accident, or chronic stress. Telogen effluvium typically causes temporary hair loss, although the process of hair regrowth can take several months after an episode. Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder that causes one to engage in repetitive, frequent, and uncontrollable hair pulling, which can cause infection and permanent scarring if not treated. Alopecia Areata is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy hair follicles, resulting in patchy bald spots. The cause of hair loss in alopecia areata is not fully understood, though it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including stress. Following a stressful event or period of chronic stress, it can take between six weeks and six months for hair loss to occur. Stress-related hair loss can sometimes be permanent if not treated in its early stages, which is why it is always critical to consult an experienced board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC.

Does alopecia itch?

In many instances, patients express that hair loss causes an itching sensation in the affected areas. Although an itchy scalp and hair loss can occur independently, there are some conditions where the two have a common cause or where one issue may cause the other. For instance, fungal infections, inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, or an allergic reaction can cause an itching sensation and hair follicle damage, leading to hair loss. Alternatively, if hair loss causes permanent scar tissue to form, the nerve fibers in the affected area can be activated by histamine, causing itchiness. If you are affected by either an itchy scalp or hair loss, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with an experienced medical professional to assess your condition. Dr. Michele Green, who lives in New York City, is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience diagnosing and treating various types of hair loss. When you consult with Dr. Green regarding hair loss, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, physically evaluate the affected area, and potentially request certain blood tests or send a scalp biopsy for laboratory evaluation. Understanding your hair loss is the first step in developing a proper treatment plan, and Dr. Green is here to help.

How common is alopecia?

Hair loss is very common and can affect individuals regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or gender. Androgenetic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss, affects approximately 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States alone. The second most common type of hair loss is alopecia areata, which is estimated to affect almost seven million individuals in the United States. Of all the people affected by alopecia areata, approximately 5% have alopecia totalis, which is characterized by the baldness of the entire scalp, and 1% have alopecia universalis, which is characterized by the loss of all body hair.

Is alopecia cancer?

No. Hair loss is a common occurrence that affects many otherwise healthy individuals, and some hair loss is actually normal. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average person loses anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair daily. Many types of hair loss, even in excess, are non-life-threatening and do not cause any additional health complications. Hair loss can, however, be caused by a variety of factors, including some underlying medical conditions or as a side effect of taking certain medications. For example, chemotherapy medications can cause an anagen effluvium and cause hair loss that affects the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and body. As soon as you notice abnormal hair loss, schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in NYC. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, physically evaluate the affected area, and potentially order certain blood tests or send a scalp biopsy for laboratory evaluation to determine the underlying causes of your hair loss and how to treat it best.

Is alopecia an autoimmune disease?

There are a few types of hair loss that are triggered by autoimmune diseases. Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that occurs when the immune system attacks healthy hair follicles. The Nationa Alopecia Areata Foundation estimates that almost 7 million people in the United States are affected by the condition. As a chronic autoimmune disease, there is no cure for alopecia areata. However, hair loss associated with alopecia areata can be treated with a variety of topical, oral, and in-office treatment options. Patchy hair loss or distinct bald spots on the scalp may be indicative of alopecia areata. However, an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in NYC, can confirm a diagnosis. This common type of hair loss usually begins as hair loss in just one or two areas of patchy hair loss on the scalp, about the size of a quarter. The area of alopecia can appear in other areas of the body or face, such as the eyebrows or beard area. Alopecia areata may progress to complete hair loss on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or even the loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis).

Alopecia areata can affect men and women of any age, race, or ethnicity, although it occurs in patients before 30 years of age. Some patients with alopecia areata will lose and regrow hair spontaneously, while others progress to have complete hair loss. While the exact cause remains unknown, some factors can increase one’s risk of developing the condition. For example, individuals with a family member who has an autoimmune condition are more likely to develop it. Additionally, people with different autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis, thyroid disease, or vitiligo, and those with allergic conditions are also more likely to develop alopecia areata. To promote hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, Dr. Green typically recommends a combination of topical treatments, PRP injections, and intralesional cortisone treatments.

Can alopecia be cured? Is there a cure for alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Depending on the type of hair loss one is affected by, the condition may be temporary or permanent. Alopecia areata is a chronic autoimmune disorder that does not have a cure. Although there isn’t a cure for this type of hair loss, it can be managed with a variety of treatment options. The best way to determine which treatment options are best suited to you and your particular condition is by consulting an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green in New York City. Ultimately, the best treatment plan for you will depend on a combination of factors, including your age, the severity and form of alopecia you have, and whether a condition like eczema or atopic dermatitis accompanies your hair loss. When you consult with Dr. Green regarding alopecia at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that incorporates a unique combination of topicals, oral medications or supplements, and in-office treatment options, such as corticosteroid or PRP injections, that are best suited to preventing further hair loss and promoting new hair growth.

How to get started with hair loss treatment today

Alopecia areata is a common type of hair loss, affecting almost seven million people in the United States and 160 million people globally, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Hair loss, while common, can be devastating regardless of age or gender. For many, hair loss can be a source of great frustration and cause feelings of low self-esteem or self-consciousness. Wearing wigs can be expensive, and styling your hair to cover bald patches can be time-consuming. Luckily, there is a variety of treatment options available at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in NYC that prevent further hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. If you’re struggling with hair loss and looking for a long-term solution, Dr. Green is here to help.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience diagnosing and treating hair loss. She customizes each patient’s treatment protocol to include a combination of in-office procedures, topical treatments, and oral medications or supplements depending on their specific needs and situation. Dr. Green is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and the New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. To get started with a personalized plan for the treatment of alopecia areata, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood by calling 212-535-3088 or  contacting us online.