Alopecia is characterized by hair loss. There are several different types, so treatment will vary depending on the type. The most common type is androgenic, more commonly known as male-pattern hair loss and female-pattern hair loss. Male-pattern hair loss generally starts when a man is in his late 20s or early 30s, and half of all men have developed it by the age of 50. Many women start losing their hair after menopause. Androgenic hair loss is a part of aging and, therefore, does not threaten the patient’s health or indicate health problems.
If you have alopecia, schedule a consultation at Dermatology Consultants of South Florida to see what treatment options we have available. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing alopecia. The right treatment for you may be different than the right treatment for someone else. It all depends on the unique situation, and we will make sure to go over all of your options with you during a no-pressure consultation appointment at our office.
Types of Alopecia
Alopecia areata is caused by an autoimmune disorder. With this type, the patient’s hair falls out in clumps, leaving bald patches about the size of a big coin. While the patches can occur anywhere on the body, they are most common on the scalp. Unlike androgenic hair loss, the areata form mainly affects young people between 15 and 29. It is usually seen in people with other autoimmune disorders or in conditions like Down’s syndrome, diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
In most cases, the hair grows back within a few months. A few unfortunate individuals will develop more severe forms of the condition. Some other types of the condition include scarring alopecia, traction, telogen and anagen.
How is the Condition Treated?
The first step in treating hair loss is usually identifying the type and the cause. Somebody diagnosed with traction alopecia may be given advice on how to take better care of their hair, while a patient with the scarring type may be treated for the relevant disease.
At Dermatology Consultants of South Florida, we take a customized approach when it comes to treating alopecia. During a consultation at our office in Sunrise or Coral Springs, we can assess your condition and come up with a personalized treatment plan that is designed to restore your natural hair growth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more!