Introduction
Androgenetic Alopecia is a common type of hair loss that can affect both men and women, with the risk increasing as they age. It can start as early as the teenage years.
Male Pattern Baldness:
Male Pattern Baldness is a specific type of Androgenetic Alopecia where hair loss occurs in a defined pattern starting above both temples, and the hairline recedes to form an “M” shape. Hair also thins at the crown, which can lead to partial or complete baldness.
Female Pattern Baldness:
Female Pattern Baldness is also a type of Androgenetic Alopecia, but the hair becomes thinner over the top of the head with a more pronounced midline parting. The hairline does not recede, and this type of hair loss in women rarely leads to total baldness.
Causes Alopecia Areata
Causes:
- Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease.
- Genetics and environmental factors may trigger the autoimmune reaction.
- Viral infections may also play a role in triggering the disease.
Symptoms of Alopecia Areata
Symptoms:
- Hair loss in small, round patches, usually on the scalp.
- Hair loss may also occur in other parts of the body.
- The affected skin may become itchy, red, or inflamed.
- Hair loss may progress to total baldness on the scalp or the entire body.
- Hair may regrow in the affected areas but then fall out again in cycles.
- Hair may also regrow and remain permanently in some cases.
It’s worth noting that the symptoms and progression of alopecia areata can vary greatly from person to person.
Who Gets Alopecia Areata?
- Alopecia areata can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.
- If you have a family member with alopecia areata, your chances of developing the condition may be slightly higher.
- Individuals with autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, lupus, or thyroid disease have a higher risk of developing alopecia areata.
- Stressful life events or traumatic experiences may trigger or worsen alopecia areata in some individuals.
- Alopecia areata is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata
While there is no cure for alopecia areata, there are several treatment options available to manage hair loss and promote hair regrowth. These include:
Topical Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that are applied directly to the affected areas of the scalp or skin. They work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system’s attack on the hair follicles. These medications come in various forms, such as creams, lotions, and ointments, and are usually applied once or twice a day.
Oral Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids are prescription medications that are taken orally to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They are typically used in more severe cases of alopecia areata, and their use is monitored carefully by a healthcare professional.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical medication that is used to promote hair regrowth. It is available over-the-counter and can be applied directly to the scalp. It works by widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth.
Anthralin
Anthralin is a topical medication that is used to treat patchy hair loss in people with alopecia areata. It works by irritating the skin and stimulating the immune system, which can help to promote hair regrowth.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy involves using a chemical to irritate the skin and trigger an allergic reaction. This causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles, which can help to promote hair regrowth. This treatment is usually reserved for severe cases of alopecia areata.
Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation involves taking hair follicles from one part of the scalp or body and transplanting them to the bald areas. This is usually reserved for people with extensive hair loss or those who have not responded to other treatments.
Managing Hair Loss
In addition to medical treatments, there are several things you can do to manage hair loss and promote hair regrowth. These include:
Stress Management
Stress can trigger or exacerbate alopecia areata, so it’s important to manage stress levels. This can include practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Before treatment precaution
- Consult a dermatologist or trichologist to diagnose the condition and determine the best treatment plan.
- Keep a record of any family history of alopecia areata or autoimmune disorders.
- Avoid hair treatments such as coloring, perming, or straightening during the active phase of the condition.
- Protect your hair from harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling.
- Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support overall hair health.
- Consider using topical products like minoxidil, corticosteroids, or anthralin under medical supervision.
After treatment precaution
- Follow up with your doctor to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
- Avoid any triggers that may have caused the alopecia areata, such as stress or certain medications.
- Continue to protect your hair from damage by avoiding harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling.
- Use gentle shampoos and conditioners designed for sensitive scalps.
- Incorporate hair-healthy vitamins and supplements into your diet, such as biotin, vitamin D, and iron.
- Be patient – regrowth can take time and may not be fully restored even with treatment.
What is the Average Cost of Alopecia Areata Treatment in India?
The average cost of Alopecia Areata treatment in India can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the condition, the location of the clinic or medical center, and the experience of the trichologist.
The cost of oils and lotion used for the treatment can start from INR 500. However, this is only a small part of the overall cost of treatment.
Treatment and tests can be expensive and vary widely depending on the clinic or medical center you choose. Choosing a clinic with a good reputation and a trichologist with experience in treating Alopecia Areata is always advisable.
Consult a Specialist Today
Many of the techniques for preventing pimples may also be used to cure them. Eating well, avoiding stress, and not popping pimples may help manage zits and reduce their length. If your acne continues despite your best efforts, you may need prescription acne treatment. Consult your dermatologist if you’re uncertain about treatment.
Alopecia Areata Treatment FAQ
The early symptoms of Acne can be small tender bumps on the skin, which are often filled with pus. You can even develop a combination of these breakouts on your skin. Some of the most common and early symptoms of Acne are as follows
- Blackheads – It is yellowish and has small black bumps on the skin. These look black due to the presence of pigmentation produced because of the inner lining of the hair follicle. The dermatologist highly recommends treating these with retinoid instead of squeezing it out because it can leave a permanent scar
- Whiteheads are similar to blackheads in terms of appearance but firmer, and they can’t be completely squeezed out. It can be cured with the help of acne treatment, as plucking them up can be painful and infectious.
- Pimple – The dead skin cells and bacteria get trapped inside a pore and cause pimples if these are mild, then they can be treated with acne products that contain a retinoid, azelaic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
- Acne nodule or cyst – Acne nodules are larger acne bumps that build up under the skin, which can be very painful. Cyst looks like boils and carries the highest risks of causing permanent scars. In some cases, dermatologists prefer to inject it with medication which helps them to clear it more quickly.
The common risk factors for Acne are as follows
- Age – Acne is very common in teenagers; however, it can occur to anyone at any stage of life, and people of all ages can get it.
- Changes in Hormonal balance – Androgen hormones increase in girls and boys during puberty and expand the sebaceous glands while making it more sebum. These hormonal changes can lead to breakouts, particularly in women in their midlife, which allows Acne to stay for longer than usual
- Medical History – If any of your parents or both parent has Acne, there is a higher chance for you to develop it too as genetics plays a very important role in Acne
- Uses of oily and greasy products – If you are using any oily lotions or creams on your skin, then you might develop Acne
- Friction on your skin – If your acne-prone skin is continuously in contact with cell phones, telephone, backpacks, helmets, and tight collars, then it can create friction, and then you might develop Acne
If you have mild Acne, you can speak to the pharmacy and easily get medical to cure it which is a smart move to stop the outspread of Acne, but dermatologist believes that two pimples can be alike and the dermatologist can guide you and advise you regarding the treatment options for different types of Acne. Here are the three questions which are the best indicators that you need to see a doctor for Acne
- Are the gels, creams, and cleansers you have been using have stopped working?
- Is Acne reducing your confidence, or is it taking a toll on your self-esteem?
- Are the pimples painful and leaving dark spots and scars behind?
If the answer to all these questions is yes, then you need to consult a dermatologist immediately.
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Alopecia Areata Treatment Results Before & After
Problem; alopecia areata
Procedure: mesotherapy
