What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is a general term meaning “hair loss”.  There are several different types of alopecia. Below, is a detailed description of one common type, Alopecia Areata. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an immune disorder that causes the hair to fall out. The amount of hair loss differs for each person. Sometimes, the hair will grow back but falls out again later, unpredictably. Patients may also notice small bald patches on the scalp or other areas of the body, or fingernails that become red, brittle, or pitted. While the exact cause for alopecia is unknown, doctors believe that genes play a part. Those with a family history of alopecia or autoimmune conditions are often at a higher risk of developing this condition.

There are different subtypes of alopecia areata, such as:

  • Alopecia Areata Totalis: All of the hair has been lost on the head.
  • Alopecia Areata Universalis: There is a loss of hair on the entire body.
  • Diffuse Alopecia Areata: A sudden thinning of the hair rather than a loss of patches of hair.
  • Ophiasis Alopecia Areata: Hair is lost in a band shape around the sides of the head.

Alopecia Areata Treatment Options

While alopecia areata is not usually a serious medical condition, it can cause anxiety and self-consciousness. There are a number of treatment options to improve the symptoms of this condition, including:

Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory drugs can be given as an injection into the scalp or other areas. They are also rubbed onto the skin as an ointment or lotion. 

Topical Irritant or Immunotherapy: When there has been a large amount of hair loss, this option may be used. Chemicals are applied to the scalp to create an allergic reaction, which causes the hair to grow back. This often has to be repeated several times to see results.

Oral Immunosuppressants: These medications work by blocking the immune system’s response that is forming alopecia areata. Common examples include methotrexate or cyclosporine.

Who is a Good Candidate for Treatment?

Alopecia areata can be an emotionally challenging condition, which can cause patients to feel isolated or anxious. If your alopecia areata is causing a negative impact on your mental health, you may benefit from treatment. 

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER ALOPECIA AREATA TREATMENT?

Alopecia areata treatment may take months to produce results, depending on the type of alopecia and treatment method chosen. Many patients notice an improvement in the appearance of their hair following regular alopecia treatment. 

How do I see a Dermatologist for my Hair Loss/ Alopecia

At DermAtelier on Avenue, we understand that hair loss, or “alopecia” is a very upsetting condition to experience. In certain cases it is lifelong, without known cures, which can add to feelings of distress and disappointment. 

Patients seen in consultation by our dermatologists are referred by their primary care provider (Family physician or Nurse practitioner) in order to facilitate shared care, as well as in anticipation of patients receiving prescription renewals on an indefinite basis. Our goal is to provide each patient with a clear diagnosis of their hair loss. We also offer medical and cosmetic treatment regimens tailored to you. 

Patients with hair loss deemed non-scarring, are monitored up to a 3 – 6 month period if oral prescription medication is introduced. Patients with scarring forms of hair loss are monitored for up to a 6 – 12 month period if oral prescription medications are administered. The office then provides a summary of care with treatment plan for the referring physician to follow going forward, and each patient is discharged. This policy applies to all patients and helps patients receive diagnoses and dermatologic care, while allowing appointment capacity for other patients with hair loss to be seen in a timely manner. 

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY HAIR LOSS APPOINTMENT?

We want to optimize your hair loss assessment with our dermatologists. In advance of your hair loss appointment with our dermatologists it is requested that you: 

  • Shampoo scalp within 2-7 days of the appointment.
  • Come to clinic without any hair / cosmetic products applied to the scalp.
  • Your lab results from your primary care provider were sent to us in advance. Please be sure to bring any updated hair specific labs with you (TSH, Vitamin D, B12, Ferritin)
  • Remove any installed hair style/ hair style with added hair (sew-in weave, lacefront weave, clip-in extensions, sew-in extensions, box braids, crochet braids, passion twists, etc) to allow full visualization of the scalp.

*Individuals who are unable to remove their hairstyle will be rebooked to the earliest available appointment when they will be able to have the hairstyle removed.

Alopecia – Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dermatologist help with alopecia?

Yes, a dermatologist is a medical doctor trained to diagnose and manage alopecia.

Can alopecia be caused by stress?

Yes, this can occur with a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium.

Can doctors help with alopecia?

Yes, doctors can help by providing diagnosis and treatment plans.

Can female pattern hair loss be stopped?

It can be slowed down, but it is not known to be stopped entirely.

Can hair grow back after Balding?

It can, depending on the condition that occurs. Alopecia areata can regrow after balding.

Can hair grow back after thinning?

Yes, it can regrow to some extent with treatment.

Can you get alopecia at any age?

Yes, hair loss can occur at any age – from children to elderly.

Can your hair grow back if you have alopecia?

Hair loss that is non-scarring can generally regrow, albeit usually not to the same density or coverage that existed prior to the episode of hair loss.

Does a dermatologist treat alopecia?

Yes, dermatologists treat alopecia with different forms of therapy and prescriptions.

Does prednisone help with alopecia?

It can be helpful sometimes for hair loss like alopecia areata.

How can I fix my hair loss?

It depends on the type of hair loss one has – some types can be fixed (traction alopecia) and some types are controlled or slowed (androgenetic alopecia)

How can I regrow lost hair?

Therapy that is applied to the scalp or swallowed or injected can help to regrow hair

How common is alopecia?

It is unfortunately common and can affect > 50% of people in adulthood.

How do doctors test for alopecia?

Doctors examine the scalp and sometimes take a biopsy (tissue sample) of the scalp.

How do you know if alopecia is spreading?

You may notice that your scalp burns more easily or that your scalp is greasier because there is less hair on it, or photos show more thinning of the hair.

How does alopecia start?

This is unknown, but can be triggered by the immune system or an emotional stressor, or even a medication.

How does alopecia totalis start?

It is believed to be a genetic condition and a disturbance of the immune system activity and response.

How is Alopecia diagnosed?

It is diagnosed by examination of the scalp.

How is alopecia totalis treated?

Treatment can involve systemic therapy (pills or injections).

How quickly does alopecia spread?

Alopecia can expand or spread over weeks (Alopecia areata) or years (androgenetic alopecia). It depends on the type of hair loss.

Is Alopecia hereditary?

Androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss and male pattern hair loss) is hereditary.

Is Alopecia more common in males or females?

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) is thought to be more common in males.

Is alopecia totalis contagious?

No, it is not contagious.

Should I see a dermatologist for hair loss?

If your hair loss bothers you, then being assessed by a dermatologist can help.

What age do you start losing hair?

It can occur at any age – young people may experience traction alopecia from styling and adult patients may develop androgenetic alopecia.

What are the 3 types of Alopecia?

There are various types of alopecia; the 2 main categories are non-scarring and scarring.

What are the best vitamins for alopecia?

Sometimes intake of Vitamin D and Zinc and B12 can be helpful if patients are deficient in these.

What are the early signs of alopecia?

One may not decreased fullness or density in the hair.

What can a dermatologist prescribe for hair loss?

Dermatologists may prescribe medicated lotions or oral treatments for hair loss. There are also procedures and hair transplants that can help restore hair.

What can stop alopecia?

Therapies that slow hair loss include: minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, PRP (platelet rich plasma), prednisone, or immunosuppressant medications. Hair transplant can help too.

What causes alopecia hair loss?

There are many different causes depending on the type of hair loss (e.g. medications, genetics, hormones) .

What causes female alopecia?

It is thought to be a combination of genetics and hormonal activity for female pattern hair loss.

What deficiencies cause hairloss?

Deficiency of Iron, B12, Vitamin D may all contribute to hair loss.

What does alopecia regrowth look like?

The hair may be thinner or a different colour, or it may look the same as the rest of the hair on the scalp.

What foods cause hair loss?

Foods are not known to cause hair loss.

What foods help alopecia?

A rich diet with vitamins and minerals can be helpful (e.g. foods with iron, B12, etc).

What home remedies help bald spots?

Home remedies are not known to reliably help regrow bald spots.

What is Cicatricial alopecia?

It is alopecia or hair loss that forms scars in the scalp

What is good for alopecia?

Therapies that target hormone activity or that promote growth factors to the scalp hair bulbs can be good for alopecia.

What is the best remedy for alopecia?

There is no best remedy, but therapies that target hormone activity or that promote growth factors to the scalp hair bulbs can help hair loss.

What is the best treatment for alopecia?

There is no best treatment, just different treatments suited for people depending on the type of hair loss.

What is the best vitamin for hair loss?

There is no best vitamin for hair loss, unfortunately.

What is the difference between telogen effluvium and alopecia?

Telogen effluvium is a type of alopecia or hair loss. It is non-scarring and can be improved once the trigger is identified and treated.

What is the most common form of alopecia?

It is believed that Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss or alopecia.

What really works for womens hair loss?

Therapies that target hormone activity or that promote growth factors to the scalp hair bulbs help hair loss.

What should I drink for hair loss?

There are no restrictions or recommendations for hair loss improvement.

What should we eat to reduce hair fall immediately?

Ensuring that your Iron, Vitamin D and B12 and sometimes zinc levels are optimized can help to reduce hair fall.

What virus causes alopecia areata?

It is not known to be virally caused. It is immunologic in nature.

Which doctor should I see for hair loss?

Seeing a dermatologist will help to provide you with a diagnosis for your hair loss.

Which medicine is best for alopecia?

There is no best medicine, just different treatments suited for people depending on the type of hair loss.

Which medicine is best for hair growth?

There is no best medicine, just different treatments suited for people depending on the type of hair loss – some therapies block hormone activity and some block inflammation.

Why is my hair falling out by the handfuls?

This may be telogen effluvium; it can occur as a result of stress to the body such as post-pregnancy, or a bereavement or break-up response.

Will biotin help alopecia?

No; it does not help alopecia unfortunately. It sometimes helps nail growth.

Hair & Nails – Frequently Asked Questions

Can hair grow back after thinning?

Yes, it can grow back depending on the type of thinning.

Do hair skin and nail vitamins really work?

Yes, they can be helpful when taken in appropriate doses.

Does Biotin Shampoo help hair growth?

No, it is not proven to help grow hair.

Does collagen make hair thicker?

It can make skin thicker and appear smoother. It may help hair growth.

How long does it take biotin to work on hair?

Biotin is not a therapy used to treat hair loss.

How make my hair grow faster?

Sometimes stimulating the scalp with massage or using over-the-counter minoxidil can help to grow hair faster.

Is nail growth a sign of hair growth?

No, they are both made of keratin, but the growth rates are different.

What causes vertical ridges in nails?

This is a regular sign of maturity. It may be more apparent if one is getting regular manicures.

What deficiencies cause hairloss?

Iron is the most common, but other deficiencies like Vitamin D and B12 can contribute to hair loss.

What do hair and nails have in common?

They are both made of keratin protein and are known as appendages

What does biotin do for your hair?

It is a B vitamin; it does not grow hair.

What is the best vitamin for hair and nails?

Ensuring that B12 and Vitamin D are optimized helps to support hair.

Which is better for hair biotin or collagen?

Collagen may help support hair.

How can I improve my nail health?

Keeping nails hydrated helps to reduce brittleness and helps nail health. Avoid damage to the nails when doing household work like dishwashing

How can I know my hair type?

Ones hair type can be assessed by looking at the straightness or curliness of the hair strand helps categorize hair type.

How do I fix weak nails?

Avoid damage to the nails when doing household work like dishwashing, avoid immersion in water as this will soften and weaken nails.

How fast do nails grow?

The fingernails grow out every 6 – 9 months; toenails grow out over 12 – 18 months.

Should you cut or file your nails?

Both are acceptable forms of grooming the nails. Cutting removes nail edges faster than filing.

What are the functions of your nails?

Nails are protective of the underlying finger and nail bed in their function, they also provide proprioception (sense of touch).

What are the side effects of taking hair skin and nails vitamins?

They can distort thyroid tests and mask a heart test known as troponin level.

What can I use to moisturize my nails?

Light oils like almond oil can help moisturize nails.

What foods stimulate hair growth?

It is unknown if foods stimulate hair growth but a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamin D may help.

What helps female thinning hair?

Female thinning hair may be helped by minoxidil/ Rogaine; pills – spironolactone, finasteride, dutasteride; PRP – platelet rich plasma

What is hair and nails?

Hair is a dead protein that comes out of the scalp. Nails are the ends of fingers that cover and protect the fingers.

What is the best hair skin and nail vitamin?

There is no known best hair and skin and nail vitamin

What vitamin helps with nail ridges?

No, this is not known to be helped by vitamins.

What vitamins are good for your hair?

Ensuring that B12 and Vitamin D are optimized helps to control some types of hair loss.

What vitamin deficiency causes lines in nails?

Sometimes iron deficiency can cause a spoon-shaped change in nails.

What vitamins help nails and hair?

Ensuring that B12 and Vitamin D are optimized helps to control some types of hair loss.

Can hair grow back after thinning?

Yes, it can grow back depending on the type of thinning.

Do hair skin and nail vitamins really work?

Yes, they can be helpful when taken in appropriate doses.

Does Biotin Shampoo help hair growth?

No, it is not proven to help grow hair.

Does collagen make hair thicker?

It can make skin thicker and appear smoother. It may help hair growth.

How can I improve my nail health?

Keeping nails hydrated helps to reduce brittleness and helps nail health. Avoid damage to the nails when doing household work like dishwashing

How can I know my hair type?

Ones hair type can be assessed by looking at the straightness or curliness of the hair strand helps categorize hair type.

How do I fix weak nails?

Avoid damage to the nails when doing household work like dishwashing, avoid immersion in water as this will soften and weaken nails.

How fast do nails grow?

The fingernails grow out every 6 – 9 months; toenails grow out over 12 – 18 months.

How long does it take biotin to work on hair?

Biotin is not a therapy used to treat hair loss.

How make my hair grow faster?

Sometimes stimulating the scalp with massage or using over-the-counter minoxidil can help to grow hair faster.

Is nail growth a sign of hair growth?

No, they are both made of keratin, but the growth rates are different.

Should you cut or file your nails?

Both are acceptable forms of grooming the nails. Cutting removes nail edges faster than filing.

What are the functions of your nails?

Nails are protective of the underlying finger and nail bed in their function, they also provide proprioception (sense of touch).

What are the side effects of taking hair skin and nails vitamins?

They can distort thyroid tests and mask a heart test known as troponin level.

What can I use to moisturize my nails?

Light oils like almond oil can help moisturize nails.

What causes vertical ridges in nails?

This is a regular sign of maturity. It may be more apparent if one is getting regular manicures.

What deficiencies cause hairloss?

Iron is the most common, but other deficiencies like Vitamin D and B12 can contribute to hair loss.

What do hair and nails have in common?

They are both made of keratin protein and are known as appendages

What does biotin do for your hair?

It is a B vitamin; it does not grow hair.

What foods stimulate hair growth?

It is unknown if foods stimulate hair growth but a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamin D may help.

What helps female thinning hair?

Female thinning hair may be helped by minoxidil/ Rogaine; pills – spironolactone, finasteride, dutasteride; PRP – platelet rich plasma

What is hair and nails?

Hair is a dead protein that comes out of the scalp. Nails are the ends of fingers that cover and protect the fingers.

What is the best hair skin and nail vitamin?

There is no known best hair and skin and nail vitamin

What is the best vitamin for hair and nails?

Ensuring that B12 and Vitamin D are optimized helps to support hair.

What vitamin deficiency causes lines in nails?

Sometimes iron deficiency can cause a spoon-shaped change in nails.

What vitamin helps with nail ridges?

No, this is not known to be helped by vitamins.

What vitamins are good for your hair?

Ensuring that B12 and Vitamin D are optimized helps to control some types of hair loss.

What vitamins help nails and hair?

Ensuring that B12 and Vitamin D are optimized helps to control some types of hair loss.

Which is better for hair biotin or collagen?

Collagen may help support hair.

How do I see a Dermatologist for my Hair Loss/ Alopecia

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