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Alopecia Areata

CONSULTATION0207 404 0072

What Is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata ( AA ) – A highly unpredictable autoimmune skin disease that results in hair loss with bald spots or bald patches. This can lead to Alopecia Totalis (total scalp loss) and Alopecia Universalis (total body loss) A conditions that affects around 2% of the worlds population yet there is no absolute cure. In its definition its unpredictability causes all manner of difficulty when treating. Understanding the fundamental aspects of its actions and how it manifests itself in the human form is key to offering the best advice and treatment which I might add is possible. We have treated 1000s of patients over the years (since 1964) with Alopecia Areata with a high level of success.

If you are suffering from loss of hair and want to know more why not give us a ring and have a chat with a TTS Reg. Trichologist. Or you can fill in the contact form to the right and a trichologist will email or ring you back on your request.

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Fill in the form above and a Trichologist will call you back. Call for a Free Telephone Consultation. Or email us your question. Many thanks.

What are the symptoms of Alopecia Areata?

Single Bald Spot

  • The single bald spot may grow back without treatment. However, due to its unpredictability, further loss of hair may appear in patches. It may also be the case that a single spot can spread considerably. The closer the spots the more likely they will join to create larger patches.

Multiple Bald Spots

  • Two or more bald spots may regrow without treatment. Sadly though, in many cases these patches will join hence the potential for further loss. Increased numbers of patches shows an increase inn severity. This is more likely to result in greater loss.

Eyebrow / Beard Bald Spots

  • Hair loss may occur om other parts of the face such as the beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. This can be an early indication of Alopecia Areata

Typical cases of Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata, bald spots, alopecia totals, alopecia universals
Alopecia Areata, bald spots, alopecia totals, alopecia universals

Treatments

We have treated thousands of patients over the years very successfully for Alopecia Areata and other causes of loss of hair and scalp diseases. Contrary to belief there is treatment that can help Alopecia Areata grow back. Understanding the fundamental actions of Alopecia Areata against the skin is essential in seeing how the treatment actually works. There is no definitive treatment for solution to alopecia, everyone responds differently. It is imperative that treatment plans are carefully tailored to the individual in order to maximise results.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin in order for it to be absorbed. Foam, cream and liquids are some of the many forms of topical agents. This type of treatment can be effective but can be messy and difficult to apply.

  • Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a foam or liquid applied directly to the scalp, It is relatively safe to use but it is not a quick fix. Results can take a year to see and the effectivenss of the drug is questionable.
  • Dithranol is a mild irritant that is used to encourage hair growth. Studies have shown it to be more effective when used in conjunction with Minoxidil.

Injections

Steroid injections involve a needle filled with a form of steroid being injected into the skin in order to encourage hair growth in that area. The injections may need to carried out numerous times in order to maximise effectiveness. However this type of treatment can cause soreness, headaches and scabs.

Natural Treatments

There are side effects and risks when using drugs to treat hair loss, therefore some prefer to use natural remedies that provide a safer solution. There is little scientific proof these remedies work but people can claim to experience hair regrowth.

  • Scalp Massages
  • Oils (Jojoba, coconut & olive)
  • Low Level Laser Therapy
  • Vitamin Supplements
  • Herbal Supplements
  • Onion / Garlic Juice
  • Aloe Vera Products

Wigs

Wigs can help give people going through hair loss their confidence back, without any surgical procedure. With todays advancements in hair replacement techologies, modern wigs can be almost undetectable. Both synthetic and real hair wigs are available, but each come with thier pros and cons. A hair replacement system can be a great way to cover up your hair loss but does not provide any solution to regrowth of your natural hair. 

Mr Edward Stevens
Consultant Trichologist
CQC & TTS Reg

Alopecia Areata Alopecia totalis alopecia universalis

Similar Conditions

Although Alopecia Areata is a common hair loss disease, there are similar conditions that present similar symptoms some of which lead to Scarring or Permanent hair Loss. Do you know which one of the above images is Alopecia Areata? If you are suffering from hair loss with bald patches on the scalp or body you should seek professional advice at the earliest opportunity. Self diagnosis should not be attempted.

Alopecia Totalis

Alopecia Totalis presents as total hair loss of the scalp region only. The scalp hair will shed over time starting with hair loss with bald spots. The bald spots grow and join resulting in Total loss of scalp hair.

Alopecia Universalis

This is the most aggressive form of hair loss resulting in total body hair loss. This will start with bald spots. Alopecia Totalis will encompass Alopecia universals. It is suggested that you will have 1 in a million chances of regaining hair. There are some specialists who use steroids and immune suppressants to counteract Alopecia Universalis. This is not recommended.

Diffuse alopecia areata

Diffuse alopecia involves the thinning or sudden hair loss of the whole head instead of patches. This can often be mistaken for male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness .

What Can I Do?

  • See a specialist as soon as possible, time is against you and seeing a Trichologist earlier rather than later is imperative.  Your GP’s knowledge about alopecia areata is normally limited, seeing a qualified trichologist is goiing to give you the best chance.
  • Seek support, having alopecia is incredibly difficult and you can feel very alone. There are a number of support groups out there with people going through a similar experience to yourself, you are not alone.
  • Prepare yourself for the possibility that you could lose your hair. While acceptance is the hardest part of the process, it will allow you to start focusing on other things that you can actually control.
  • Shave it off and free yourself. People with extensive alopecia areata sometimes find shaving off their hair the best solution. While shaving your hair is incredibly hard, it can be liberating and allow you to embrace your hair loss.
  • Do not let it define you. You are so much more than your hair, do not let it take control of your life. Use this as an opportunity to prove to improve other parts of yourself!

 

Consultation at the Clinic

At consultation we will give a full scalp examination using the latest technology. Microscopic examination is also used in some cases. We would ask that you refrain from washing your hair for 48 hours prior to consultation. We would rather see the scalp in its worst state than that of a freshly cleaned. Your medical history is of paramount importance hence if you have any haematology please arrange to bring the results with you. Please be prepared to discuss your medical history in full as this often give us the key in offering the best course of treatment. Consultations at the Holborn Clinic take around an hour. If we are treating you then prepare to be with us for a couple of hours.

Contact us now to book a consultation! 

Free Telephone Consultation

We offer a free telephone consultation with a Qualified TTS Trichologist. The number is located at the top of this page. These normally taken around 15 minutes. If you have any blood test results if you can have those to hand that would be great. It would be very useful if you have any pictures of the hair loss as well. We will give you a number to send them. This will often assist us in offering advice. Please note that treating Alopecia Areata in most cases can only be effective using professional equipment at the Holborn Clinic. Why not give us a call and let see if we can assist you. Thank you and hope to speak to you soon.

Sources

Call us on

0207 404 0072

Call us on

0207 404 0072