understanding hair loss: part 3

In my last two columns, I discussed hair loss caused by grooming and chemicals. In the current installment we will examine some of the scalp conditions that cause hair loss. You may be familiar with individuals receiving shots in their scalps to promote hair growth. Chances are that they are probably being treated for alopecia areata. This condition causes the hair to fall out completely, leaving round spots. These bald spots may be on the scalp, face, neck and scattered over the body wherever there is hair. If the scalp is totally bald, the condition is called alopecia totalis. If the hair loss is over the entire body, it is called alopecia universalis. Children as well as adults are affected. These conditions are considered autoimmune diseases. Simply put, this means that one has become allergic to their own hair. Individuals with this condition may have a personal or family history of asthma, nasal allergy or atopic dermatitis. Stress can often trigger an outbreak. The hair may regrow without treatment in half of the cases, however in other instances the condition may continue to spread. Treatment of mild cases may only require the use of a topical cortisone preparation applied directly to the bald spots. More severe cases may require injection of the cortisone directly into the spots. The worst cases will require internal medication by mouth or injections in the muscle. Your dermatologist will have to decide the best course of treatment based on your symptoms and medical history.
–dr. wesley a. wilborn