Alopecia Areata and Hair Restoration Options

Imagine having a condition where your hair comes out in clumps, leaving circular bald patches on your scalp. If you suffer from Alopecia Areata, you don’t have to imagine it. It is your daily reality. While there is no known cure, there are several treatment options available, that can help lessen the impact of the condition.

Normally, the body’s immune system attacks foreign invaders to prevent illness. When this system goes awry and attacks the body, instead of invaders, it is called an autoimmune response. Alopecia Areata is thought to be caused by just such a response. In this case, the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles. While there may be environmental triggers, it most commonly occurs in otherwise healthy people. The round pattern of bald patches may be the only symptoms the patient shows. Alopecia Areata is commonly referred to as “spot baldness.”

In its most common form, the hair falls out in patches the size of a quarter. There have been reported cases of much larger loss areas, with some cases progressing to emcompass the whole body. This level of loss is rare, but persistent hair loss is not.  A Dermatologist working with a patient with this condition may prescribe a combination of Corticosteroids to suppress the immune response, and Minoxidil to begin regrowing the hair.

There are many factors that make hair transplants a difficult choice for patients with Alopecia Areata.  A hair restoration doctor, such as Dr. Danyo, may recommend beginning with PRP to stimulate hair growth. Platelet-rich Plasma injections use the body’s own blood, in a nutrient-dense form, to promote healing of the follicles. Dr. Danyo will coordinate with your Dermatologist to make sure you are making the most of all your therapies. If you are interested in taking the next step in regrowing your hair, call our office for a free consultation, or tour of our spa-like facility.