Minor hair loss is healthy, with most people losing between 50 and 100 strands daily. Women can lose more strands per day due to heat-generating styling tools and products that promote breakage. And while strand loss is normal, hair that comes out in clumps indicates a more significant issue known as alopecia. Here, learn what alopecia entails and what you can do about it.

A Brief Guide To Alopecia

What Is It?

Alopecia areata, or alopecia, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing them to fall out. Strands often shed in clumps, unlike normal hair loss. Bald patches are round and typically no bigger than a quarter. Complete hair loss on the head is known as alopecia areata totalis, while total loss all over the body is referred to as alopecia areata universalis.

Hair loss varies by patient, with some patients experiencing permanent loss while others go through regrowth and loss cycles. Others experience regrowth that lasts.

How Can You Deal With It?

The painless, non-communicable condition does not have a cure at this time; however, it is possible to treat the issue and encourage hair regrowth. Some enjoy regrowth from topical agents such as Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp) that irritates the scalp for desired results. Topical immunotherapy works similarly by causing an allergic reaction that triggers hair growth over six months.

Other options include steroid injections and immunosuppressant tablets that treat autoimmune diseases. The tablets, for example, impair the body’s immune system response so hair can regrow. Natural and homeopathic treatments can also help, such as micro-needling, biotin pills, and castor oil applied topically.

How well any treatment works again depends on the individual and may come with side effects, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and other oral immunosuppressants that can cause kidney damage and high blood pressure. Those with alopecia also use scarves, hats, hair extensions, and wigs to manage the issue. 

If you are experiencing alopecia symptoms, contact New U in Rochester, NY. The hair loss center offers private consultations and confidential services that help patients take back their strands, and has provided solutions for men and women since 1987. Call (585) 272-7320 today to schedule your consultation or learn more about services, including laser hair therapy treatment online.