Alopecia

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

The cause of male- and female-pattern alopecia is unknown, but it's thought to be hereditary. Other forms of alopecia may be brought on by factors such as fevers, thyroid disorders, radiation, burns to the skin, aging, certain infections (such as scarlet fever and syphilis) and some medications (particularly cancer chemotherapy drugs).

Signs/Symptoms

Male-pattern baldness usually begins with the hairline receding around the temples and forehead and a gradual thinning on the top or around the crown of the head. In some cases of alopecia areata, some or all of the body hair may be lost as well. There is typically no pain or itching associated with the hair loss.

Care

In most cases where the hair loss is due to a particular therapy, drug, or illness, the hair will grow back once the cause is eliminated. Male-pattern baldness can't be completely cured, but may be partially reversed by the oral drug Propecia (finasteride) or the topical medication Rogaine (minoxidil). Rogaine may also help female-pattern alopecia. For alopecia areata, steroid medications are sometimes injected where the clumps have been lost.

Some people opt for hair transplants, a surgical procedure in which hair follicles are transplanted to the area of hair loss from another part of the head. The technique is painful and expensive, but often yields permanent improvement.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO...

• Ask your doctor about the medications that may stimulate new hair growth.
• Take your medications exactly as prescribed. Always check with your doctor before adding any new medications to your regimen.
• Continue to bathe and shampoo as usual.
• Do not tug or pull on normal hair close to the areas of the hair loss.

Call Your Doctor If...

• Your hair loss increases during treatment.
• Hair loss does not diminish as expected. (With the drug Propecia, you may have to wait several months.)
• Areas being treated with injections show signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth or tenderness.