Patchy Areas of Baldness
Do you have a patchy area of baldness? If so, don't worry, you're not alone. Patchy baldness is a condition that causes you to lose hair in patches. Many people suffer from this condition and it can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, age, hormones, and scalp infections. In this guide, we'll explore the different causes and symptoms of patchy baldness, and ways to treat it.
Symptoms of patchy areas of baldness
Some of the common symptoms of this condition include the following:
A Plastic Surgeon or a dermatologist will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
Causes of patchy areas of baldness
Male pattern baldness, (androgenic alopecia) is one of the most common patchy baldness causes, and it occurs when the hair follicles become susceptible to the effects of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that is produced naturally in the body. It causes the hair follicles to shrink, which leads to a gradual loss of hair. It is connected with male hormones, and usually affects men more than women.
Alopecia areata is another condition that causes the hair to fall out in patches. It can occur at any age but is most common in people who are between the ages of 15 and 45. It is a hereditary condition and is caused by an autoimmune reaction. One out of five people with this condition has a family history of it. It happens when the white blood cells or WBC attack the hair follicles, which leads to a loss of hair.
Scarring alopecia is a relatively rare condition that causes patchy baldness. It can be caused by several things, such as infections, burns, and radiation therapy. It can also be caused by some autoimmune disorders, such as lupus erythematosus. When the hair follicles are damaged, they can no longer produce hair. The symptoms of this condition usually develop slowly, for several years. Some of the symptoms of scarring alopecia or male or female pattern baldness include the following hair loss in patches, scalp redness, swelling of the scalp, and tenderness or pain.
What are the treatment options for patchy areas of baldness?
The treatment options for patchy areas of baldness include
Oral and topical medications: There are various oral and topical medications that can be helpful for people who have patchy baldness.
Oral medications include the following:
Hair growth drugs- These drugs are usually prescribed for people who have male pattern baldness. They work by blocking the effects of DHT, which prevents the hair follicles from shrinking.
Minoxidil- Minoxidil is a drug that is available over the counter. It is used to promote hair growth and remains the best cure for baldness.
Topical medications include the following:
Corticosteroids- Corticosteroids are drugs that are used to treat inflammation. They can be helpful for people who have alopecia areata because they help to suppress the immune system.
When you consult a cosmetologist, they usually give you the best options to cover the bald spots. Several products on the market can help to conceal bald spots.