Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a common form of hair loss that causes smooth, round patches of complete hair loss. This hair loss can occur on your scalp and other areas of your body.

The type and severity of hair loss associated with alopecia areata may vary. Depending on the severity of the hair loss, different names are used:

• Alopecia areata: hair loss in smooth patches.
• Alopecia totalis: complete hair loss on the scalp.
• Alopecia universalis: complete hair loss on entire body.

Those with large areas of or complete hair loss will have a more difficult course with a lower chance of recovery.

Causes of Alopecia

While the cause is yet unknown, aplocia areata affects both men and women and may occur at any age. Those diagnosed with alopecia may have a family member who also has, or has had, the disease.

Alopecia Diagnosis & Treatment

If you are losing clumps of hair on your scalp or other parts of your body, please contact us to schedule an appointment today. Our Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Mary Noël George, will examine your hair loss and skin to determine a diagnosis of alopecia areata.

One of the most effective ways we treat alopecia is by making tiny injections of steroids into the skin where your hair is lost. This is often successful in getting your hair to regrow.

There are also promising new medications on the horizon for the treatment of alopecia areata.