Alopecia Areata Treatment

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that results in hair loss and can have significant impact on person’s stress levels, and confidence in social situations. 

It can affect the scalp or other areas of the body, causing patches of hair to fall out unexpectedly.

Alopecia is caused when the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the hair follicles, which are the structures that produce hair.

While we’re still learning about all the factors involved, it’s likely that genetics, environmental triggers, and problems with the immune system all contribute to the development of symptoms.

Some significant causes for alopecia include:

1. Pattern baldness or Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. Pattern baldness is usually hereditary.
2. Autoimmune diseases like Alopecia Areata and Lupus can cause hair loss as the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles.
3. Medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect.
4. Nutritional deficiencies and lack of certain nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and biotin can contribute to hair loss.

The duration of Alopecia Areata as an autoimmune disorder can vary from person to person. For example, in some cases, hair may regrow in a few months, while hair loss could prolong for an extended period in others.

Most Alopecia Areata patients experience patches of hair loss, which can be small or large and progress rapidly or gradually. Hair may grow back on its own within a few months, but in some cases, the hair loss may be more extensive and take longer. 

Unfortunately, in rare cases, hair loss may be permanent.

If you need a dermatologist in Barrie to help you with your alopecia, we have decades of experience serving the Simcoe region, and the best dermatologist team in house!