What are the Three Types of Alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for baldness. It is hair loss or absence of hair. There are different types of alopecia. We offer hair restoration treatments for patients who suffer from this condition. The following are three types of alopecia.
Alopecia Areata
“Areata” means occurring in patches or circumcised areas. Alopecia areata is an incurable autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. It can cause round or oval bald patches on the scalp. This condition can cause hair loss anywhere on the body, including the scalp, eyelashes, and nails. Hair loss tends to be unpredictable. Although it can begin at any age, in most cases, alopecia areata develops during childhood or the teens. In approximately half of the people who develop this condition, the hair regrows without treatment within 12 months.
Alopecia Totalis
This chronic condition involves complete loss of hair on the scalp. It is an advanced form of alopecia areata. Approximately 20% of people affected have family members with alopecia. This suggests that genetics may contribute to alopecia totalis. It may begin as alopecia areata, with small patches of hair loss, and advance to total loss of head hair. People with alopecia totalis may have pitted, brittle nails. Although it can begin at any age, it is most likely to affect teenagers and people between the ages of 15 and 29. Men and women are equally affected.
Alopecia Universalis
This form of alopecia areata involves hair loss from the scalp and the body. Alopecia universalis can cause loss of head hair, body hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Although the exact cause is unknown, as a form of alopecia areata, it is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Alopecia universalis can be recognized by its symptoms – smooth, extensive, nonscarring hair loss from the entire body. Complete hair loss can increase the risk of skin cancer on the scalp, debris getting into the eyes, and germs entering the body through the nostrils.
Treatments for Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is commonly known as male pattern or female pattern baldness. It is the most common hair loss condition, affecting approximately 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S. Hair restoration treatments available for this type of alopecia include:
- Dietary supplements
- Oral and topical medications
- Hair transplantation procedures
Types of Hair Restoration Treatment We Offer
Dr. Heil utilizes the most modern technology in hair restoration treatments, including ARTAS® Robotic Hair Restoration. This system delivers minimally invasive hair transplantation using Artificial Intelligence technology (AI) for natural-looking results and a fast recovery. We also offer NeoGraft, a minimally invasive hair restoration procedure that does not require staples or sutures or leave you with scars on your scalp. In addition to hair transplantation, we provide regenerative hair restoration with PRP hair therapy and low-level light therapy. If you suffer from alopecia, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We will work with you to understand your hair loss concerns and create a tailor-made, personal treatment plan for you.
