Alopecia is defined as a loss of hair. Hair loss can be an important sign of an underlying systemic disease and needs to be evaluated seriously.
Dr. Michele Green generally classifies alopecia into two different groups – focal or diffuse- and by the presence or absence of scarring.
Scarring alopecia is the result of the active destruction of the hair follicle. Causes may include such diverse diseases as Lupus, Lichen Planus, and Acne Keloidalis Nuchae.
Non-scarring alopecia is the result of the reduction or slowing of the hair growth without damaging the hair follicle. There are many disorders that cause non-scarring alopecia from androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss), to alopecia areata, to medication related (telogen effluvium), to tinea capitis.
When patients present to Dr. Michele Green with hair loss, a full skin examination is done as well to evaluate hair loss elsewhere on the body. There may be hair loss on the eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, or legs. In addition, there are certain rashes that are associated with alopecia, such as psoriasis, discoid lupus, hidradenitis, eczema, or infections.
If the hair loss is from an unclear origin, blood work, physical, and biopsy may be performed by Dr. Green during your consultation to diagnose your condition. Treatment will vary based on the pathology of the hair loss.
Updating...