Alopecia

At CHEC, we understand the impact that Alopecia can have on daily life. This dedicated page aims to provide you with essential information about Alopecia.

Understanding Alopecia

Alopecia is a broad term referring to hair loss. It can affect just the scalp or the entire body and can be temporary or permanent. Understanding the different types and causes of alopecia is the first step towards seeking appropriate help.

Common Types of Alopecia:

Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Baldness): This is the most common type, a hereditary condition where hair loss follows a predictable pattern (receding hairline and/or thinning crown in men; thinning across the scalp in women). It’s related to genetics and hormonal changes.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. This can range from small, circular bald spots to complete scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or total body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair shedding that occurs after a stressful event, illness, surgery, or significant hormonal changes like after childbirth. More hairs enter the resting (telogen) phase and then fall out.
Anagen Effluvium: Rapid hair loss caused by medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which damage hair follicles during their active growth (anagen) phase.
Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by prolonged or repetitive tension on hair follicles from tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or the use of hair extensions.
Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia): A group of rare disorders that destroy hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss. Examples include lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Other Less Common Types: There are other less frequent forms of alopecia, such as alopecia barbae (beard hair loss) and hair loss associated with underlying medical conditions.

When To Seek Help

While some hair loss is a natural part of ageing or might resolve on its own, it’s important to seek medical advice in the following situations:

Desire for Treatment: Even if the hair loss isn’t sudden or accompanied by other symptoms, if you are bothered by it and wish to explore treatment options, consulting a doctor is recommended.

Sudden Hair Loss: If you experience a rapid onset of hair loss, this could indicate an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.

Patchy Bald Spots: The appearance of distinct, bald patches, especially if they are spreading, warrants a medical evaluation as it could be a sign of alopecia areata or another condition.

Hair Loss in Clumps: Losing significant amounts of hair when combing, washing, or even with gentle pulling can be a sign of telogen effluvium or another issue.

Hair Loss Accompanied by Scalp Symptoms: If your hair loss is associated with itching, burning, pain, redness, scaling, or pus on the scalp, it could indicate an infection or an inflammatory condition that requires treatment.

Hair Loss Affecting Well-being: If your hair loss is causing you significant distress, anxiety, or impacting your self-esteem, seeking professional help can provide not only potential treatment options but also emotional support.

Receding Hairline in Women: While a receding hairline is common in men, it can be a sign of frontal fibrosing alopecia in women, which may require early treatment to prevent significant permanent hair loss.

Unusual Patterns of Hair Loss: Any hair loss pattern that seems out of the ordinary for you should be checked by a healthcare professional to determine the cause.

NHS Treatment

CHEC’s commitment to delivering accessible dermatology services within community settings aims to reduce patient waiting times and improve access to essential care. By working in partnership with the NHS, we strive to provide a seamless pathway for individuals experiencing dermatitis, ensuring they receive the support and treatment they need to manage their condition effectively. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for those living with alopecia, enabling them to regain comfort and confidence in their skin.

What to expect when visiting a CHEC Hospital:

Further Information

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