Alopecia in Austin, TX

Alopecia is a general term used to describe hair loss. There are various types of alopecia, that include both the nonscarring type, as well as scarring alopecia. With so many different types of alopecia and hair loss conditions, it is important that an accurate diagnosis be made so that treatment can be recommended. Some hair loss conditions can be treated and the hair can grow back. If the hair follicle is destroyed, then permanent hair loss could result. The board-certified dermatologists at Snyder Dermatology in Austin, TX are able to diagnose, treat, and manage hair loss in individuals with proven treatments that can help slow down or restore the hair loss.

Alopecia areata is one of the most common types of nonscarring hair loss and is caused when the immune system attacks hair follicles, which results in clumps of hair falling out, leading to smooth bald areas. It can affect both men and women, it is not contagious, and can also occur at any age range. Other types of nonscarring alopecia include telogen effluvium, which can cause hair shedding due to thyroid dysfunction, anemia, diabetes, post partum, and hormone replacement; as well as anagen effluvium, which can be a side effect from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Scarring alopecia almost always occurs when inflammation or trauma has occurred to the hair follicle, which immediately (or in some cases, slowly) destroys the hair follicle. Burns, infections, and skin diseases are examples of this, as well as repetitive hair pulling (known as trichotillomania). In addition, individuals that place extreme tension on their hair, such as braids, weaves, etc, can cause long-term trauma to the follicle.

** COVID Update- If you were placed on spironolactone  for hairloss, this is the information we have received from the American Academy of Dermatology from their website. We still have no data, this is their recommendation: 

Guidance on the use of Spironolactone from the American Academy of Dermatology

There are no experimental or clinical data demonstrating beneficial or adverse outcomes among COVID-19 patients on Spironolactone. For patients currently on spironolactone, we recommend continuation of spironolactone for those patients who are currently prescribed such agents for indications for which these agents are known to be beneficial. In the event patients with dermatologic disease are diagnosed with COVID-19, individualized treatment decisions should be made according to each patient's status and clinical presentation. Therefore, be advised not to add or remove.   Check www.aad.org for more information.

TREATMENT OF HAIRLOSS

Treatment for alopecia will depend on the type of hair loss that is occurring and what is causing it. There are a number of medications (including corticosteroid injections to the scalp) and prescription shampoos that can be prescribed to help slow hair loss or stop it all together.  It is also important to understand that with alopecia, specifically, alopecia areata, the hair loss can be highly unpredictable and cyclical. So even with treatment, it is possible the hair can grow back, and then fall out again. Every case is unique and is diagnosed and treated separately.