By Dr. Hope Mitchell, MD
The Truth Contributor
It’s Alopecia Awareness Month. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is, “I have alopecia.” While that may be true, alopecia simply means hair loss. It is not a complete diagnosis. Just as a person has a first and last name, alopecia has different types, and identifying the specific type is the key to choosing the most effective treatment.
Hair loss is not one condition. There are many forms of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), alopecia areata, traction alopecia, scarring alopecia, telogen effluvium and several others and often a person has more than one type at the same time. Each has its own cause, pattern and treatment approach. What works for one type may not work for another.
That is why an accurate diagnosis is so important. During your evaluation, I look at much more than the amount of hair you have lost. I examine the pattern of hair loss, the condition of your scalp, the size and health of your hair follicles and whether there is inflammation, scarring or signs of an underlying medical condition.
Your medical history also provides valuable clues. Hormonal changes, thyroid disease, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, medications, recent illnesses, significant stress and certain hairstyles can all contribute to different types of alopecia. In some cases, bloodwork or additional testing may be needed to identify the underlying cause.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is treating themselves based on advice they find online or recommendations from friends. Because the causes of alopecia are different, using the wrong treatment can delay improvement and, in some cases, allow permanent hair loss to develop.
The good news is that many forms of alopecia can be successfully treated or managed, especially when diagnosed early. Today, we have more treatment options than ever before, including topical and oral medications, corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), laser therapies, and advanced procedures such as KeraLase®, depending on your diagnosis and individual needs.
If you have noticed increased shedding, widening of your part, thinning around your hairline or patches of hair loss, do not ignore the signs. Hair loss is your body’s way of telling you that something deserves attention.
Remember, alopecia is only the first name. The last name—the specific diagnosis—is what guides the best treatment plan. Once we know exactly what type of alopecia you have, we can create a personalized approach to help preserve, restore, and support your healthiest hair
Dr. Hope Mitchell
Board Certified Dermatologist with Over 25 Years of Experience
419.872.HOPE
MitchellDermatology.com
815 Commerce Drive | Perrysburg
Healthy Skin Begins with HOPE!