Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Losing hair can happen to both men and women due to a number of factors. Whatever the reason, significant hair loss or thinning can negatively impact one’s self-esteem and confidence. The good news is that if your hair is thinning or falling out, the skilled medical dermatologists and skincare specialists at Houston Skin offer the most effective treatments that can successfully reverse, reduce or stop hair loss.

Real Results for Hair Restoration

While losing hair is most commonly experienced by men as they age, significant loss and thinning can also affect women. Hair loss, also known as alopecia, which is an umbrella term for various types of hair loss, can happen for a broad range of causes. Some of the most typical causes of alopecia include physical or emotional stress, genetics, hormone dysfunction, fungal infection on the scalp, and other medical conditions.

Depending on the cause, alopecia can also occur gradually or some people may experience a significant amount of hair fall over a relatively short amount of time. With some conditions, the hair may grow back on its own, however, in many cases, stopping the progression of loss with treatments is necessary to maintain density. It’s clear utilizing medical dermatology early on is essential for delivering successful hairline restoration results.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Genetics play a role in a majority of alopecia cases, however, certain conditions can contribute to both temporary and permanent hair loss too. It’s important to have an evaluation with one of our experienced practitioners at Houston Skin at the first signs of hair loss in order to determine the cause and the best course of treatment for your specific needs and goals.

Here are some of the more common types of alopecia:

ILLNESS OR HEALTH CONDITION

Specific health issues like diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, nutritional dysfunction, anemia, and even stress can cause temporary hair loss. In most of these cases, once the health condition has been addressed in addition to alopecia treatments, the hair will regrow successfully.

TRAUMA

Trauma in the form of physical injury can form scar tissue on the scalp which can decrease hair growth and damage the follicles, potentially leading to permanent hair loss.

PATTERN BALDNESS

Pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, can negatively impact men and women, though men are most commonly affected by this condition. Pattern baldness is mainly caused by genetics. Hair loss due to pattern baldness is permanent and usually gradual, beginning with a receding hairline or thinning hair at the crown.

ALOPECIA AREATA

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that can be triggered by heredity, stress, or other autoimmune conditions. With this type of loss, the body attacks its own follicles, resulting in rapid loss of hair on the scalp, and occasionally the face and body.

TRACTION ALOPECIA

This type of alopecia is due to trauma to the follicles from wearing tight hairstyles (braids, ponytails, extensions, etc.).

Regain Your Hair Line with Houston Skin

MINOXIDIL (ROGAINE)

Topically applied minoxidil was the first medication approved by the FDA to treat both male and female pattern loss. Minoxidil results can be seen in as little as 5 months and can be used for long-term improvements.

FINASTERIDE (PROPECIA AND PROSCAR)

Oral finasteride is FDA approved for use in male pattern baldness and in some cases, can be used for women experiencing female pattern alopecia.

SPIRONOLACTONE (ALDACTONE)

Spironolactone is a medication that is primarily used to treat high blood pressure. However, because of its anti-androgenic effects, this medication has been used off-label in women who suffer from hormonal acne, hirsutism (body and facial hair growth), and female hair loss.

LATISSE

For patients looking to regrow their eyelashes, Latisse is FDA approved to promote thickening and growth of eyelashes. Latisse can also be used in some cases to improve the growth of eyebrows.

Injectable Treatments for Hair Loss

TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE

Triamcinolone acetonide is a cortisone medication that can be injected into the scalp to give improvement for some types of alopecia. In addition to helping patients who have pattern baldness, cortisone injections can be a good option for patients who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, an associated condition that results in a dry, itchy and flaky scalp. Topical steroids may also be used to stop progression of hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.