Alopecia Specialist

If you have sudden hair loss on your head and body, resulting in bald patches or overall loss of hair, you may have alopecia. The board-certified team of dermatologists at Southwest Michigan Dermatology specializes in diagnosing and treating alopecia with the most updated practices. Providing treatment options at both Portage, Michigan, locations, the team ensures you’ll leave their office with positive results. Call Southwest Michigan Dermatology or use the online booking tool to schedule a consultation and receive the treatment you need. 

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your own hair follicles, causing hair loss. Affecting approximately 6.8 million men, women, and children in the United States, this condition can occur on any part of your body, beginning with one or more bald patches that may connect overtime. 

Alopecia contrasts with age-related balding due to sudden hair loss, rather than hair loss developing over time. With alopecia, your hair follicles also retain the ability to restore and grow again, unlike age-related balding.

Different types of alopecia exist, including:

Alopecia areata totalis

This takes place when you’ve lost all of the hair on your head.

Alopecia areata universalis

This type of alopecia occurs when you experience loss of hair on your entire body.

Diffuse alopecia areata

Diffuse alopecia areata consists of a sudden thinning of your hair, rather than bald patches. 

Ophiasis alopecia areata

Ophiasis alopecia areata causes you to lose hair in the shape of a band around the side and back of your head.

Because several types of alopecia exist, hair loss and regrowth can be unpredictable and cyclical. To determine what type of alopecia you might have and the best course of treatment, schedule an appointment with a trusted team member at Southwest Michigan Dermatology. 

What are the symptoms of alopecia?

You may notice signs of developing alopecia if you experience sudden, significant hair loss, small, circular bald spots on your scalp, beard, or body, and hair loss limited to one side of your body. You may also notice signs of alopecia if you have brittle, pitted, or reddened fingernails.

How do you treat alopecia?

Though your hair follicles can grow back on their own, your hair may fall out again if you have alopecia. The team of expert dermatologists at Southwest Michigan Dermatology provides you with treatments to restore your hair growth and rebuild your confidence. 

The team examines your hair loss, identifying the severity of your condition and the health of your hair follicles. They also discuss your medical history with you to determine the best possible treatment for you.

These treatments may include:

• Phototherapy
• Topical, injected, or oral corticosteroids
• Topical immunotherapy
• Minoxidil

Because a variety of factors may cause alopecia, the team may also suggest relaxation techniques to minimize stress and diminish further hair loss. 

If you suspect that you have alopecia, call the Portage office nearest you or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment with the experienced team at Southwest Michigan Dermatology.