Alopecia Specialist

Alopecia can look like anything from the thinning of hair to sudden hair loss resulting in bald patches. The board-certified team of dermatologists at Southwest Michigan Dermatology specializes in diagnosing and treating alopecia with the most updated practices. If hair loss or thinning of hair is something that you have noticed give our office a call today or request an appointment online to start the process of restoring your hair.

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.

 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?

Because several types of alopecia exist, hair loss and regrowth can be unpredictable and cyclical. Determining what type of alopecia you might have will direct the best course of treatment.

Though your hair follicles can grow back on their own, your hair may fall out again if you have alopecia.

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. Often lab work will be completed to help determine the cause.

These treatments may include:

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

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

The team of expert dermatologists at Southwest Michigan Dermatology provides you with treatments to restore your hair growth and rebuild your confidence. 

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.