Unexpected hair loss, bald patches, or thinning of the scalp can be concerning. The dermatology team at Northstar Dermatology evaluates and treats alopecia for patients throughout Fort Worth, using a detailed diagnostic process to identify the cause of hair loss and develop an individualized treatment plan.
If hair loss is affecting your confidence or quality of life, schedule an evaluation with a Fort Worth alopecia dermatologist.
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can refer to many different conditions, from alopecia areata to hereditary hair loss. Alopecia areata is a specific autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss, while other forms of alopecia may develop because of genetics, hormonal factors, illness, inflammation, medications, or other underlying causes.
Hair loss can generally be divided into two broad categories: scarring and non-scarring alopecia.
Scarring forms of hair loss are less common and are often associated with inflammation around the hair follicle. Symptoms may include redness, scaling, itching, burning, or tenderness of the scalp. Over time, inflammation can damage the hair follicle and lead to permanent hair loss.
Non-scarring hair loss is more common. Two frequently seen forms are telogen effluvium and androgenetic, or hereditary, hair loss.
Telogen effluvium causes generalized shedding of the hair and may develop after a significant physical or emotional stressor, such as:
Hair shedding often begins several months after the triggering event. In many cases, the condition improves over time and hair growth gradually returns.
Androgenetic alopecia, also called hereditary or pattern hair loss, is extremely common. Genetics and sensitivity to androgen hormones both play a role. The age of onset, rate of progression, and severity vary significantly from person to person. A dermatologist can help determine whether thinning is consistent with hereditary hair loss or whether another condition may be contributing.
Before beginning treatment for hair loss, it is important to determine the underlying cause. A physical examination and, in some cases, laboratory testing may be recommended to look for medical factors contributing to hair loss.
Treatment options depend on the type of alopecia diagnosed.
For hereditary hair loss, options may include topical minoxidil, which is available over the counter in several formulations. Prescription-strength or oral minoxidil may also be considered in certain patients.
Other prescription medications may include spironolactone for some women with pattern hair loss, or finasteride and dutasteride in selected patients. Your dermatologist can determine whether these medications are appropriate based on your medical history and individual risk factors.
Corticosteroid injections can be used for some types of patchy or inflammatory hair loss. A series of treatments may be needed, depending on the condition and response.
Because hair loss can have many different causes, there is no single treatment that works for every patient. Northstar Dermatology focuses on identifying the underlying pattern of hair loss before recommending a treatment plan. Patients with scalp scaling or inflammation may also benefit from evaluation for conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis.
Hair loss treatment often requires patience, and improvement can take time. If you are searching for an alopecia dermatologist near you, Northstar Dermatology provides individualized evaluation and treatment for Fort Worth patients experiencing thinning, shedding, or patchy hair loss. Northstar Dermatology also offers a full range of medical dermatology services for other skin, scalp, and nail concerns.
