“Alopecia Areata is a pathological condition that affects 1-2% of the population, regardless of gender, while the disease is most common in children and adolescents. It mainly appears in the hair and genital hair, in the form of small round or oval-shaped desquamating plaques, but it can also appear in any area of the body with hair growth,” says the Dermatologist – Venereologist Dr. Amalia Tsiatoura.
The diagnosis of Alopecia Areata is mainly clinical and its prognosis is uncertain. It may resolve on its own – 80% of cases where the disease occurs after puberty – or remain stable in a chronically active form. Hair loss occurs over a short period of time, leading to plaque formation. Usually, the plaques are asymptomatic but may cause itching, be slightly painful and be accompanied by serious psychological effects on the patient.
Treatment
The latest development in the treatment of Alopecia Areata is called Autologous Hair Mesotherapy. The method utilizes the patient’s own blood growth factors to restore hair follicle function and sprout new hair. The method is applied with impressive results in many cases of universal or generalized Alopecia Areata, as well as in cases of Androgenetic or Diffuse Alopecia.
It is also applied at the level of conservative treatment and in combination with FUE Hair Transplantation, as well as for the improvement of postoperative scarring resulting from the FUT-Strip method.
Autologous Hair Mesotherapy
Autologous Hair Mesotherapy treats hair loss on 3 levels:
- Prevents further hair loss
- Enhances new hair growth
- Strengthens existing hair
At Cosmetic Derma Medicine, Autologous Hair Mesotherapy is applied with great success in many cases of hair loss and alopecia of various causes, especially in cases of androgenetic or diffuse alopecia, in both men and women. It has also been applied with impressive results in many cases of alopecia pedis, even in cases of universal and generalized alopecia pedis, where usually the results of conservative treatments have poor results.
Modern protocols recommend applying Autologous Hair Mesotherapy once a month for 4-8 sessions, depending on the problem, and then maintaining the result according to the doctor’s instructions. The results are completely natural and there are no side effects, provided the treatment is carried out by a qualified doctor.
In selected cases of localized Alopecia Areata with stability in the progression of hair loss for more than one year, hair loss can be treated with the FUE Hair Transplantation method. This method is applied exclusively by the specialized medical staff of Advanced Hair Clinics, member of the Cosmetic Derma Medicine Medical Group, and is completed gradually, 10-12 months later, with new hair growth.
FAQ
Alopecia Areata
What causes the appearance of Alopecia Areata?
The autoimmune etiology of Alopecia Areata is supported by its coexistence with other autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Adison’s disease, autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes, atopic dermatitis, Down’s syndrome. There are, of course, additional factors that contribute to its appearance, such as:
- Long-term or sudden intense psychological or physical stress (fever, inflammation, malignant diseases)
- Local trauma
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal disorders
- Chemicals
- Allergic reactions
- Seasonal changes
What are the types of Alopecia Areata?
The classification of Alopecia Areata is as follows:
- Circumscribed Alopecia Areata. In this case, the alopecia is usually limited to a desquamating plaque usually on the scalp in a round or oval shape.
- Persistent patchy alopecia areata. With one or more plaques on the head or body.
- Ophiasis. This is a roundish alopecia located in the occipital region with extension from one ear to the other. This form of alopecia is of questionable prognosis as it often leads to a total form.
- Alopecia totalis. In this case there is loss of hair all over the scalp.
- Alopecia universalis. In this form of alopecia areata, the scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, facial and body hair is lost.
- Diffuse alopecia areata. It is more common in people who already have androgenetic alopecia.
Alopecia totalis and Alopecia universalis are rare, accounting for 1-2% of all forms of Alopecia Areata.
How is Alopecia Areata diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Alopecia Areata is mainly clinical. Phototrichorizogram also helps by showing dystrophic anagen hairs and increased telogen hairs. Trichoscopy and biopsy also confirm the diagnosis of alopecia areata as the latter shows lymphocytic infiltration and hair degeneration.
Can the progression of Alopecia Areata be predicted?
Unfortunately, the progression of alopecia areata cannot be predicted. When it occurs after puberty, there is usually a recurrence in 80% of cases. Poor prognosis is usually associated with total gyroid alopecia occurring before puberty, frequent recurrences of gyroid alopecia, ophiasis and the coexistence of nail lesions.
Why should I choose Cosmetic Derma Medicine for the treatment of Alopecia Areata?
Cosmetic Derma Medicine Medical Group is the largest and most specialized medical group in the field of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, with 16 clinics in Greece and Cyprus.
A typical example of the treatment of Alopecia Areata is the case of two twins who at a very young age developed Alopecia Areata with almost total hair loss.
The Medical Director of the Cosmetic Derma Medicine is the Dermatologist – Venereologist Dr. Amalia Tsiatoura, while the staff consists of a medical team of highly experienced and specialized doctors of many different specialties, as well as a fully trained team of nurses. Our team is at your side every day, 24/7 for whatever you need.