Hair Loss & Alopecia

Your Healthy Skin is Our Priority

Your Healthy Skin is Our Priority

General

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is a broad term for hair loss or balding. It can happen anywhere on the body and be caused by a number of different things, including genetics, aging, disease, medications, or environmental factors.

Additionally, alopecia can be temporary or permanent. And depending on the cause, it can occur gradually or all at once.

Losing hair on a regular basis is something most people experience in their everyday lives. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists, 50 to 100 strands of hair per day is considered normal hair shedding. However, if you’ve been noticing more hair falling out of your head than usual and it’s beginning to worry you, it might be time to visit a board-certified dermatologist.

Keep reading to learn more about hair loss and alopecia, what amount of hair loss is abnormal, what causes it, and what hair loss treatments our dermatologists recommend to patients at The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington.

Questions

Hair Loss & Alopecia FAQs

Read our dermatologists’ answers to frequently asked questions about hair loss below, and contact us to schedule an appointment with our board-certified dermatologists for hair loss treatment.

What causes hair loss in men and women?

The cause of hair loss can differ between men and women. Overall, the most common cause of hair loss and alopecia is genetic/age related. Other causes of hair loss in men and women include:

Hormonal Changes – This is a common hair loss cause in women, as hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can impact hair health.
Medical Conditions – Hair loss and hair thinning are common side effects of many medical conditions, illnesses, and diseases, as well as prescription medications.
Treatments and Styling – Harsh chemical hair treatments and tight hairstyles can weaken the hair, making it easier for hair to be pulled out.
Diet and Lifestyle – Your diet and lifestyle affect more than just your overall health and wellbeing; they can also impact the health of your hair!

Learn more about the common causes of hair loss in men and women here.

How much hair loss is normal?

The American Academy of Dermatologists estimates that 50 to 100 strands of hair per day is considered normal hair shedding. If you’re experiencing more hair loss than that, please schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists for a hair loss and alopecia consultation and diagnosis.

What are common signs of alopecia?

When it comes to alopecia and hair loss, there are a few warning signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. These common signs and symptoms of hair loss include:

Thinning hair on the crown of the head.
Bald patches.
Receding hairline.
Gradual widening of the hair part.
Thinning of the eyelashes.
Less hair on arms and/or legs.

If you’re experiencing any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, we understand how stressful it can be. But we want you to know that with the right hair loss treatments, you can potentially stop hair loss and increase your natural hair growth!

Learn more about the alopecia treatments we use by reading this hair loss guide.

Are there different types of alopecia?

Yes, there are different types of alopecia. These types include:

Androgenetic alopecia
Involutional alopecia
Alopecia areata
Scarring alopecia
Telogen effluvium

To uncover what type of alopecia you may be struggling with, visit an experienced board-certified dermatologist for a professional consultation and diagnosis.

Does pregnancy cause hair loss?

Yes, pregnancy may cause hair loss due to the regular hormonal changes during this time. Fortunately, average hair growth is typically restored once hormones return to their appropriate levels.

Where does hair loss occur?

Hair loss can occur anywhere on the body. However, the most common area that men and women experience hair loss is the scalp.

For men, hair loss typically presents itself as a receding hairline or balding on the top of the scalp, while women often experience hair loss as the widening of the hair part or on the top of the scalp.

Do certain illnesses cause hair loss?

Yes, certain illnesses and diseases can cause hair loss. For instance, certain autoimmune diseases, inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, infections (such as ringworm), or thyroid disease can cause hair loss in men and women.

What are the best hair loss treatments?

At the Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, our board-certified dermatologists recommend these hair loss treatments:

Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Finasteride (Propecia)
Laser Therapy
Hair Transplant Surgery
Lifestyle Recommendations

In many cases, we use a combination of the hair loss treatments above to achieve the best results. To learn more about how we address hair loss in patients, get in touch with our team of experienced dermatologists today.

PHOTOS

Hair Loss & Alopecia Photos

Take a look at the visuals below to get a better understanding of the signs and symptoms of alopecia and hair loss. If you have any other questions about this common condition, please get in touch with our board-certified dermatologists today.

GET IN TOUCH

Diagnosis and Treatment for Hair Loss in Wilmington, NC

Are you interested in treating your hair loss or alopecia symptoms? At The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, our board-certified dermatologists are passionate about helping our patients overcome hair loss and restore their natural hair growth.

Schedule an appointment today by contacting our North Carolina office at (910) 782-0028 or request an appointment online.

Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 910.782.0028.