Alopecia dermatologist near me
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Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Alopecia areata treatment
Recommended health tests for Alopecia areata
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that leads to unpredictable hair loss. In alopecia areata, your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, where hair growth begins, which can cause hair to fall out in small patches on the scalp and possibly other parts of the body. While the condition can affect anyone regardless of age or gender, most cases are diagnosed before the age of 30. Although the exact number of people suffering from alopecia areata is not known, it's estimated to impact millions worldwide, making it a considerable health concern.
Causes
The exact cause of alopecia areata remains a mystery, but it's primarily linked to a combination of genetic and environmental triggers. It occurs when the immune system targets hair follicles, but why it does so is not entirely clear. Stress might exacerbate the condition, but it's not considered a direct cause. A family history of alopecia or other autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or thyroid disease, increases the risk of developing alopecia areata.
Signs and symptoms
- Sudden hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp - Hair loss and thinning in other body parts, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and facial/beard area - Fingernails and toenails may develop pitting or white spots - Skin in the bald areas may appear normal or slightly red
Diagnosing Alopecia areata
Diagnosing alopecia areata involves a clinical examination by a healthcare professional, usually a dermatologist. They may examine the hair loss patterns and look for any nail changes. In some cases, a scalp biopsy might be performed, where a small piece of scalp skin is removed and examined under a microscope to ensure there are no other causes of hair loss. Blood tests may also help rule out other autoimmune diseases.
Prevention and natural treatment
Preventing alopecia areata, due to its unclear causes, is challenging. However, managing stress and leading a healthy lifestyle might help reduce the risk or severity of hair loss. The treatment of alopecia areata focuses on promoting hair growth and includes a mix of conventional and functional medicine approaches. Functional medicine seeks to address the root cause of diseases, including alopecia areata, by considering nutritional deficiencies, stress, and other lifestyle factors. Treatment methods may include: - A well-balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods to support immune function - Supplements such as zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, which may help promote hair growth - Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or therapy to help reduce potential triggers - Topical treatments like onion juice and rosemary oil, which have shown some promise in small studies for stimulating hair regrowth - Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a non-invasive option to stimulate hair follicles While there is currently no cure for alopecia areata, combining these functional medicine strategies can sometimes help manage the condition and promote hair growth. Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment regimen.
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