Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or hereditary hair thinning is the most common form of hair loss. When it affects women, it is called female pattern alopecia or female pattern baldness. This condition is genetically inherited and can come from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family.
The term “androgenetic” comes from androgen hormones that are responsible for causing the hair loss in genetically susceptible men and women. Androgens have other important functions in both males and females, especially in normal male sexual development before birth and during puberty.
In susceptible hair follicles, an androgen – dihydrotestosterone (DHT) -binds to the androgen receptor then the hormone-receptor complex activates the genes responsible for the gradual transformation of large terminal follicles to miniaturized follicles. Increased levels of androgens in hair follicles can lead to a shorter cycle of hair growth and the growth of shorter and thinner strands of hair. Additionally, there is a delay in the growth of new hair to replace strands that are shed.
Both women and men with AGA have higher levels of 5 reductase and androgen receptor in frontal hair follicles compared to occipital follicles. At the same time, young women have much higher levels of cytochrome p-450 aromatase in frontal follicles than men who have minimal aromatase, and women have even higher aromatase levels in occipital follicles. The actions of these two enzymes play a major role in causing diffuse and patterned hair loss.
Did you know how do people inherit androgenetic alopecia?
Hereditary Hair Loss inhe inheritance pattern of androgenetic alopecia is unclear yet because many genetic and environmental factors are likely to be involved. Although researchers are studying risk factors that may contribute to this condition, most of these factors remain unknown. This condition tends to cluster in families- therefore having a close relative with patterned hair loss appears to be a risk factor for developing the condition.
Clinical features
Onset may occur at any time after puberty and the majority of thinning occurs in the teens, 20s, and 30s. Women with hereditary thinning usually first notice a gradual thinning of their hair, mostly on the top of their heads, and their scalp becomes more visible. Over time, the hair on the sides may also become thinner. The patient may notice that her “ponytail” is much smaller in girth. This diffuse thinning of the scalp can vary in extent. Miniaturized hairs, the shorter and finer hairs of various lengths and diameters, are the hallmark of AGA and result from the shortening of anagen phase and reduction in matrix size. Increased spacing between hairs makes the central part appear wider over the frontal scalp compared to the occipital scalp.
Hairloss classifics commonly, hair density appears normal proximally, but the hair no longer grows to its previous length, resulting in wispy distal ends. In this case, the shortening of anagen progresses more rapidly than matrix reduction, therefore the hair is cut to shorter lengths in order to give a fuller appearance.
Androgenetic alopecia in women sometimes coexists with telogen effluvium- increased shedding following childbirth, major illness or other causes.
WHAT IS HAIR REGENERATION? NYC New York NY
Hair Regeneration is a non-surgical treatment for thinning hair and hair loss hair that makes use of adult stem cell based wound-healing properties developed by Regeneration is customized in terms of concentrations, areas treated, depth of treatment and technique. treatment include:
Extracellular Matrix (ECM) — a wound healing material that attracts increased blood supply and adult stem cells, which duplicates human tissue like skin and muscle. When used in treating hair loss, ECM appears to clinically restore the necessary cells (progenitor cells) responsible for healthy hair growth.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) — the isolated serum derived from a patient’s own blood which contains regenerative healing and growth factors. PRP is used in regenerative medicine applications in oral surgery, orthopedic surgery and cosmetic surgery.
Vitamin D — the nutrient, demonstrated by University of Tokyo, to increase transformation of cells in tissue culture to transplantable hair follicles.
Other materials customized to the patient’s cause of hair loss such as anti-inflammatory medication.
HOW DOES HAIR REGENERATION WORK
Wound Healing Concept
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and extracellular matrix (ECM) is injected into the scalp for a wound healing response that activates adult stem cells. Slowed hair growth that leads to thinning is renewed, so hair thinning is reversed and hair grows progressively thicker.
lasting solution to hair loss that reactivates existing hair follicles and jumpstarts the normal hair growth cycle through a combination of platelet-rich plasma (derived from the patient) and an extracellular matrix. It is designed to reverse the hair thinning cycle and subsequently stops continued hair loss.
Hair loss occurs when the presence of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) disrupts the line of communication between the dermal papilla, which is located at the root of the hair follicle, and the progenitor cells, which is a type of adult stem cell system is designed to restore these communication lines and reverse the thinning effect that DHT has on hair.
directly into the scalp. This triggers a wound-healing response in the body and attracts an increased supply of blood and adult stem cells, which in turn, increases the production of progenitor cells in the area. Thus, hair that was previously thinning and weak grows progressively thicker and stronger.
Uhas shown to be effective in 99% of male pattern hair loss patients and about 80% of female pattern hair loss patients. After reviewing 5 years of clinical data, results have shown that only a single treatment is all that is needed, although Dr. Prasad has been performing second treatments in select patients.
HAIR REGENERATION TREATMENT AND HAIR TRANSPLANTS
hair that many people who undergo the treatment often feel that they don’t need to undergo an additional hair transplant. However, for patients who do opt for a hair transplant, the Hair Regeneration treatment has shown to help increase the success rate of hair transplant surgery in the following ways:
Improving survival rate of hair transplant grafts. The Hair Regeneration system’s wound healing components improves the healing rate of transplanted hair follicles, thereby increasing the survival rate of transplanted hair grafts.
Thickening hair that was previously thinning. The Hair Regeneration system can reverse progressive, future hair loss — an important issue that hair transplants alone do not address.
Improving donor area healing. The combination of wound-healing materials in Hair Regeneration can be used to help the healing process of the donor area scar at the back of the head from follicular unit transplantation (FUT), as well as follicular unit extraction (FUE).
hair-regeneration-before-and-afters-045
WHAT IS ACELL’S EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX (ECM)?
ACell vial imageACell’s patented Extracellular Matrix (ECM) products are covered by multiple 510(k) clearances and address important unmet clinical needs, providing safe, effective and therapeutic outcomes.
Derived from porcine urinary bladders and referred to as UBM (urinary bladder matrix), trademarked as MatriStem™, ACell’s core technology is a naturally occurring, non-crosslinked, completely resorbable acellular biomaterial.
A similar “first generation” ECM technology has been used to treat over 500,000 patients with remarkable effect. ACell’s MatriStem products are the next generation of ECM technology due to its unique characteristics featuring a basement membrane surface which is ideal for epithelial cell growth in many applications.
HOW DOES ACELL’S EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX WORK?
Extracellular matrix (ECM), produced by ACell, is the by-product of urinary bladder tissue that has proven regenerative properties. The product is stripped of all cells, as well as muscle tissue, to prevent graft versus host reactions (allergic reactions) when introduced in humans.
The way ACell’s ECM works in wound healing is by recruiting adult stem cells, along with an increased blood supply, to the sight of a wound. It then effectively changes these inactive adult stem cells back into progenitor cells (its active form) and facilitates direct healing by duplicating native tissue instead of scar tissue.
ACell’s ECM also provides growth factors and proteins necessary for tissue regeneration, and also sets up a temporary non-crosslinked scaffolding for the tissue reconstruction mimicking the surrounding healthy but damaged tissue. This scaffolding contains and slowly releases growth factors (VEGF etc.). The scaffold is metabolized allowing the healing and regeneration to be carried out by one’s own cells and tissue.
WHY EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX FOR HAIR RESTORATION?
Extracellular matrix is unique as it is bi-modal and contains a basement membrane necessary to attract and propagate
Preparation of the PRP
Preparation of the PRP
both epithelial and endothelial cells. Extracellular matrix works by setting up a temporary cellular scaffold or bridge, and then attracts massive blood supply and adult stem cells. A large number of inactive adult stem cells continue to circulate in the human body in after we are born. The stem cells are attracted to the site of injury, where they are converted back into progenitor cells.
Extracellular matrix also contains a considerable amount of the necessary proteins and growth factors to reconstruct and copy tissue, along with nerves and appendages (hair for example). PRP also contains a large number of adult stem cells.
Extracellular Matrix (ECM) — a wound healing material that attracts increased blood supply and adult stem cells, which duplicates human tissue like skin and muscle. When used in treating hair loss, ECM appears to clinically restore the necessary cells (progenitor cells) responsible for healthy hair growth.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) — the isolated serum derived from a patient’s own blood which contains regenerative healing and growth factors. PRP is used in regenerative medicine applications in oral surgery, orthopedic surgery and cosmetic surgery.
Vitamin D — the nutrient, demonstrated by University of Tokyo, to increase transformation of cells in tissue culture to transplantable hair follicles.
Other materials customized to the patient’s cause of hair loss such as anti-inflammatory medication.
HOW DOES HAIR REGENERATION WORK
Wound Healing Concept
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and extracellular matrix (ECM) is injected into the scalp for a wound healing response that activates adult stem cells. Slowed hair growth that leads to thinning is renewed, so hair thinning is reversed and hair grows progressively thicker.
lasting solution to hair loss that reactivates existing hair follicles and jumpstarts the normal hair growth cycle through a combination of platelet-rich plasma (derived from the patient) and an extracellular matrix. It is designed to reverse the hair thinning cycle and subsequently stops continued hair loss.
Hair loss occurs when the presence of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) disrupts the line of communication between the dermal papilla, which is located at the root of the hair follicle, and the progenitor cells, which is a type of adult stem cell system is designed to restore these communication lines and reverse the thinning effect that DHT has on hair.
directly into the scalp. This triggers a wound-healing response in the body and attracts an increased supply of blood and adult stem cells, which in turn, increases the production of progenitor cells in the area. Thus, hair that was previously thinning and weak grows progressively thicker and stronger.
Uhas shown to be effective in 99% of male pattern hair loss patients and about 80% of female pattern hair loss patients. After reviewing 5 years of clinical data, results have shown that only a single treatment is all that is needed, although Dr. Prasad has been performing second treatments in select patients.
HAIR REGENERATION TREATMENT AND HAIR TRANSPLANTS
hair that many people who undergo the treatment often feel that they don’t need to undergo an additional hair transplant. However, for patients who do opt for a hair transplant, the Hair Regeneration treatment has shown to help increase the success rate of hair transplant surgery in the following ways:
Improving survival rate of hair transplant grafts. The Hair Regeneration system’s wound healing components improves the healing rate of transplanted hair follicles, thereby increasing the survival rate of transplanted hair grafts.
Thickening hair that was previously thinning. The Hair Regeneration system can reverse progressive, future hair loss — an important issue that hair transplants alone do not address.
Improving donor area healing. The combination of wound-healing materials in Hair Regeneration can be used to help the healing process of the donor area scar at the back of the head from follicular unit transplantation (FUT), as well as follicular unit extraction (FUE).
hair-regeneration-before-and-afters-045
WHAT IS ACELL’S EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX (ECM)?
ACell vial imageACell’s patented Extracellular Matrix (ECM) products are covered by multiple 510(k) clearances and address important unmet clinical needs, providing safe, effective and therapeutic outcomes.
Derived from porcine urinary bladders and referred to as UBM (urinary bladder matrix), trademarked as MatriStem™, ACell’s core technology is a naturally occurring, non-crosslinked, completely resorbable acellular biomaterial.
A similar “first generation” ECM technology has been used to treat over 500,000 patients with remarkable effect. ACell’s MatriStem products are the next generation of ECM technology due to its unique characteristics featuring a basement membrane surface which is ideal for epithelial cell growth in many applications.
HOW DOES ACELL’S EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX WORK?
Extracellular matrix (ECM), produced by ACell, is the by-product of urinary bladder tissue that has proven regenerative properties. The product is stripped of all cells, as well as muscle tissue, to prevent graft versus host reactions (allergic reactions) when introduced in humans.
The way ACell’s ECM works in wound healing is by recruiting adult stem cells, along with an increased blood supply, to the sight of a wound. It then effectively changes these inactive adult stem cells back into progenitor cells (its active form) and facilitates direct healing by duplicating native tissue instead of scar tissue.
ACell’s ECM also provides growth factors and proteins necessary for tissue regeneration, and also sets up a temporary non-crosslinked scaffolding for the tissue reconstruction mimicking the surrounding healthy but damaged tissue. This scaffolding contains and slowly releases growth factors (VEGF etc.). The scaffold is metabolized allowing the healing and regeneration to be carried out by one’s own cells and tissue.
WHY EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX FOR HAIR RESTORATION?
Extracellular matrix is unique as it is bi-modal and contains a basement membrane necessary to attract and propagate
Preparation of the PRP
Preparation of the PRP
both epithelial and endothelial cells. Extracellular matrix works by setting up a temporary cellular scaffold or bridge, and then attracts massive blood supply and adult stem cells. A large number of inactive adult stem cells continue to circulate in the human body in after we are born. The stem cells are attracted to the site of injury, where they are converted back into progenitor cells.
Extracellular matrix also contains a considerable amount of the necessary proteins and growth factors to reconstruct and copy tissue, along with nerves and appendages (hair for example). PRP also contains a large number of adult stem cells.
HAIR RESTORATION NYC New York NY
Hair restoration specialist forms hair transplantation procedures at his Joint Commission certified facilities in New York City. As a specialist with over 20 years of experience, it instant priority to fully understand each patient’s concerns and spend the appropriate amount of time doing so, in order to properly diagnose each case.
Because there is much discussion and debate about FUE versus FUT or the “strip mconsultation meetings and examinations.
It is important to remember that the number of grafts transplanted are based on the density of grafts in the back of the scalp referred to as the “donor area”. This rule of thumb applies to both “FUT” (also called “strip method” or “FUE”). The area to be transplanted is measured and the patient reviews the markings with Dr. Prasad and the technicians. The patient may be completely awake during the procedure with just a local anesthetic drug applied to numb the areas of the scalp. The patient may also have intravenous or IV sedation sometimes referred to as “twilight” anesthesia.
ognizes the growing practice in the hair restoration industry to focus solely of short-term results. Because of this trend, other hair loss “specialists” tend to focus more on selli Regeneration treatment.
The treatment offers a quick, lasting and non-invasive solution to hair loss by means of reactivating existing hair follicles and jump starting normal hair growth cycle. It is designed in such a way that patients only need one application for them to see results. Furthermore, the Hair Regeneration technology also makes a significant difference in hair transplant results. Higher yield in graft survival and thickening of thinning hair has been greatly appreciated by people familiar with hair transplantation surgery.
Those who will benefit the most from the Hair Regeneration treatment are the following:
People who are already experiencing hair loss and do not want to be placed in the position of needing a hair transplant in the future.
People who currently need a hair transplant, or have already had a hair transplant, may opt for Hair Regeneration to ensure that they will not continue to lose hair after the procedure.
People who are either too young for a hair transplant or are not viable candidates for a hair transplant.
Because there is much discussion and debate about FUE versus FUT or the “strip mconsultation meetings and examinations.
It is important to remember that the number of grafts transplanted are based on the density of grafts in the back of the scalp referred to as the “donor area”. This rule of thumb applies to both “FUT” (also called “strip method” or “FUE”). The area to be transplanted is measured and the patient reviews the markings with Dr. Prasad and the technicians. The patient may be completely awake during the procedure with just a local anesthetic drug applied to numb the areas of the scalp. The patient may also have intravenous or IV sedation sometimes referred to as “twilight” anesthesia.
ognizes the growing practice in the hair restoration industry to focus solely of short-term results. Because of this trend, other hair loss “specialists” tend to focus more on selli Regeneration treatment.
The treatment offers a quick, lasting and non-invasive solution to hair loss by means of reactivating existing hair follicles and jump starting normal hair growth cycle. It is designed in such a way that patients only need one application for them to see results. Furthermore, the Hair Regeneration technology also makes a significant difference in hair transplant results. Higher yield in graft survival and thickening of thinning hair has been greatly appreciated by people familiar with hair transplantation surgery.
Those who will benefit the most from the Hair Regeneration treatment are the following:
People who are already experiencing hair loss and do not want to be placed in the position of needing a hair transplant in the future.
People who currently need a hair transplant, or have already had a hair transplant, may opt for Hair Regeneration to ensure that they will not continue to lose hair after the procedure.
People who are either too young for a hair transplant or are not viable candidates for a hair transplant.
Why is my hair falling out? NYC New York NY
It's true that men are more likely to lose their hair than women, mostly due to male pattern baldness (more on that later).
But thinning hair and hair loss are also common in women, and no less demoralizing. Reasons can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition.
In many cases, there are ways to treat both male and female hair loss. It all depends on the cause. Here are some common and not-so-common reasons why you might be seeing less hair on your head.
But thinning hair and hair loss are also common in women, and no less demoralizing. Reasons can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition.
In many cases, there are ways to treat both male and female hair loss. It all depends on the cause. Here are some common and not-so-common reasons why you might be seeing less hair on your head.
Hair Thinning should be evaluated by Board-Certified Dermatologist NYC New York NY
Before men or women invest in hair restoration, consultation and workup by a board-certified dermatologist experienced should be performed first to rule out other medical conditions that may trigger hair thinning and second to maximize medical therapy. Full medical therapy as prescribed and outlined by a board-certified dermatologist must continue in order to protect one's investment in hair transplant such as NeoGraft hair restoration
Telogen Effluvium NYC New York NY
This hair loss condition, which occurs mainly in
women, is usually caused by a temporary disturbance to the hair cycle
causing the growing (anagen) hairs to prematurely enter the resting
(telogen) phase of the hair cycle.
Stress, illness, medication, anemia, and weight
loss are the most common causes, however, many other factors can also
influence this condition.
The treatment for telogen effluvium depends on why the individual is losing his/her hair.
Alopecia Areata NYC New York NY
Alopecia areata is characterized by patchy scalp
hair loss which occasionally affects every hair follicle on the scalp
(alopecia totalis), or body (alopecia universalis).
The disease usually occurs between the the ages
of adolescence and 30 years, but can appear at any age, affecting both
sexes equally. Alopecia Areata has a rapid onset but tends to
spontaneously reverse.
The cause of Alopecia Areata is unclear, however,
genetic factors, auto-immune mechanisms, and the occurrence of
stressful and/or emotional problems shortly before the hair loss are all
thought to influence the condition.
Treatments for the disease include topical
sensitizers, steroid shots, squaric acid dibutyl ester, diphencyprone,
and hypnotherapy.
Women Genetic Hair Loss NYC New York NY
E. Ludwig categorized female genetic hair loss into three grades.
Although other classifications have been developed, as with the
Hamilton-Norwood scale for men, dermatologists, trichologists, and
researchers most often use the Ludwig scale to categorize the type and
extent of hair loss in women, devise an appropriate treatment and
evaluate whether the condition is improving or worsening.
Types-Men Genetic Hair Loss NYC New York NY
Men Genetic Women Genetic
In order to assess the extent of genetic hair loss in men, dermatologists and trichologists commonly use the Hamilton-Norwood scale. The Hamilton-Norwood scale helps hair loss experts and patients alike monitor the state of loss, devise an appropriate treatment regimen and evaluate whether the condition is improving or worsening.
In order to assess the extent of genetic hair loss in men, dermatologists and trichologists commonly use the Hamilton-Norwood scale. The Hamilton-Norwood scale helps hair loss experts and patients alike monitor the state of loss, devise an appropriate treatment regimen and evaluate whether the condition is improving or worsening.
Is all hair loss permanent? nyc new york ny
No! It is important to realize that
there are many different types and causes of hair loss, not
all of which are permanent.
What is considered normal hair loss? NYC New York NY
The average number of hairs that most people should expect to lose each day is between 40 - 120 hairs. The discrepancy is due to differences in the amount of hair people have on their heads, as well as both hair type and hair growth cycle.
How much hair should I have on my head? NYC New York NY
We are born with all of our hair follicles; none are produced after birth. That said, the average person has approximately 80,000 - 150,000 hairs on his or her head, depending on hair type and natural hair color.
How many people actually suffer from hair loss? NYC New York NY
Hair loss is a condition that effects approximately 60% of women and 85% of men at some time in their lives.
Laser Comb by Hairmax Lasercomb - Does it Really Work? NYC New York, NY
Laser comb by HairMax Lasercomb - find out if it really works, read the studies, see the pictures and get user feedback.
Treatment of androgenetic alopecia with Propecia, Rogaine NYC New York, NY
Treatment of androgenetic alopecia with combination therapy of oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, and tretinoin.
Nizoral Shampoo as a Hair Loss Treatment - Does it Work? NYC New York NY
Nizoral shampoo is the most important component of every hair loss treatment regimen. Find out why no regimen will work well without it.
Alopecia Universalis - Information Support & Community NYC New York NY
Alopecia Universalis information and support community and resources for Alopecia Universalis Sufferers.
What is Thinning Hair? NYC New York NY
Twenty five percent of healthy women will develop scalp hair thinning in their lifetime. It will not become visible until 50% of the hair is gone. Contrary to common belief, thinning is not the result of hairs falling out. It’s caused by a progressive reduction in the hair’s diameter and length. As the hair diameter gets smaller and smaller, the underlying skin becomes more and more visible. Eventually the hair vanishes and a hairless area appears. The process starts 15 to 20 years before the underlying skin becomes visible. If detected early, treatment success approaches 100%.
Women's Center For Hair Loss NYC New York NY
To provide aesthetic, natural appearing hair restoration to women in a caring, professional environment. All types of hair loss will be addressed, including but not limited to scalp hair loss, but also eyebrow transplants and eyelash restoration, the repair of scarring from prior plastic surgery, and hairline advancement. All procedures and consultations will be performed by Dr.Gary
Alopecia Areata NYC New York NY
Alopecia areata (AA) is probably the third most common form of hair loss dermatologists see, after androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. The lifetime risk for AA is nearly 2%, or two in every 100 people will get AA at some point in their lives. It is not contagious; you can't catch AA from someone who has it.
Researchers believe AA is an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, but in this case the individual's own immune system attacks hair follicles instead of bone joints. Just why or how AA develops is not clear. For whatever reason, the immune system is inappropriately activated and attacks hair follicles. Research using several disease models shows certain types of lymphocytes play a primary role in the hair loss. They seem to attack the hair follicles, mistakenly thinking that somehow they are a threat to the rest of the body.
AA can affect men, women, and children. It often appears as well-defined circular bald patches on the scalp. Many people will get just one or two patches, but for some the hair loss can be extensive. Unfortunately, children who develop AA before puberty are most likely to develop more extensive and persistent hair loss.
Hair loss that spreads to cover the entire scalp is called alopecia totalis. If it spreads over the entire body, affecting scalp, eyebrows, lashes, beard, pubic hair, and everything else, then the condition is called alopecia universalis. If the alopecia is just limited to the beard area in men, it is called alopecia barbae.
The inflammation involved in AA focuses on the roots of hair follicles deep in the skin. As a result there is very little visible at the skin surface. There is no redness and often no pain, although a few people do find their skin itchy or painful to touch in the very early stages of AA development. Usually, though, there is no sensation -- just a patchy shedding of hair.
The hair loss can be quite sudden, developing in a matter of a few days and it may happen anywhere on the scalp. The patch is usually smooth bald skin with nothing obvious to see beyond the absence of hair. Unlike other autoimmune diseases, the target of the inflammatory response in AA, the hair follicles, are not completely destroyed and can re-grow if the inflammation subsides.
People with just one or two patches of AA often have a full and spontaneous recovery within two years whether or not they receive treatment. However, about 30% of individuals find the condition persists and becomes more extensive, or they have repeated cycles of hair loss and re-growth.
Traditionally, AA has been regarded as a stress-induced disease. Unfortunately that view persists today, even among some dermatologists, even though very little scientific evidence supports the view.
AA is much more complicated. Extreme stress might trigger AA in some people, but recent research shows that genes can also be involved. There are probably several genes that can make an individual more susceptible to developing AA. The more of these genes a person has, the more likely they will develop AA.
Some researchers believe there are a wide range of contributing factors that make someone more susceptible to developing AA. Hormones, allergies, viruses, and even toxins might contribute. Probably several factors combined are involved in the activation of AA in any one individual.
Treatments for Alopecia
There are a range of treatments for AA, but none are effective for everyone and some people with AA don't respond to any treatment. Because some of the available treatments have a high risk of side effects, they are often not used for children.
The most common AA treatment involves the use of corticosteroids. Corticosteroid creams applied to the bald patches are popular with the average dermatologist, although this treatment approach is only successful for the very mildest cases. A more potent approach is to inject corticosteroid solutions into the bald patches. This can work well for some people, but close monitoring is required to ensure that side effects, such as skin thinning at the site of injection, do not occur.
In extensive cases, systemic corticosteroids (those taken in pill or other form to affect your body) are used, though not continuously since they can cause significant side effects like bone thinning. But short-term "pulse therapy" often has good results.
More specialized treatment approaches involve the application of contact sensitizing chemicals to the skin. These cause an allergic reaction that can help promote hair growth. That may sound counterintuitive but it seems to work. A variety of experimental approaches are currently in laboratory and clinical trials. One group of drugs being tested are "biologics," which have bits of protein that interfere in a very specific way with the activity of immune cells. Biologics are injected systemically to damp down the immune activity and allow hair to regrow. The results of these trials are awaited with much interest.
Unfortunately, people with more extensive, long-term AA find the treatments currently available do not work well. For these individuals the only practical answer is a wig and lots of emotional support. It can be depressing not to have hair, especially for children, who don't want to be different from their classmates at school, and women. In North America and many other countries of the world, you can access a network of support agencies for people with AA. Details are on the National Alopecia Areata
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