Alopecia Areata Treatments in Austin, TX

Alopecia Areata causes sudden, patchy hair loss affecting multiple areas of the body. The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to smooth, round bald spots on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or body. In more severe cases, hair loss may progress to complete scalp involvement (alopecia totalis) or total loss of body hair (alopecia universalis).

Some individuals experience spontaneous regrowth, while others develop cycles of hair loss and regrowth over time. Although the condition is not painful or contagious, it can carry a significant emotional impact that reverberates beyond appearance. The unpredictable nature of this autoimmune disease can be difficult to manage. Fortunately the team at ProDerm Skin & Surgery is adept at providing treatment solutions to help address the condition and get patients on a path to recovery.

If you are experiencing hair loss and are worried it might be alopecia areata, it’s important to seek early intervention. Recognizing the features of this condition can help guide early management:

• Distinct, round patches of hair loss with smooth skin where hair once grew.
• Most commonly affects the scalp but can involve eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or any other body hair.
• Usually painless and non-itchy. Some patients report tingling or mild discomfort in affected areas before shedding begins.
• The condition can improve spontaneously or persist. Regrowth may occur but is not always permanent, and relapses are common.

• Cause: Autoimmune attack on hair follicles.
• Risk Factors: Family history of autoimmune disease, stress, or other immune system conditions.
• Who is Affected: Men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, though onset often occurs in childhood or young adulthood.

At ProDerm Skin & Surgery, we offer therapies designed to encourage hair regrowth and manage the condition’s unpredictability. Options may include:

• Topical Medications: Corticosteroids or immunotherapy agents applied directly to the scalp or affected area.
• Steroid Injections: Targeted injections to stimulate regrowth in patchy areas.
• Oral Medications: For more severe or widespread cases, advanced options such as immunomodulators or JAK inhibitors may be considered.
• Supportive Care: Counseling and medical-grade products to improve scalp health and address cosmetic concerns during treatment.

We frequently evaluate and treat:

• Patchy hair loss on the scalp or face
• Widespread scalp involvement (alopecia totalis)
• Full-body hair loss (alopecia universalis)
• Nail changes related to alopecia