Causes of and Treatments for Localized Hair Loss By on August 25, 2016

At Chicago Hair Institute, Dr. Raymond J. Konior offers expert diagnosis of and treatment for hair loss of all types, ranging from common androgenetic alopecia, better known as pattern baldness, to various kinds of women’s hair loss. He customizes each hair loss treatment to meet the unique needs and goals of the individual patient, striving to provide him or her with the most aesthetically pleasing, natural results possible. He also provide patients with the information they need about their conditions so that they can make the most confident decisions possible about how to proceed with their hair restoration treatments.

One of the most frustrating types of hair loss among patients of our practice is localized hair loss. At our Chicago, IL hair loss center, many patients, both female and male, approach Dr. Konior with frustration over the seemingly inexplicable loss of hair in isolated patches on their scalps. Unlike traditional hair loss, this hair loss does not appear to follow any pattern, and it can occur quite suddenly in otherwise healthy people. What causes it? How can it be treated?

The answer to the former question holds the key, of course, to the answer to the latter question. In order to arrive at the proper treatment plan, Dr. Konior must first determine the cause for the localized hair loss. If you are experiencing such hair loss, the only way that Dr. Konior can determine its cause is to meet with you for a one-on-one consultation at his office at your earliest convenience. We encourage you to schedule your consultation at Chicago Hair Institute today.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Localized Hair Loss?

There are many possible causes of localized hair loss, some of which unfortunately are not yet definitively known. Those that are known can be diagnosed and acted upon, however. These causes include:

Alopecia areata: This is the most common cause of localized hair loss, affecting nearly 7 million people in the United States alone. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks perfectly healthy hair follicles. The follicles remain capable of producing hair, and indeed may once again produce hair at one point, but will not produce hair for an indeterminate amount of time. In most cases, alopecia areata starts with the hair of the scalp; in many cases, it also ends there. However, it can also extend to hair anywhere on the body. Usually, the condition responds well to corticosteroid therapy, sometimes in combination with other topical therapies.
Diabetes: There is evidence that the adverse effects that diabetes has on the skin can contribute to localized hair loss, especially among those who do not have their blood sugar under control.
Stress: Stress is a well-known cause of localized hair loss. Relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes can help to improve the health of the body and skin, and therefore the hair.