September is Alopecia Areata Awareness Month, and at SkinSmart Dermatology® in Sarasota, FL, we’re committed to helping you understand the early symptoms of this condition.
Serving the Suncoast area for nearly 20 years, our empathetic team has extensive specialized experience in diagnosing and treating alopecia areata. We’re here to support people experiencing hair loss, including education and treatment. Recognizing the early signs of alopecia areata is a great place to start.
Recognizing Early Symptoms of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when your body attacks itself—in this case, your hair follicles. This leads to inflammation and hair loss.
Knowing the early signs is important in getting the right treatment and managing your condition in the future. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Patchy Hair Loss: Look for round or oval patches with missing hair that may appear suddenly. In men, hair loss may first appear in the beard area. In later stages, alopecia areata may cause widespread hair loss.
- Changes in Hair Texture: The affected areas may have finer or softer hair than before.
- Eyebrow or Eyelash Thinning: Eyebrows or lashes may thin in the early stages of alopecia areata. Later, some people lose all their lashes or brows.
- Itching or Burning: Some people may experience discomfort, like itching or burning, in the affected areas immediately before hair loss occurs.
- Nail Changes: In some cases, people with alopecia areata may notice nail changes, such as pitting, ridges, or an unusual texture.
- Hair Regrowth: Watch for signs of hair regrowth, sometimes in the patches. This regrowth may initially be fine and colorless before becoming thicker and darker.
Alopecia areata can also cause other symptoms. If you notice major changes, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Effective Treatments for Alopecia Areata in Sarasota
Alopecia areata may seem like a scary diagnosis, but it’s important to know that there are many treatment options to help you manage the condition. We offer a wide range of effective hair loss treatments, including:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine®): This topical solution can slow hair loss and help regrow hair when applied consistently.
- Finasteride (Propecia®): An oral medication for men that can help slow hair loss and encourage new growth.
- Microneedling: Microneedling may help stimulate hair regrowth, particularly when combined with minoxidil.
- Hair Transplant Surgery: A hair transplant may be a good option when more conservative care isn’t effective. It involves taking healthy hair and moving it to bald areas.
There are other approaches for alopecia areata, too. Every treatment has unique benefits, and we work with you to find the best option based on your needs.
We Can Help You With Hair Loss in Sarasota, FL
Recognizing the signs of alopecia areata can be worrying, but we’re here to help put your mind at ease. Many effective ways to manage alopecia areata exist, especially if you act early. Don’t hesitate to call our Sarasota, FL, office at 941-308-7546 to schedule your consultation.