Hair Fall, Scalp Pain, Diagnosed As Alopecia Areata. Are Treatment Options Limited To Inducing Hair Growth?

Posted on Tue, 23 Oct 2012

Question: hi. I have been having hair fall associated with pain in the scalp at the root of certain hair shafts. the affected hair strand, if plucked has the root encased in a clear gel-like covering (which i think could be sebum). the hair fall typically occurs in certain areas around the crown of the head. hair soon grows back in the affected area, but lightening does strike more than one in any given area. this was diagnosed as alopecia areata and i was told that the treatment options are limited to inducing hair growth, and the condition itself cannot be stopped. should i ask for a second opinion?

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (1 hour later)

Hi there XXXXXX,

A second opinion is always in order given your doubts. You may want to go across to a centre that specialises in hair disorders & has the equipment to do a hair analysis test!

This would normally be found in any large teaching hospital in your vicinity & am fairly certain either Pune or Mumbai (which ever closer to you) will have such a facility.

Alopecia Areata (if indeed it is) may also be diagnosed conclusively with a skin biopsy (scalp) & as the modus operandii is largely speculative, so too is the treatment.

Stress plays a major role & counselling or hypnosis & suggestive therapy by itself may result in complete reversal of the hair loss. Basically, the prognosis is good. Do take the second opinion but combine it with an objective hair analysis.

Please do let me know if you have more concerns.

Cheers & Good luck.

Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Dermatologist & Cosmetologist, XXXXXXX Hospital, Bangalore, India

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E