Condition Overview

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is hair shedding that causes thinning hair all over the scalp. This form of alopecia can occur rapidly following illness, post child birth, or after a stressful event. It can also occur progressively following nutritional deficiencies or a long term illness.

Patterned Hair Loss or Androgenetic Alopecia

This common condition often occurs in older adults, but can occasionally develop in young adults and children. For men, the condition presents as thinning of the hair on the crown along with a receding hairline. For women, it presents as thinning of the hair on the top of the scalp, which causes the parting to look wider.

Alopecia Areata

This condition presents as smooth bald patches that appear suddenly on the scalp, due to the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles.  It can develop if there is a family history of autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo, thyroid disease or diabetes.

Tinea Capitis

This condition is a fungal infection of the scalp and is most commonly seen in children. It can cause pus, discharge and hair loss in a part of the scalp. It can result in permanent, irreversible hair loss, therefore early treatment is essential.

Scarring alopecia

This is a group of conditions where inflammation causes permanent destruction of the hair follicles. It often presents as redness with a receding frontal hairline or as inflamed patches on the scalp.

Although hair loss cannot be recovered, treatment can prevent further spread and damage.

A diagnosis can usually be made clinically and occasionally a scalp biopsy is also required. Blood tests are occasionally performed to check for nutritional deficiencies.

• Topical creams, either prescribed or bought over the counter
• Local injections into the scalp
• Oral medication – (some require regular blood monitoring)
• Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
• Hair supplements