Types of alopecia

Hair medicine: types of alopecia and their treatments

Hair medicine is a medical specialty focused on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of different types of alopecia, seeking personalized solutions to improve hair health and appearance. In our clinic, we offer advanced diagnoses and treatments for various forms of alopecia, always under the care of our experts, Dr. Espinosa Custodio and Dr. Gallardo Madrid. We are located in Madrid and Mexico City, ensuring a personalized approach for each patient.

Classification of alopecia

Alopecia is classified into two major categories: scarring alopecia and non-scarring alopecia.

Types of alopecia: non-scarring

Non-scarring alopecia refers to hair loss where there is no permanent damage to the hair follicles, meaning hair can regrow if the underlying cause is treated. These are the most common forms of alopecia and can be reversible if diagnosed and treated properly.

1. Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is characterized by progressive thinning of the hair, typically starting at the temples and crown in men, and a general reduction in volume in women.

Treatment: Stabilizing androgenetic alopecia requires the use of pharmacological treatments such as finasteride, dutasteride, or minoxidil. Additionally, intradermal treatments such as mesotherapy with antiandrogens and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) help stimulate hair growth and improve its quality. All these treatments are aimed at stopping the progression of alopecia and improving the thickness of existing follicles; they will not generate new hair where there is none. To restore areas without hair, a hair transplant is necessary.

2. Alopecia areata

This is an autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss in patches. It can affect any part of the scalp and even other parts of the body.

Treatment: Treatment for alopecia areata includes the use of topical or intralesional corticosteroids, immunotherapy, and therapies like PRP, which help stimulate hair growth.

3. Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase at the same time. It is usually related to stress, hormonal changes, or seasonal changes.

Treatment: PRP is highly effective in treating telogen effluvium, helping to improve hair quality and reduce shedding. Specific nutritional supplements can also be used.

4. Diffuse alopecia

Diffuse alopecia is characterized by generalized hair loss throughout the scalp. It can be caused by factors such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or stress.

Treatment: Treatment includes addressing the underlying cause as well as using PRP and mesotherapy to stimulate hair growth.

Types of alopecia: scarring

Scarring alopecia refers to hair loss where there is permanent destruction of the hair follicles, usually due to severe inflammatory processes. The inflammation destroys the follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, preventing new hair growth. These forms of alopecia require early diagnosis and treatment to prevent further scarring.

1. Frontal fibrosing alopecia

This is a form of scarring alopecia that primarily affects women during menopause and is characterized by hair loss in the frontal and temporal regions of the scalp.

Treatment: Treatment may include topical anti-inflammatory agents, systemic immunosuppressants such as hydroxychloroquine, and, in some cases, PRP to improve hair quality and slow the progression of the condition.

2. Discoid lupus erythematosus

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a form of chronic cutaneous lupus that can lead to the destruction of hair follicles.

Treatment: Treatment includes topical or intralesional corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and systemic therapy with antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine.

3. Lichen planopilaris

Lichen planopilaris is another form of scarring alopecia characterized by lymphocytic inflammation targeting the hair follicle, resulting in scarring and hair loss.

Treatment: Treatments include potent topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and systemic immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine in advanced cases.

4. Folliculitis decalvans

Folliculitis decalvans is a form of neutrophilic scarring alopecia characterized by chronic inflammation of the hair follicles, with recurrent follicular pustules leading to scarring.

Treatment: Treatment includes antibiotics such as clindamycin or rifampicin, along with topical or systemic corticosteroids to control inflammation. Isotretinoin may also be useful in some cases.

Hair treatments at our clinic

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): A treatment that stimulates hair growth by applying growth factors derived from the patient’s own blood.
• Hair Mesotherapy: A treatment complementary to oral medication, in which antiandrogens are applied intradermally to improve hair health.
• Exosomes: An experimental treatment applied topically to enhance hair regeneration.
• Pharmacological Treatments: Includes medications such as minoxidil, dutasteride, and finasteride, which are used to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

Why choose us?

• Experience and Professionalism: At Instituto Médico del Prado, and specially our doctors, Dr. Espinosa Custodio and Dr. Gallardo Madrid, have extensive experience in treating alopecia.
• Advanced Technology: We use the most advanced tools for accurate diagnosis and effective treatments.
• Personalized Treatments: We design customized treatments tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
• International Coverage: We treat patients from both Spain and Mexico, providing a comprehensive and personalized approach for each case.