Alopecea Areata

Hi,

I was suffering from Hair loss, but after using Minoxidil I had Scalp akzema and due to scratching etc i developed a spot (size of a small coin) where there are no hair. Now i have 3-4 such spots and the doctor said it is Alopecea Areata and he prescribed 2x10mg Biotin tablets for 6 weeks. I have been taking them without any results. The doctor said, if the tablets wont help, I will get an injection on the scalp which is VERY PAINFUL.

My questions to you are:

1.) What type of injection is it? And will i get in on all the spots where i have no hair?
2.) Is it really THAT painful?
3.) Are there some side effects of it?


I hope u people can help me!

Regards

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Alopecia aereta is a type of hair loss mostly caused by an abnormality in the immune system. The doctor must be talking of steroid injections which are often given in the scalp for alopecia aereta. They are painful and are not without side effects. They have been associated with side effects like thinning of skin, skin atrophy, rednesss, erythema etc.

However from your symptom of coin like hair lossd patches which are now spreading, the possibility of fungal infection of the scalp also needs to be ruled out. It is called tinea capitis and is characterized by patches of hair loss. I suggest you to get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings from the affected area and a biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis. If the biopsy confirms it as alopecia aereta then firstly you can try oral steroids also. If the diagnosis is tinea capitis then you need topical and oral antifungals.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.