Alopecia Areata

Hello,

I'm a 27 year old male and for the last 3-4 months i've been noticing bald patches on my facial hair and my head. And I'm still awaiting to see a dermatologist for another 2 months, is there anything that i can do to prevent this or any other suggestions.

Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be due to stress, fungal infections, alopecia aereata, hormonal imbalance(overproduction of dihydrotestosterone and thyroid hormones irregularities),malnutrition, telogen effluvium and sebum plugs on skin.

My sincere advice is to consult a trichologist and get these possibilities ruled out. In the meantime take care of your diet and eat a healthy nutritious diet. Since there are patches of hair loss, so it can be due to fungal infection or tinea capitis. Tinea capitis is contagious and can spread direct contact with someone who has the condition, or if you touch contaminated items such as combs, hats, clothing, or similar surfaces. Treatment includes washing the scalp with shampoo with selenium sulfide (2.5%) or zinc pyrithione (1-2%) used 2-3 times weekly at home. Oral steroids, Griseofulvin and oral antifungals may also be required.

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.