Diffuse alopecia is a type of hair loss disorder that causes thinning hair all over the scalp, face, or body. It is suspected to be an inherited autoimmune disease and can be treated with corticosteroid injections, topical creams, or surgery. Alopecia areata is related to an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in round bald patches on the crown of the head. Treatment decisions are largely left to the patient.
Diffuse alopecia describes the appearance of a particular type of hair loss disorder called alopecia areata. Most often, the term refers to very small spots of lost or thinning hair all over the scalp, but it can also be used to describe similar patterns in facial or body hair. Men and women of any age can experience diffuse alopecia for reasons that are not well understood by doctors. The condition is suspected to be an inherited autoimmune disease. Treatments are available in the form of corticosteroid injections, topical creams, and surgery to help slow hair loss and promote regrowth in patchy areas.
Alopecia areata is a very common condition, especially among males and females in their teens and young adults. Research suggests that spontaneous hair loss is related to an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy skin cells and hair follicles. Damaged hair becomes dry, brittle and falls out easily. Skin irritation on the scalp makes it impossible for new follicles to regrow after hair loss. Stress and anxiety are thought to increase the likelihood of hair loss in people predisposed to alopecia.
In most cases, alopecia creates one or more round bald patches on the crown of the head. Diffuse alopecia is a less common variety that causes a seemingly random pattern of hair loss. Instead of a clearly visible bald patch, diffuse alopecia thins out the entire head of hair. A person with diffuse alopecia can lose a significant amount of hair when brushing, washing or simply running through it. The condition may not be noticeable to others in the first few weeks, although continued hair loss becomes noticeable in about two months for most people.
A person experiencing sudden and significant hair loss should visit a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis. A doctor typically checks blood samples for signs of underlying diseases that may be causing symptoms, such as diabetes or lupus. If no serious health problems are found, your doctor may collect a small sample of your skin and hair for further lab testing.
Since diffuse alopecia is usually a temporary problem and does not cause health complications, treatment decisions are largely left to the patient. An individual who is conscious about their appearance may decide to try an over-the-counter product like minoxidil to regain their lost hair. Monthly injections of corticosteroids directly into the scalp can help promote new hair growth in many people. Another option to improve the appearance of severe hair loss is hair transplantation, which involves grafting healthy hair follicles from one part of the head to one balding patch onto another. Doctors can explain different treatment options in detail and help their patients make the best decisions.
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