Alopecia

Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that causes your hair to fall out in patches. If you’re one of the 2 million people in the United States with this condition, you can get effective care for alopecia at Integrated Dermatology of East Boca in Boca Raton, Florida. Double board-certified dermatologist Alecia Folkes DO, FAAD, FAOCD, provides treatments to restore hair growth, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Call today or use this website to request your appointment online.

What is alopecia?

Alopecia areata is the full name of this condition that causes your hair to fall out in coin-sized patches. It results from your immune system attacking your hair follicles, causing them to become smaller, resulting in the halt of hair growth and hair falling out. 

Alopecia can begin in childhood or adulthood. Hair falls out in patches on the scalp and in other parts of the body as well, like the eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. 

Hair loss isn’t always due to alopecia. You may also experience hair loss due to certain medications, stress, hormonal imbalances, radiation therapy, medical conditions, and poor nutrition. 

Excessive use of hair products, aging, and habitual hair pulling can also cause your hair to thin or fall out. 

What causes alopecia?

Alopecia can run in families, so if a close family member has it, you’re at greater risk of developing it. Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disease or vitiligo, and vitamin D deficiency can predispose you to it, too. 

How do you diagnose alopecia?

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Folkes thoroughly examines your scalp and reviews your personal and family medical history. She does extensive examinations of your hair follicles using a special light. You may also need certain blood tests. 

Dr. Folkes may also take a sample of skin cells from your scalp to be analyzed in a laboratory.

How do you treat alopecia?

Alopecia can’t be cured, but Dr. Folkes can help you manage the condition, regrow your hair, and slow down future hair loss. 

At Integrated Dermatology of East Boca, you benefit from PRP injections that help your hair follicles heal naturally, so they produce hair. PRP is created from a routinely drawn sample of your blood. Dr. Folkes spins it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet count. Platelets contain healing and growth factors that regenerate the cells that contribute to hair growth. 

After several PRP treatments, your hair grows back thicker and stronger. Noticeable regrowth usually takes 4-6 months.

Other treatments include lifestyle changes and topical medications. 

Call Integrated Dermatology of East Boca to schedule your alopecia treatment, or use this website to book online.