Hair loss (alopecia)

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas of the body, leading to patchy, partial, or complete hair loss. Hair follicles, tiny tube-like structures in the skin, control the growth cycle of hair. When they’re damaged or stop functioning, hair loss occurs in different patterns depending on the type of alopecia.

Dermatologists diagnose and treat hair, skin, and nail conditions and may work with other specialists, such as dermatopathologists, to confirm an alopecia diagnosis. Penn Dermatology is ranked highly for its research and clinical trials, which help provide you with the latest treatments for hair loss and other skin conditions.

Types of alopecia

Alopecia is broadly classified as either nonscarring (hair can regrow) or scarring (hair loss is permanent). Nonscarring alopecia is the most common type. It doesn’t destroy the follicles, so hair loss may be temporary. Scarring alopecia happens when hair follicle damage is irreversible, so hair can’t grow back.

Alopecia symptoms

Losing around 100 hairs a day is normal as part of the hair growth cycle. However, if more hair is falling out than growing back, or if you notice thinning patches on your scalp or elsewhere, it could be a sign of alopecia.

Other common symptoms include:

  • Thinning eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard
  • Hair loss with redness, itching, or burning
  • Scalp tenderness or pain
  • A receding hairline
  • Changes in hair texture or color
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Brittle or pitted nails

What causes hair loss?

Alopecia can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Autoimmune disorders (lupus)
  • Hormonal changes (pregnancy and menopause)
  • Medications or treatments (chemotherapy, radiation)
  • Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin D, zinc, iron, biotin, and folic acid)
  • Stress or nervous habits (hair pulling or scalp rubbing)
  • Genetics (increased risk if a close relative has alopecia)
  • Hair styles that stress the follicles (tightly braided hair, ponytails)
  • Bacterial scalp infections (folliculitis decalvans)
  • Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis)

Getting a hair loss diagnosis

To diagnose alopecia, your provider will examine any affected areas for bald patches. They may gently pull a few hairs to check follicle strength. If the cause isn’t clear, a small scalp sample might be taken and examined under a microscope for signs of inflammation. Blood tests may be needed to rule out other disorders that cause hair loss.

  • Complete blood count (CBC) test
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) test
  • Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
  • Scalp biopsy

Hair loss treatment options

Treatment for alopecia depends on the type of hair loss. For conditions like male pattern baldness, treatment is optional. Other conditions may need oral or topical scalp medications, an antifungal shampoo, low-light therapy, or scalp micropigmentation to stimulate hair follicles into an active growth phase. A surgical hair transplant is also an option. A surgical hair transplant is also an option. For chemotherapy-related alopecia, the Paxman Scalp Cooling System may provide relief.

World-class experts for hair and scalp disorders

Penn Dermatology is nationally and internationally recognized for its expert specialists, the latest technology, and advanced diagnostic and treatment options. It’s one of the few dermatology departments in the country that specializes in treating hair and scalp disorders.

Our specialists use the most advanced methods for diagnosing alopecia from scalp biopsies, including the HoVert method. Developed by Penn Medicine dermatopathologists, this advanced biopsy technique provides more information than conventional biopsies to pinpoint the specific type of alopecia. Few pathology labs offer this service, which can help you find the best treatment more quickly.

Related specialties

Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.