Both the etiology (cause) and management of alopecia varies, depending on the type or pattern of hair loss. Some of the more common types of alopecia include the following.

• Male pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia
• Female pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia
• Alopecia areata
• Medication-induced alopecia
• Anagen effluvium (usually caused by chemotherapy medications)
• Telogen effluvium (often due to stress)
• Trichotillomania
• Alopecia caused by or related to specific skin conditions or systemic illness
  • Lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Tinea capitis (fungal infection of the scalp or hair)
  • Impetigo (superficial bacterial infections)
  • Secondary syphilis
  • Thyroid disease
  • Chronic disease
  • Iron deficiency
  • Other nutritional deficiencies
  • Trauma

The two main categories of hair loss are scarring and non-scarring. Typically in scarring hair loss, the opening of the hair follicle, or ostia, is scarred closed so the hair cannot regrow in this area. It’s very important to begin treatment for scarring hair loss quickly to prevent further hair loss. In non-scarring hair loss, hair may regrow in the area of loss with treatment.

At Aspen Mountain Dermatology, we know that hair loss can be very stressful and upsetting—depending on the cause, there are treatments that help to mitigate symptoms and prevent further loss. Call 541-706-3819 to make an appointment today.