- Patchy hair growth might develop as a temporary condition (alopecia areata) or permanent change (cicatricial alopecia). The hair loss might involve only the scalp or also include the face and body.
- Cicatricial alopecia permanently damages hair follicles and is usually accompanied by pain and itching. Alopecia areata forms small round bald patches of hair loss and sometimes causes soreness or itchiness.
- Primary care physicians and specialists such as dermatologists diagnose and identify patchy hair growth syndrome. Patients might undergo tests, including scalp biopsy and blood tests.
- Permanent patchy hair growth syndrome usually results from skin problems such as lupus erythematosus or lichen planus. Thyroid disease and a family history of hair loss are causes of alopecia areata.
- According to the National Library of Medicine, people with patchy hair growth syndrome caused by alopecia areata at a young age or who also have eczema have a poor prognosis for hair regrowth.
- Doctors treat patchy hair growth syndrome with medications including minoxidil, finasteride, anthralin and cortisone injections. Surgical hair transplantation is another treatment option.
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