Patchy Hair Growth Syndrome

Patchy hair growth syndrome can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness about appearance. While some people opt for medical treatment for this condition, others cope by changing hairstyles, wearing wigs or simply accepting the changes in appearance.

Types

• 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.

Features

• 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.

Identification

• 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.

Causes

• 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.

Considerations

• 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.

Treatments

• Doctors treat patchy hair growth syndrome with medications including minoxidil, finasteride, anthralin and cortisone injections. Surgical hair transplantation is another treatment option.