Hair & Scalp
Alopecia Areata in Islamabad
Patchy autoimmune hair loss
In plain terms
Understanding alopecia areata
What it is
The immune system mistakenly turns on the hair follicle and hair falls out in defined round patches. The follicle is usually switched off rather than destroyed, which is why regrowth is genuinely possible and why this is a different situation from scarring hair loss.
Why it happens
It is autoimmune, and it appears more often in people and families who have other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease. Stress is frequently blamed and may act as a trigger in some people, but it is not the cause, and this is not something you brought on yourself.
What you might notice
One or more smooth round bald patches appearing over a few weeks, with the skin looking normal rather than red or scaly. Short broken hairs that taper towards the scalp at the edge of a patch. Sometimes pitting or ridging of the nails. It can also affect the beard, brows and lashes.
How it is treated
Small patches often regrow on their own, and treatment aims to speed that along and to stop new patches forming, usually with steroid injections into the patch or strong topical treatment. Extensive or fast moving disease has systemic options behind it, including newer targeted treatments.
When to get it seen
Early, and particularly if patches are multiplying, if the loss is extensive, or if brows, lashes or nails are involved. Thyroid function and iron are checked, since they often sit alongside it. Regrowth frequently comes back fine and white before returning to its usual colour, which is expected rather than a failure.
What it involves
Alopecia Areata at her clinic
How long it takes. Months, often regrows.
Book appointmentQuestions about alopecia areata
How long before alopecia areata shows a result?
Months, often regrows. Skin is slow, and anyone quoting you a faster number is selling something.
Who will actually be treating me?
Associate Professor Dr. Lubna Rani Faysal. MBBS (Gold Medalist), FCPS (Dermatology), MHPE, 13 years in dermatology, and Associate Professor of Dermatology, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi.
Do I need to be seen in clinic, or is video enough?
Send a description and a clear photograph on WhatsApp and she will tell you which. Anything needing close examination or a procedure has to be in clinic, tuesday – saturday, 4:00 – 7:00 pm at F8 Markaz, Islamabad.
Book your alopecia areata consultation
Tuesday – Saturday, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at F8 Markaz, Islamabad. Or ask first on WhatsApp at +92 370 549 7242.
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