Alopecia & Alopecia Areata: Differences, Causes & PRP Treatments

Alopecia & Alopecia Areata: Differences, Causes & PRP Treatments

Hair loss affects millions of people. Alopecia is the general term for hair loss, but alopecia areata is a specific autoimmune condition that causes patchy baldness. Learn the differences between the two and the causes and treatments available to help manage and prevent further hair loss.

1. What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is a general term for any form of hair loss. This can be temporary or permanent and mild or severe. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, beard, and other body hair.

Types of Alopecia

• Androgenetic alopecia – Caused by genetics and hormones, male or female pattern baldness.
• Alopecia Areata – This is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss.
• Alopecia Totalis – Complete loss of scalp hair.
• Alopecia Universalis – total hair loss from the scalp and body
• Telogen effluvium – temporary hair loss from stress, illness, or hormonal changes
• Traction alopecia – hair loss from excessive pulling or tight hairstyles

2. What is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair to fall out in small, round patches. The hair usually falls out suddenly. Alopecia Areata can lead to complete hair loss (alopecia totalis) or even hair loss over your entire body (alopecia universalis).

3. Differences Between Alopecia & Alopecia Areata

Feature	Alopecia	Alopecia Areata
Definition	General term for hair loss	Autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss
Cause	Genetics, hormones, stress, or medical conditions	Autoimmune attack on hair follicles
Pattern	Can be gradual (male/female pattern baldness) or sudden (telogen effluvium)	Patchy hair loss in circular or oval spots
Affects	Scalp and body	Scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, body hair
Reversibility	Depends on the type (some are permanent)	Often reversible, but may recur
Application	Daily use required for long-term results	Can be used as an alternative to Minoxidil
Best For	Moderate to severe hair loss	Mild to moderate hair thinning

 

4. Causes of Alopecia & Alopecia Areata

While scientists do not know what causes alopecia areata, several things can lead to hair loss in general:

Common Causes of Alopecia

• Genetics – Androgenetic alopecia runs in families.
• Hormonal imbalances – PCOS, thyroid problems, and menopause can all cause hair loss.
• Nutritional Deficiencies – If you are low on iron, biotin, vitamin D, or zinc your hair can become weak.
• Stress & anxiety – Emotional or physical stress can also cause telogen effluvium.
• Medical Conditions – Lupus, diabetes, and fungal infections can cause hair loss.
• Medications & Treatments – Chemotherapy, steroids, and other medications can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

Causes of Alopecia Areata

• Autoimmune Disorder – The immune system attacks healthy hair follicles causing hair loss
• Genetic Predisposition – Family history increases the risk.
• Stress & Trauma – An emotional or physical stressful event can trigger or worsen symptoms.
• Environmental factors – allergies, infections, exposure to toxins

5. Symptoms of Alopecia & Alopecia Areata

• Gradual loss of hair on the scalp, beard, or body.
• Patchy bald spots (common in alopecia areata).
• Sudden hair shedding (telogen effluvium).
• Widening hair part or receding hairline (pattern baldness).
• Tingling or itching before the hair falls out (autoimmune hair loss).

6. Treatment Options for Alopecia & Alopecia Areata

There are many treatments available, including medical therapies, home remedies, and homeopathy, that can help encourage hair regrowth and slow the progression of hair loss.

1. Medical Treatments

• Minoxidil (Rogaine) – Stimulates hair regrowth for pattern baldness.
• Finasteride (Propecia) – taken orally, it inhibits DHT, the key hormone in hair loss.
• Corticosteroid injections – To suppress the immune system in alopecia areata.
• Immunotherapy – Diphencyprone (DPCP) is applied to the scalp to promote hair growth.
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – This uses growth factors from your own blood to encourage hair follicle regeneration. PRP treatment for hair growth is available at Homeo Care Clinic, Pune

1. Home Remedies for Hair Growth

• Aloe Vera – Soothes the scalp and promotes hair growth
• Onion Juice – Increases circulation and contains sulfur which is great for hair.
• Coconut & Castor Oil – Repairs and prevents breakage
• Green Tea Rinse – Antioxidants help support healthy hair.

1. Homeopathy for Hair Loss & Alopecia Areata

Homeopathy treats the underlying cause of hair fall and not just the symptoms. Get individualized homeopathic treatments for alopecia by Dr. Vaseem Choudhary at Homeo Care Clinic (Viman Nagar & Magarpatta, Pune).

• Ferrous Fumarate – For patchy bald spots & weak hair
• Silicea – Strengthens hair follicles and improves scalp health.
• Thuja Occidentalis – Treats dandruff and autoimmune hair loss.
• Lycopodium – For premature baldness and hair thinning

7. Diet & Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Hair

• Consume Protein – Include eggs, fish, nuts, and lentils for healthy hair.
• Stay Hydrated – Drink 2–3 liters of water daily.
• Reduce Stress – Practice yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
• Massage the Scalp – Stimulates blood flow and promotes hair growth.
• Limit heat styling & chemicals – Cut back on hair dye, straighteners and harsh treatments.

8. When to See a Doctor?

If your hair loss is sudden or excessive, if you have bald patches, or if your scalp is inflamed, a specialist will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

Homeopathic Treatment for Alopecia, Alopecia areata – expert homeopathic treatment for alopecia in Pune by Dr. Vaseem Choudhary at Homeo Care Clinic (Viman Nagar & Magarpatta).

Final Thoughts

Alopecia and alopecia areata can be treated if you take the right approach. Whether you go for medical treatment, homeopathy, or home remedies, the key is to be consistent.

So, if you want to avail a safe, natural, and effective solution, book an appointment with Dr. Vaseem Choudhary at Homeo Care Clinic in Pune to get customized homeopathic treatment for hair regrowth.

In conclusion, Hair PRP Treatment Pune, led by Dr. Vaseem Choudhary and his experienced team at Homeo Care Clinic, is dedicated to providing advanced and effective PRP therapies for both hair and skin rejuvenation. Our goal is to help you feel confident and look your best with treatments designed to address hair thinning and skin concerns naturally. We believe in offering personalized care and creating customized plans to meet each individual’s unique needs, ensuring the best possible results.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our treatments, please visit our website or call us at +91 9595211594. Our friendly team is here to support you throughout your journey to healthier hair and radiant skin. If you’re looking for the best PRP treatment clinic, we are here to assist.

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