Frequently Asked Questions of Alopecia

Hair loss can have a number of causes and does not always indicate disease. Common causes include hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, inflammatory processes affecting the hair follicle, physical or emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies, certain systemic conditions and some medications. Each type of alopecia has a different underlying mechanism, so a dermatological evaluation is essential to identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

It depends on the type of alopecia. Some forms, such as telogen effluvium, are completely reversible once the triggering factor is corrected. Others, such as alopecia areata, may show partial or complete regrowth, as the course is unpredictable. In scarring alopecias, lost hair does not regrow, and treatment focuses on reducing inflammation to prevent progression. Early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes in all cases.

Yes. Daily shedding of 50 to 100 hairs is part of the normal hair cycle. However, it is considered abnormal when shedding increases suddenly, clearly exceeds these levels or is accompanied by visible loss of density, changes in hair pattern (e.g. increased fragility or thinning) or the appearance of bald patches. In such cases, consultation with a specialist is recommended.

Both physical and emotional stress are well-recognised factors in hair loss. Stress can trigger telogen effluvium, worsen pre-existing alopecia and disrupt the normal hair cycle. Even if it is not the only cause, managing stress—through healthy habits, exercise, adequate rest and emotional regulation techniques—is an important part of the overall management of alopecia.

Yes. The hair follicle is a highly metabolically active structure and depends on an adequate supply of nutrients. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, B vitamins or insufficient protein intake may contribute to hair loss. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, fruit, vegetables, high-quality proteins and healthy fat supports hair growth and can complement medical treatment.

You should seek medical advice if hair loss is sudden or pronounced; bald patches appear; there is itching, redness or discomfort of the scalp; or progressive thinning occurs without an apparent cause. You should also consult a specialist if there is a family history of alopecia or if hair loss has a significant emotional impact. Early assessment allows for an accurate diagnosis and helps prevent progression.

Each type of alopecia has a different cause and mechanism, so there is no universal treatment. For example, antiandrogens are effective in androgenetic alopecia but not in alopecia areata; intralesional corticosteroids are effective for alopecia areata patches but not for effluvium; and scarring alopecias require specific anti-inflammatory treatments and close follow-up. Treatment effectiveness depends on selecting the appropriate therapy for each patient.

Both topical and oral minoxidil are safe and widely used medications. Its main effect is to prolong the hair growth phase and increase hair thickness. Treatment must be continued to maintain its benefits, as discontinuation usually leads to a return to the previous state. The regimen should be individualised and supervised by a dermatologist to optimise effectiveness and tolerability and to minimise potential side effects, such as hypotension.

Yes. Alopecia does not affect general health or limit daily activities. However, it can have a significant emotional impact, affecting self-esteem and potentially causing anxiety. Maintaining healthy habits, caring for the scalp, following prescribed treatment and, if necessary, seeking psychological support or aesthetic advice can help patients cope with the condition and improve their well-being.

Hair transplantation is indicated only in certain types of non-scarring alopecia, such as androgenetic alopecia and when the condition is stable. It is not suitable for active inflammatory alopecias or for active or extensive alopecia areata. A dermatological evaluation is essential to assess the feasibility of the procedure, the quality of the donor area and the patient’s expectations.